Hide Perch and Go customer

The box (a specially coated/durable cardboard) also converts to a cat carrier—with each cat’s own familiar smells—that adopters can use to take the cat home. Studies have shown these boxes reduce stress (and therefore, illness) in both the shelter and the cat’s new home.

I had the chance to catch up with one of the shelters that uses these programs to learn more about how they benefit the kittehs. Let me tell you, WE NEED TO GET MORE BOXES TO SHELTERS!

Justin Gallick, from the Pima Animal Care Center in Phoenix told me what a difference the Hide, Perch and Go boxes make to his resident cats. The Pima Animal Care Center works with 28,000 animals a year. WOW. So Justin certainly knows his stuff. He said he’s seen a significant difference in the attitudes of the cats who have access to their own Hide, Perch and Go boxes. “They’re more mellow from the beginning,” he said. “When they first arrive and they are scared and timid, this gives them a comfort zone.”

Justin said that the boxes increase the size of the living space each cat has. This makes sense. They have the cage floor but when you add a box like this you provide a great little hideaway place and something the cat can sit on top. It’s like a super deluxe condo!

The ultimate idea of the boxes to make sure that kittehs are more comfortable in the shelter setting, are less stressed and therefore, more adoptable. Also, stressed out cats mean sick cats! And Justin says Upper Respiratory Infection is a big problem in shelters. The Hide, Perch and Go boxes definitely help cut down on the stress and, as a result this and other illnesses. Healthy, happy cats are adoptable cats!

Justin couldn’t say enough great things about the boxes. He sighed when I asked him if all of his cats get boxes. As with most organizations, he explained, Pima Animal Care Center is always working with a limited budget. On paper, the boxes are considered a luxury. But Justin considers them a necessity. “This can definitely make a difference in the number of adoptions,” he added. “We’re working hard to get more of the boxes in.”

GUYS! WE HAVE TO HELP PETFINDER GET MORE BOXES TO THE KITTEHS! Each box costs about $3. Can you help me raise money to buy more boxes? This is a great, direct way to impact our furry friends who need homes.

Can you give just $3? If so, please donate here. What if we all gave $3 and purchased a box for one cat? Imagine the difference that will make in the cat’s comfort and well being? Imagine.

Please dig into your sofas and change purses for your latte money and help us get more boxes. Pugs and I, and cats everywhere will thank you!

Mwah!

Hide Perch and Go customer

You are probably familiar with Petfinder, but did you know they have a foundation that does really cool things to help animals?

The Petfinder.com Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to ensure that no pet is euthanized for lack of a home. There are a variety of ways they can help achieve this goal that may not be so obvious. That’s why I love their Cat Hide Perch and Go Boxes program

These cleverly designed boxes give shelter cats a place to both hide and/or perch, depending upon their preference. The box (a specially coated/durable cardboard) also converts to a cat carrier—with each cat’s own familiar smells—that adopters can use to take him or her home. Studies have shown these boxes reduce stress (and therefore, illness) in both the shelter and the cat’s new home.

This really hits home with me. You guys may not know this but when my current staff came to see me for the first time at the rescue, I failed my interview miserably! They tell me I was unfriendly, skittish and basically did nothing to show I was even interested in a FURever home. Which is not true…but I was SCARED! And then when they did decide to take a chance on me (thank goodness!) I was so scared that I stayed in the basement for three days until I got really super hungry and then came out.

At my initial interview. Not looking thrilled, was I?

But the Petfinder.com Foundation is working to change that! In 2009, together with the Animal Rescue Site and the PETCO Foundation, the Petfinder.com Foundation delivered over 80,000 boxes to Petfinder.com members. In addition, another $75,000 grant was given to discount boxes for Petfinder.com members. WOW, that’s a lot of happy cats.

The Hide, Perch & Go Box when used at a shelter gives kittehs control over their environment, allowing them to relax and become more adoptable. The box then comes with the cats to their new home, giving them a familiar environment during the adjustment period.

So, in essence, these boxes help a cat get adopted….and stay adopted!

And, each box is around $3 so even a small donation can make a big difference in one cat’s life.

Please help me spread the word about this awesome program and if you have $1 to spare, consider donating to help more kittehs get adopted. You can make a donation here.

