July 2025

Inside this issue:

• Hofstra's Summer Domestic Animal Camp Program visits the Ladew Cat Sanctuary
• Join the Ladew Play Squad and learn more about cats
• Have-A-Heart Program Helps Ellis
• Happy Tails July 2025
• Become a Monthly Donor and Help Ladewbies (like Joonie) All Year Long
• Join The Ladew Alumni Group on Facebook
• Doing TNR? Apply for Vouchers through Sweetie's Spay & Neuter Squad

The Ladew Foundation welcomed Michael Natale, LVT (far left) and his class from Hofstra University's Domestic Animal Camp  for a visit

Hofstra's Domestic Animal Camp Program visits Ladew!

This week, students from Hofstra University’s Domestic Animal Camp took a special field trip to the Ladew Cat Sanctuary, where they got an up-close look at what it takes to care for cats in need. The visit was part of the camp’s mission to teach young animal lovers about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and careers in veterinary and shelter medicine.

At the sanctuary, campers met a variety of cats with different backgrounds—some were shy seniors, others playful kittens, and a few had special medical needs. Staff and volunteers gave the students a behind-the-scenes tour, explaining everything from daily feeding routines to the importance of spaying and neutering to help control the homeless cat population.

It was a purr-fect day of learning, cuddling, and compassion—and one the campers (and cats) won’t soon forget.

Join the Ladew Play Squad and Learn More about Cats!

The Ladew Play Squad is a summer program at The Ladew Cat Sanctuary in Oyster Bay for people who want to learn more about cats by socializing and playing with them.  We hope to see you this summer!

The program starts on Thursday, July 10th and runs every Thursday at 2:00-3:30 through Thursday August 28th.

To get started -- fill out the app and we hope to see you soon!!

Have-A-Heart Program Helps Ellis

Veterinary Cardiologist Dr. Keith Blass from Gold Coast Center for Veterinary Care, holding Ellis, and his team

Meet Ellis, a tiny brown tabby with big eyes, a brave heart and gentle purr.  When Ellis first arrived at the sanctuary, he was full of curiosity but on physical exam we realized something wasn't right.  During a routine checkup, our medical team detected an irregular heartbeat.  Concerned for his future, Ellis was referred to veterinary cardiologist Dr. Keith Blass for specialized care.  

Thanks to our Have A Heart Program, which provides funding for diagnostic testing and treatment for cats with heart conditions, Ellis was able to receive a full cardiac workup-- something that would otherwise be out of reach for many rescue kittens.

Under Dr. Blass' watchful eye, Ellis underwent a series of tests and was put on some medication.  On Ellis' recent checkup his heart rhythm was completely normal.  While he'll continue to be monitored as he grows, Ellis is thriving -- chasing toys, snuggling in laps and winning hearts wherever he goes.  He will need another checkup in 6 months, but we hope to find him a home before then and when he is adopted, his new family won't have to worry about incurring the costs for these tests because it will still be covered through our Have A Heart Program.

Ellis' journey is a reminder of how love, expert care and community support can change a life.  Because of Have A Heart, Ellis has a future as bright as his spirit and a heart full of hope.

Happie* Tails

*Fun fact:  The "H" in Patricia H. Ladew Foundation, inc. stands for Happie which was Pat's middle name!

Below are some of the lucky Ladewbies who found homes during the last month!

Trixie - Senior kitty, Trixie, found new love and a new home through our Seniors for Seniors Program with long-time supporter, Sue!

Bandit - Steve recently lost his beloved Ladewbie, Cami.  Steve likes to help kitties that are a little harder to adopt.  Bandit was rescued from a hoarding situation and is shy when most people come to visit.  Steve saw right past his shyness and Bandit is coming out of his shell at a rapid rate!  We've heard he's taken over the bed!

Angel and Starlight's owners left these two 9-year-old girls at Animal Care Centers.  Through our Seniors for Seniors program, the girls were adopted together!

Fox, Bunny and Ethan - Siblings Fox and Bunny, along with their buddy from another litter, Ethan, went home with their new camera-shy mom.  Their mom reports being super entertained by the trio!

Remy and Milo were transfers from Animal Care Centers.  These two siblings are having a great time in their new home!

Pepper - Pepper was abandoned when her owner moved out and left her in the apartment.  She was relinquished to Animal Care Centers prior to transfer to us.  Thanks to Doreen and her family, she'll never by abandoned again!

Become a Monthly Donor!

Joonie is looking for her forever home!

Life gets busy!  Become an automatic  Monthly Donor and help us help cats until they find their forever homes.

9-month-old Joonie was a transfer from Animal Care Centers.  We don't know too much about her history but she's a total sweetheart and would do well in any home.

Your donation will help cats like Joonie while they wait for a family to call their own.  

Join the Ladew Alumni Group on Facebook!

Seniors for Seniors adoptee, Zisele celebrates Pride Month with her catnip rainbow

As part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, we are pleased to introduce the Ladew Alumni Facebook group! A place for adopters to chat about their Ladewbies, meet one another, share stories about The Ladew Cat Sanctuary...or even about our founder, Patricia Ladew! It is a "closed group" meaning ONLY people who have adopted, worked, or volunteered at Ladew will be accepted to join. We hope to see you online very soon!