THE SCOOP
The monthly newsletter of The Animal Haven, Inc.
Published on the 2nd Tuesday of every month
A Letter from the President
Cat Café to Open in Westville
For those who are unfamiliar with the term, a cat caf é is a coffee shop where you can meet adoptable cats.

It is very exciting that the first ever cat café in this area is opening in the Westville section of New Haven in the Spring. Even more exciting for The Animal Haven is that Mew Haven Cat Café will be filled with wonderful felines from our shelter.

We are very excited to have our cats be a part of this new venture. By highlighting our cats at Mew Haven, we hope to spread the word about The Animal Haven and the importance of adoption. 

Mew Haven temporarily opened for two weeks in November and December as a “pop-up” to see how the community would respond to the concept of a cat café. Mew Haven received a ton of positive feedback, and all five cats from The Animal Haven were adopted! 

No date has been set yet for the Grand Opening this Spring. An official announcement of the date will be available on Mew Haven's website and social media.

So, be on the lookout for this great new addition to our community and come lounge, hang out and drink coffee with The Animal Haven’s fabulous felines!
Mew Haven is coming to New Haven this Spring and will be filled with wonderful felines from The Animal Haven.
‌
Linda M. Marino
President
The Animal Haven, Inc.
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Pet Story of the Month: January 2018
"Snoopy" had been at the shelter for only a few months before a social media post about the 16 month old Labridoodle caught the eye of a couple from Killingworth.

They consider themselves lucky.

Lucky to have seen the post. Lucky to have a house big enough and property large enough to accommodate a still growing (or so it seems) puppy.

"The adoption paperwork and interview was easy enough, and we were able to take Snoopy home after the second visit," says Chris. "The shelter Manager and the entire Animal Haven staff made sure that everything went smoothly."

Since the adoption, Snoopy and his adopters have settled into a routine of walks that meet all of their schedules, and often go on errands together.

Snoopy has also displayed the "service dog" mentality recognized by shelter staff.

"On one of our walks," recalls Chris, "I slipped and fell on some black ice in the driveway. Because I dropped the leash when I fell, I expected Snoopy to be off and running into the woods. When I called out, Snoopy came running back immediately and in true guide dog fashion, laid next to me until I was ready to get up."

When asked, Chris and Kathi said they "couldn’t be happier" with the adoption.
"We were lucky to have Snoopy adopt us very quickly," says Chris. "He is a lovable dog that seems to only want to eat and have his belly scratched."


January 2018 - SHELTER ACTIVITY*

A nimals brought in:
Cats: 14
Dogs:  4
Total: 18
 
Animals adopted:
Cats: 19
Dogs: 4
Total: 23

Adoption Returns: 1

Animals spayed or neutered: 12
*numbers lower than normal due to shelter renovations
Focus on: Missy
  • mature and sweet
  • loves to be petted
  • likes to please

Missy is a brown tabby, estimated to be about 8-10 years old. For older cats, like Missy, adjusting to shelter life can be extremely difficult when they are surrendered. Depression and health issues can arise far more quickly than in younger cats. Missy is no exception, which is why we would like to get her set up in a loving home as soon as possible.

Missy thrives around people in a home environment. Though she shows some arthritis, her blood work and physical examination by our veterinarian reveal she is in good physical health.

If you think you have room for a great companion in your loving family, please contact the shelter Manager to make an appointment to see Missy.
Volunteer Spotlight: Theresa Schenker
  • Language program director of German at Yale
  • Fosters 8 - 10 animals per year
  • An accomplished musician who plays the cello, violin and flute
Theresa Schenker began fostering dogs and cats w hile living in Michigan and completing her PhD in German Studies. She found it was an effective way to reduce feeling homesick for her native Germany.

In 2012, she moved east and joined Yale University's German Department as a language program director. Since coming to Yale she has worked on restructuring the German Language Program, increasing outreach efforts, and training graduate students in their teaching years.

Once settled in Greater New Haven, Theresa did a ‘Google’ search to find a local organization through which she could foster again. The Animal Haven’s name came up, she sent an email explaining she had fostered before, and the rest (as they say) is history.

Her first challenge was a feral kitten who needed a lot of patient and loving care. Because of Theresa’s great skill, a quiet environment and love, the kitten came out if its shell and was able to be adopted. Theresa fosters one to as many as four kittens and sometimes older cats who need extra attention to develop trust of human beings and/or are on special medications. She usually fosters 8 – 10 cats or kittens per year and on average will spend one to three months fostering depending on their needs.

Theresa acknowledges that it is sometimes hard to give her fostered cats and kittens back because of the strong bond that develops. But she has faith that the cats and kittens with whom she works will be going to fantastic homes. And by being able to give them to others, she is freed up to take on the next challenge and work her love and magic with them.

Both cats and dogs provide great company to Theresa and make her happy. She believes that the ‘call’ to foster is more rewarding for her than for her fosters. There's nothing quite like coming home after a long day at work, to find the kitten or cats who so recently hid from her, running to greet her and cuddle up next to her as she reads at night. 

Theresa is always busy. She loves to take long walks with her dog and swim. She is an accomplished musician who plays the cello, violin and flute. (She finds that when she practices, the cats will come and try to figure out what she’s doing. They’re extremely curious about the sounds coming from the instruments). She loves all kinds of music and sings in a choir that she started at Yale, which focuses on German music. When she has a chance to relax, she likes to sit with a cup of tea and read or watch romantic comedies and good thriller movies … with a furry friend by her side. 

Learn about   volunteer opportunities on our website.  
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Hours of Operation
The Animal Haven is temporarily closed while it undergoes renovations. Contact the shelter Manager to make an appointment if you wish to visit the shelter.