As always, thanks for supporting FURpower!

xoxo, R & P

Please help us help more kittehs have this kind of life!

So it’s appropriate that my June FURPOWER org is Good Mews, a lovely no-kill haven in Atlanta just for cats.

Good Mews is an alternative to traditional animal shelters in the Metro Atlanta area that provides a no-kill, cage-free haven for homeless, abused, or abandoned cats until placing them in permanent, loving homes.

Good Mews promotes public awareness regarding the value of pets, animal welfare, pet overpopulation, and quality human-animal companionship through education and outreach programs.

They seem like good peoples to us and last year placed 240 cats in forever homes. Let’s help them place even MORE this year!

Congrats, Annie, on finding your furever home. You deserve it!

Pet Orphans was nominated by my friend, Cokie the Cat. Cokie’s human grandma just adopted a beautiful ginger girl, now named Annie, from Pet Orphans.

Pet Orphans was founded in 1973. As one of the oldest animal rescue in L.A. with its own kennels, Pet Orphans cares for hundreds of dogs and cats every year until they can be placed in responsible, loving homes; runs an extensive humane education program for children through adults.

As a thank you for helping spread the word about National Hairball Awareness Day, our furiends at FURminator, Inc. have donated $500 to Pet Orphans! Thank you, FURminator guys!

Please consider a small donation of your own to help these babies find their forever homes!

xo

Right now they care for their rescues through a network of wonderful foster parents but they are working hard to build an actual ranch, where they can house and care for many more abandoned and homeless cats while finding good homes for them.

Please help these guys build their dream to end more kitty suffering! That’s a great goal to have, isn’t it?

Just 10 days left to our online Bichon Bash for Small Paws Rescue! Today, Bailey’s mom Bev, shares some wonderful Small Paws success stories. With your help, there can be more! Please consider a donation, no matter how small, to Small Paws to support their amazing work for the fluff. Donate here.

In Bev’s words:

Over the years I’ve seen many before and after photos on the Small Paws web site and in Small Paws newsletters, and often my mouth drops open in amazement at the difference in the Fluff–once Small Paws takes him or her into Rescue. So this week, I thought you might like to see how the money we’re raising this month will be used.

Now, isn’t that money well spent?

xo!

Robin is an incredibly busy lady, but recently she graciously gifted Bailey’s mom, Bev, with some time so that she could interview her by email. She has devoted her life to Bichon rescue since she founded Small Paws in 1998.

Bev and Robin at a Dayton Bichon Bash (wearing silly hats!)

BEV: In your own words Robin, could you please give us a brief overview of Small Paws?

ROBIN: There is so much more to Small Paws Rescue than meets the eye. Yes, we do rescue Bichons, nationwide. But we are also a family. Our volunteers and Team Leaders have become close to each other after working on rescue situations, together, for almost 12 years now.

Yes, we are much more than an animal rescue organization. We are also an International prayer ministry, active in 28 countries. With over 6000 members, we want people to know that God loves them more than anyone else ever has and more than anyone else ever will. And that no matter what, they are never alone. We believe in the miracle healing power of prayer and we reach out to people across the world, of all faiths. Small Paws Rescue! It’s a God thing!

BEV: Why is Small Paws important?

Robin and a litter of 4 puppies, from a commercial kennel, with heart murmurs on their way to Texas A&M for surgical repair.

ROBIN: Without Small Paws, thousands of Bichons would have died over the past 12 years. We’ve rescued over 8500 Bichons since 1998.

The love that these little ones have shared with human beings would have all been lost. People’s lives wouldn’t have been enriched as they have been by giving and receiving love with their adopted Bichon Frise from Small Paws Rescue.

Many people wouldn’t  have the close personal human relationships that they enjoy today, without Small Paws Rescue!

BEV: Where do you fit in the Small Paws organization? What do you do?

ROBIN: I’m the co-founder and the Executive Director. I keep the members informed through our newsletters. I let them know about medical emergencies, foster needs, fundraising needs, and updates on previously rescued and adopted Bichons.

I also deal directly with veterinarians daily, all across the country, discussing various treatment options, and of course trying to get the best price possible.

I’m also the Small Paws media consultant, dealing with the press and appearing on cable shows like Animal Planet Dogs 101, and Fox and Friends from the Fox News Network in New York City.

