THE SCOOP
The monthly newsletter of The Animal Haven, Inc.
Published on the 2nd Tuesday of every month
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A Letter
from the President
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Almost There...
With each passing week, The Animal Haven gets closer and closer to reopening its doors to an improved and renovated interior. While we initially hoped that all of the construction work would be done by mid-December, the work will more realistically be completed by late January. We (humans and animals alike) are extremely eager for the work to be completed and to move back into the shelter.
We thank everyone for their patience and support while we undergo renovation. So many people have brought us towels, blankets, and supplies for the animals. Others have done laundry for us. And all of our staff and volunteers have been truly amazing. Also, because of everyone’s patience and efforts, we have been able to continue to adopt out many of our animals. If you are interested in adopting, please
contact our Shelter Manager.
We also thank Bristol Myers for donating to the shelter two big truckloads of equipment and supplies that
will increase our ability to perform day-to-day operations much more easily in the newly renovated space. The items we have received include many stainless steel tables and shelving racks, a refrigerator, a medical exam table, heating lamps, an incubator, and many, many other useful things.
As the New Year approaches, we look forward to welcoming 2018 with all of our visitors and supporters in a beautifully renovated shelter with a vastly improved HVAC system that will keep our animals healthier and happier until they find their forever homes.
We wish everyone a joyous holiday season and peace and happiness throughout the new year!
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The footprint of the reception desk after renovations will be slightly smaller to provide more space in the lobby for visitors.
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Linda M. Marino
President
The Animal Haven, Inc.
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Pet Story of the Month: November 2017
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Pluto's adoption began in early November. A few weeks after losing their beloved kitty, a caring family decided to add a new furry member to their home and reached out to The Animal Haven's Shelter Manager, Michelle.
"I told Michelle that we were looking to adopt a cat or kitten that may not otherwise get adopted," says Pluto's new Mom. "She asked if I would be interested in a six month old kitten that she had been fostering named Pluto."
Pluto, who is deaf, came to the shelter with his brother and sister; all three were flea-ridden and in bad shape. Pluto had a herpes eye infection and pneumonia.
"We decided to meet Pluto, and fell in love instantly," recalls Pluto's Mom. Pluto was picked-up the day after Thanksgiving and, "within hours we couldn't imagine our household without him. We have never had a cat with so much personality. Though no other cat will be able to replace our deceased cat, Blue, Pluto has helped fill a void in our lives that was left when Blue passed."
Pluto's new family looks forward to coming home and being with the little guy.
"Whether we are playing with him, watching him chase the dogs, or simply cuddling with him, Pluto brings us joy every minute that we spend with him. I am so thankful for him, and for the wonderful people, especially Michelle, at The Animal Haven, who never give up on those cases that seem too far gone, cases such as that of our baby, Pluto."
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"Pluto is funny, crazy, and incredibly sweet and cuddly," report his Mom. He has warmed up to all of the other cats and dogs in the house, even allowing the 65 pound pit bull to "mother him."
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November 2017
- SHELTER ACTIVITY*
A
nimals brought in:
Cats: 10
Dogs: 1
Total: 11
Animals adopted:
Cats: 16
Dogs: 4
Total: 20
Adoption Returns:
Cats: 1
Dogs: 0
Total: 1
Animals spayed or neutered: 15
*numbers lower than normal due to shelter renovations
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- loving and affectionate
- loves to be brushed and pet
- good with cats, dogs and children
- low maintenance
TIger Lily was brought to The Animal Haven in August 2017. She was found in an apartment by herself for several days after her owner went into a Convalescent home. Tiger Lily is a 10 year old, domestic short hair tiger cat. She appeared to be very depressed when she came into the shelter (a common occurrence for older cats who get surrendered). She was not eating well and was very lethargic; she started licking her fur to the point of alopecia. Tiger Lily was then hospitalized for a high fever and major eye infection due to a corneal perforation. The Shelter Manager fostered Tiger Lily back to health, and the beautiful feline is now doing amazing. Her eye is healing nicely and does not require surgery at this time. She is very content sleeping on the bed all day. Tiger Lily is a relaxed, low maintenance mature cat, please consider adopting or fostering her.
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Thank you to all who supported The Animal Haven by shopping at our Holiday Fair on November 25 at the North Haven Congregational Church. $2,200 was raised for the benefit of the animals. Photo by Kelley Fryer/The Courier.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Angela Soloman
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- has a soft spot for strays
- patiently works with ferals
- proud mom of a baseball athlete
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Angela first learned of the Animal Haven when she and her husband moved to North Haven 17 years ago. She has always had a love for animals and currently has a 13 year old ‘puppy’ and a cat that she adopted from the shelter about 7 years ago after stopping in 'just to visit' (precious kitty came right up to her so she had to take her home!).
About a year ago, a skittish stray entered Angela's yard. He would come to her porch, but wouldn’t come in, so she made him an insulated box to sleep in because it was getting cold. Because her dog was older, she couldn’t keep the stray she had named Buddy. Once Buddy became comfortable, she brought him to The Animal Haven and visited with him every day. Within a month, Buddy found a fantastic home, and Angela still keeps in touch with his new forever Mom.
Angela became 'hooked' while visiting Buddy at the shelter. She started socializing with the more feral felines and would sit on the floor and wait for them to come out to sit with her. It’s taken A LOT of time and patience, but she has successfully gotten a few of the ferals to accept treats from her hand – which is a major trust accomplishment. Angela does laundry and feeds the cats, also.
Angela loves to spend time at the shelter. She finds that it is relaxing and therapeutic to work with these unique cats. The amount of love that she is able to give and get from them makes the time totally worth it.
When not here, Angela is a Director at Anthem responsible for training others on web applications and reporting tools for patient-care management. She and her husband spend their summers travelling to different parts of the country with their son and his travelling baseball team. (He is so accomplished as a baseball player that he has already been offered a full scholarship to the University of Albany and he's only a junior in high school!) Angela is also completing her degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Healthcare Management. Needless to say, she has a very full life, and we are so grateful that she finds some time to spend with our cats that need love, care and attention.
P.S. Anthem has a program called “Dollars for Doers” whereby employees log their volunteer hours and after 50 hours of volunteer work, the company donates $500. Because of her dedication, Angela has been able to obtain two $500 grants for The Animal Haven. Many companies have matching gift programs in support of employees and retirees, monetary donations to non-profits, or in this case, donations of time. Please remember to check with your employer to see if your donation can be matched by your company!
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Hours of Operation
Mon: closed
Tues & Fri : 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Wed & Thurs: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Sat & Sun: 12:00 - 4:00 pm
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