Conference misery::feline

    Latest Update on New Shelter!!  
    
    All the fencing material was delivered last week...and as of last
    night...the roof is complete and they are starting to work on
    the sides.   Poor Bill (Priscilla's carpenter) had to use
    an ice pick to chop up the ice...so he would have a place to
    work.   The "Courtyard" is atleast 5 times bigger then what
    the old shelter had.  
    
    There is already atleast 15 kittens that live at the new shelter...
    and they truly enjoy running around on the catwalks.  It's like
    heaven...and it is so nice to see pitter patter of little paws
    running around.
    
    It shouldn't be too long now!!!!
    
    Sandy
    

    This may sound stupid but I am relatively new to this conference and I
    do not know what the Pat Brody shelter is.  Where is it located and
    what is its purpose.  I am very interested!  Thanks in advance.
    
    Joelle

    I will provide a brief overview of the shelter...but if you
    would like a lot more detail please see notes 4414 and 4957
    in the old notesfile.
    
    About 8 years ago, Pat Brody founded the Perr-fect Cat-Tel shelter
    in Fitchburg, Ma.  Pat was a loving person who saved many cats
    who were doomed...she provided food, shelter, medical attention,
    love and also tried to find the cats new homes.  Pat passed away
    last February from a long struggle with Cancer.   At that point,
    a decision had to be made as to closing the shelter or striving
    to keep Pat's dream alive.   
    
    That is where Priscilla (President) stepped in with a handful of
    volunteers and continued the work for the shelter.  We renamed
    it in memory of Pat.  We have made great progress since last year 
    by working very hard to bring in donations to help support the 
    expensives of keeping the cats happy and healthy...and we also
    have adopted many many cats to loving homes allowing us to go
    rescue other cats.   We are also in the process of building a 
    beautiful new shelter which will shelter about 70 cats.  This
    shelter is located in Lunenburg.
    
    Many wonderful feliners from this file have also come forward to assist
    by becoming a volunteer,  coordinating/working Cat shows,  making crafts
    or donating material, providing donations of money/blankets, adopting 
    cats, and just being so supportive.   Gee..what an opportunity to 
    say THANKS TO ALL!!    Pat is smiling down at all of us!!
    
    Donations can be mailed to Pat Brody Shelter for Cats, P.O. Box 142,
    Lunenburg, Mass.  (don't forget to include DEC's Matching Gift form)
    If your interested in adoptions, volunteering or further info you can 
    call Priscilla at 508-582-4539 or just send me a note off-line to
    WILLEE::MERRITT!
    
     Sandy 

    Great news!  I just visited the new shelter on Monday and the
    fence is completed!!!  The outside area is GIGANTIC - probably
    more room than my apartment!!
    
    Priscilla is being very methodical in how she's moving the cats.
    She consulted with some cattery experts, and got some tips.  Each
    cat will get a flea bath, have ears checked out, wormed and get
    an id collar before going into the shelter.  I think that's a great
    idea to cut down on fleas, mites, etc.  I think it will also help
    to reduce the stress of moving and give the cats a chance to get
    used the new place without just being "thrown together" all at once.
    
    I'm so glad this is happening so quickly.  It's been SO cold at
    night lately, and I think a lot about the poor kitties in the old
    drafty shelter.  But I think about the "mansion" they're going to
    be moving into, and I feel much better!!
    
    We'll keep you posted on the progress!
    
    Pam

    I'll respond to the last point first -
    
    They sent you three brochures for the same reason that everything
    else happened to you - poor organization and too much to do.
    
    These folks only took over the shelter in the past year.  During
    that time they've had to learn ALOT.  One of the problems they've
    had is convincing the old-timers to do things differently.  For
    example, if a cat was adopted out during the day that information
    often was NOT passed along to other volunteers who would come in
    and panic when they couldn't find that cat thinking it might have
    gotten out of the shelter.  
    
    I suggested starting a notebook into which EVERYTHING was written
    that happened during the day - sort of like nurses notes.  Then
    volunteers could see at a glance what had happened - who was moved,
    who was adopted, who came in, who went to the vet, who was on
    medication etc etc etc.  I don't know if this was implemented and
    of course, it would only work if everyone agreed to use it.
    