I travel each year to several cities, attending Small Paws functions and raising funds. Our vet bills run $30,000-$50,000 a month so fundraising is always a priority.

Robin prepping for a mass exodus of rescued Bichons to foster homes.

BEV: What do you love the most about your work with Small Paws?

ROBIN: I love the feeling that comes, knowing that I have helped to bring love into the lives of people. Once anyone has experienced having a Bichon Frise, they will never ever be the same. And I got to play a role in making that happen!

I also love knowing that our organization is there for Bichons who have no one else to be an advocate for them. Bichons in danger of being killed in shelters, instead, come into a place of love with Small Paws. What could be better?!

BEV: What do you wish every foster dog parent came automatically equipped with?

ROBIN: A veterinary degree. HA!

After suffering years of neglect, this recently rescued Bichon with ears matted shut will receive the care it needs and a loving furever home.

BEV: I suppose you say that because of all the veterinary bills that Small Paws takes care of. If we could take a photograph of Small Paws right now, with would it look like?

ROBIN: It would look like love. Smiles on all of the people and the Bichons from over the years, living and loving together!

BEV: What is your perfect day?

ROBIN: If one of our foster dogs has gotten away from its foster home, and we find the dog, safe and sound. We have had over 100 Bichons go missing in the last 11 years. All have been found. Two didn’t survive but everyone else is doing well. When I hear the words, “WE GOT HIM!” that is a great day.

When I learn that a particular Bichon has survived a difficult surgery, that is a great day!

BEV: What keeps you awake at night?

Robin worked for years to secure Romeo from a commercial kennel.

ROBIN: Two things. Will there be enough money to pay the vet bills and wondering if I have forgotten anyone in a shelter. Did I contact everyone I was supposed to? Did I make sure that no Bichon is going to be euthanized and did I get someone there in time? Every night before I go to bed I play the day back like a movie. Sometimes I have to get back up and turn on the computer to make sure no one was left to be killed.

BEV: One of the ways Robin raises money for Small Paws is through the newsletters that are emailed out to all the members. Depending on how badly funds (or prayers) are needed, sometimes the newsletter comes every few days, sometimes it comes several times a day. Always it’s a message of hope, in Robin’s own “stream of consciousness” style. Her personality comes through with every word and you know this is a woman who cares deeply about the Fluffs and about the members of the organization.

ROBIN: The other day, one of our members (Bev!) asked me to do an interview for her Blog, where she is currently doing a really neat fund raiser for Small Paws.

I will send out a mailing about it soon. It’s a very interesting personal blog.

Anyway, one of the questions in the interview was: “What is the most difficult thing you have to do in your work with Small Paws?”

This was my answer.

‘For me, it’s the need for constant fundraising. It’s not easy for me to ask our members for money. I’d almost rather be hung by my thumbs in a major intersection than ask our members for financial help again! But I realize I am their voice. These Bichons in need of medical care can’t type, so I am their advocate, explaining the situation, sharing which vet is caring for the dog, including their name and phone number.

Baby Higgins, sold to Small Paws at a commercial kennel auction with "a stiff back leg" that turned out to be congenital neurological damage. Small Paws found him a furever home.

We post our bills each week in the newsletters so that our members can know where their money is going and who was helped! “

It’s times like these when we fall short of raising what they truly need that I dread coming and asking for help again.

I try to think of something new and exciting to say.

I look up and ask Him to please inspire me. HA! (I think He’s probably pretty busy right now with things much more important than sending me something brilliant to say.)

The last question in the interview was this one.

“What inspires you?”

This was my answer.

“The reaction of our members to this organization inspires me! The love and commitment from perfect strangers, willing to help a Bichon in need inspires me! The love they have shown over the years to me, taking me in as a member of their family, touches me deeply.

Seeing a Bichon come from the depths of despair, to being a loving family member, inspires me!

More than anything else though, the miracles we have seen over the years, miracles that happen from what I believe is the power of prayer, inspire me! We have climbed mountains that were too tall! Don’t tell our members that something is impossible! They will prove you wrong! Each new day working with this organization is a total inspiration to me! I love this organization, the people involved, and the little ones we save, day after day, with my whole and complete heart. I am the luckiest person in the world.”

And those of you who know me, know, that really is how I feel.

