Dear Friends,

This year has certainly presented us with many challenges and we hope that this email finds you and your loved ones healthy and happy.  Throughout the difficulties this year has given us, we have continued to remain committed to the animals in our care and committed to helping as many in need as we can.

Thanks to the Pet Valu stores, which will sadly be closing soon, we were fortunate to be able to showcase our kitties for adoption for the last several years, and our adoption rate was higher than ever this year, closing in at nearly 100%.  Our Seniors For Seniors Program (where we cover the reasonable future expenses at our facility in Oyster Bay of any senior cat adopted by an approved senior citizen) has placed over 16 senior cats with senior citizens.   

Our Emergency Fund was stretched to its limits this year and it's latest recipient was Lizzie -- a kitty who was hit by a car.  Lizzie had a broken jaw, which required surgery, and needed placement of a feeding tube for three weeks, a consultation with an ophthalmologist for a detached retina and emergency stabilization overnight.  Thanks to our Emergency Fund, Lizzie's bill was paid in full and we are happy to report that she is now available for adoption.  

Our Sandra Atlas Bass New Hope Fund continues to help us rescue cats and kittens (like Roscoe and Juicy) that are in need of medical assistance or just need some TLC while waiting for their forever homes from Animal Care Centers and other municipal shelters.  

From top left clockwise:  Lizzie, Roscoe in his forever home, Seniors for Seniors Sheree and Jade and Juicy's adoption day (and new family).

While our adoption rate was excellent this year, we still have a lot of cats looking for homes and all of them are available for sponsorship until they find one.  For just $25 you can help us provide food, shelter, medicine and toys to kitties still waiting.  The cat you sponsor (gift sponsorship is also available) will send you or your recipient a letter thanking you for your gift and a little bit about themselves.  Another way to help those waiting is through our Chewy Wish List -- chock full of everything a cat needs.  Both the Wish List and Sponsorship are great ways to help cats and you can leave the litterbox to us!

We have some exciting news in store for 2021:  A brand new state-of-the-art digital x-ray machine has been donated and will be installed some time in the first quarter of the year.  This last diagnostic imaging tool completes our clinic and ensures that our cats continue to get the best care available.

Additionally, we've added a Feline Behaviorist, Liz Koch Cousins, to our team to help with any kitty problems that arise so that we can make sure that we continue to see eye to eye and that cats stay in their forever homes forever.

Liz Koch Cousins and client Penny

For those of you looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020, our 2021 Calendar (all kittens!) is available for just $20.00.

Finally, on behalf of all of us at the Patricia H. Ladew Foundation, Inc., I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and we look forward to seeing you (hopefully without masks) and maybe even a hug or two in 2021.   Be well and thank you for your support.

Susan V. Whittred, DVM