The Valentine Rescue--Robin holds baby Woo (as in Pitching Woo), 1 of 33 Bichons purchased at a commercial kennel auction.

At times I wish we would win the lottery and never have to ask for vetting funds again.

But then I think, (I know. That can be dangerous.) if we won the lottery and never had to ask for help again, none of you, the people who ARE Small Paws Rescue, would ever have a part in changing the lives of both the Bichons and the people who love them, ever again!

Whether a person gives $5.00 or $5000,00, they are both a part of changing lives, changing the course of events as we know them.

You all are a part of eliminating pain and bringing love into the hearts and homes of those who needed it desperately.

I want for all of you to know that you ARE what makes Small Paws go round and round, over and over again.

In a perfect world, I’d never have to come and ask for help for them.

But in a perfect world, we wouldn’t be in the situation we are in.

Of rushing to keep precious balls of fluff from being killed in a shelter, sometimes, from being shot by a puppy miller who no longer has need for an aging dog who isn’t making much money for them anymore.

I get letters every day from people. People who have adopted a Bichon from Small Paws.

They tell me how much their adopted Bichon means to them and their families.

Sometimes they actually tell me they were so depressed before he or she came into their lives, that they were even thinking of things that are unspeakable.

These little ones have amazing abilities to help, to love, and to heal broken hearts.

You know that I’ve always said that God loves each of us, more then anyone else ever has and more than anyone else ever will.

Puppy love!

Well, when we send a formally homeless Bichon, to a new adoptive home, it’s sort of an extension of that Love.

Our hope is that the new adoptive family will share a love with that new Bichon, reminiscent of God’s love for all of us.

Well, I know I’m rambling here and I probably need to start packing.

I’m leaving soon to be attending the Suncoast Bash in Florida. It’s a pretty large Bash and people come from all over with their Bichons. We try to sign up new volunteers for the Florida team, as Florida is such a large state.

I need to tell the Team Leaders and foster parents of these four babies, Gideon, Serena, Prissy and Scarlett,that we can go ahead and authorize their vetting or not.

Thanks for reading the ramblings of a sometimes silly, blond woman in Oklahoma, who loves each of you more than you will ever know. All My Love, Robin

BEV: Robin, all my love right back atcha. You are an incredible woman and one of my heroes. Thank you so much for all you do for the Fluffs.

Sweet Bailey

Bailey the Bichon was a courageous girl who recently went to the Rainbow Bridge. She and her staff were some of the first friends I made when I started FURPOWER fundraising and have always supported my work. You can learn more about Bailey and her staff at My Fire Hydrant.

Ms. Bailey lived a long and happy life and even outsmarted the Big C and lived for several years afterwards. She was very loved and spoiled by her staff member, Bev. And she certainly deserved every bit of pampering she got!

Anyway, it’s Bailey’s birthday month and to honor and remember her, I’m holding the first-ever online Bichon Bash and supporting Small Paws Rescue, a nationwide Bichon rescue that has rescued over 7,500 Bichons in 11 years from shelters, puppy mills and surrenders. They do wonderful work and I am so happy to help them this month. And give a high paw to my friend Bailey up at the Bridge.

She’d be so pleased! If you would like to donate, please click here.

AND I am working on a very special project as part of the online Bichon Bash. I’m putting together a video montage of Bichons! Can you imagine? ALL BICHONS? How cute is that?

So, if you are staff to a Bichon please send me a photo of your Bichon for my project. You can email to romeo (at) romeothecat (dot) com. Tell me your Bichon’s name and where you live. If you have friends with Bichons, tell them to send along to me too. It’s going to be awesome!

Thanks for all of your ongoing support and look for posts throughout the month about our Online Bichon Bash for Bailey efforts.

Mwah!

Pugsley and I are thrilled to be supporting a wonderful organization called The Pet Samaritan Fund, a nonprofit organization established in 1991, that aids needy animals mainly on the Wasatch Front and Uintah Basin, near Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Pet Samaritan Fund provides:

•Shelter and medical care for animals taken into their foster program until permanent homes can be found. Most of their animals are from municipal shelters.
•Assistance to spay and neuter animals for low income families in their areas of service.

If you would like to donate to the Pet Samaritan Fund, please visit our donate page.

Thank you for helping us help more animals!

GO FURPOWER!