    The folks there are also struggling with limits.  Its very hard to
    turn away cats in need - for example, they worked on rescuing FORTY
    cats from an abuse situation.  What they've learned is that you
    have to start saying NO or else you jeapordize the health of the other
    cats.  
    
    Finally, when "push comes to shove" you have to set priorities and the
    first priorities are the cats.  They must be cared for first.  Part
    of that involves building a new shelter.  The existing one is
    inadequate to the need.  It is cold, damp and drafty.  It was the
    best Pat could do with her resources, but its got to go.  
    
    I think that the folks at the shelter have learned alot over the 
    last year and that things will get better in the future.  I'm not
    trying to excuse the things that they did wrong, I'm just trying
    to explain them and ask you to try to understand.  
    
    I can assure you that they are legitimate and that they do good
    work.  If you want to visit the new shelter, all you have to do
    is ask.
    
    Hope this helps.
      Nancy DC
    

    As one of the many volunteers from the feline file who help the
    shelter...I would also like to respond to the note.  I can honestly
    say it is not a scam...we work to hard..and have accomplished so
    much!
    
    We have learned alot over this past year and I will admit at times
    it was very hectic and unorganized...but we also had very limited
    volunteers.   We have implemented many things to help us be
    in better control...such as an Adoption Bulletin Board, ID's for cats,
    Medication charts, a Board of Directors, many sub-committees, monthly
    meetings, office person to help with paperwork, and we also have had 
    many new folks step forward to volunteer. Many from this file!
    
    Again as Ndc stated these are not excuses and what was done is wrong,
    that is why I have offered to bring the issue up to Priscilla and
    have her talk with you directly and hopefully resolve.
    
    Sandy
    
    
    

    Hi,
    
    I would like to make a holiday donation to the Pat Brody Shelter.  I
    am surprised that I have not heard from Pricilla.  I thought that she
    would be sending out requests for donations.  I hope that all is well
    with the shelter.  Please, if anyone knows the address and phone number
    so that I can reach Pricilla, get back to me.
    
    Thanks and happy holidays.
    
    Arlene, Jim, Jackie 'O', Marvin, Tami Fay, and Tigress

    
    	I received something in the mail yesterday from the shelter
    	but I was running out the door and didn't get a chance to
    	read it.  So, you may see something in your mail today.
    
    	Anyhow, I'm sure Sandy Merritt can get the address to you.
    
    	JJ
    

    I hear you and feel real bad this happened.   The current shelter
    does not have a phone and the person you were talking to is not
    a volunteer for the shelter...she works for Priscilla's
    other business and has nothing to do with the cats so therefore
    I'm sure she couldn't answer your specific questions.  We hope
    to get a phone in the new shelter and we are still looking for
    volunteers to help with the office work to help with the backlog
    of calls and mail.
    
    I know your "peed" and don't blame you...but as a volunteer I would
    like to offer to bring you to the shelter if you are still interested.
    The point that vistors are not allowed...is not correct because
    I have brought many feliners for visits.  
    
    Again...we have grown...and we are still growing.  And yes...if the
    same thing happened to me...I would have been very upset too!  
    Did you ask Priscilla for the name/address of the person who
    adopted your cat???  Maybe if you called them it might ease your
    mind that your cat did find a nice home.  I know this doesn't
    help with your feelings about the shelter...but knowing where
    you cat is...might help.
    
    If you want to discuss further or visit the shelter, please feel
    free to send me a note off-line.
    
    Sandy
    
                                              

I would like to share the story of "Zack" who has been at
the shelter for approximately 9 months.   Zack is a less then
two years old and is a white cat with a small spot of gray
on his head.  Zack is a sweetheart of a cat, that loves
attention, purrs up a storm...and is the first one to greet you 
when you walk in the shelter.  Zack is not aggressive at all...and 
get's along with every other cat at the shelter....he's is everyone's 
friend. 

Last May Zack was fostered by this woman who had all the
intentions of giving him a permanent home when her house was
finally built in August.  Her current living status did not
allow her to have a cat.     This woman visited the shelter
regularly to see her kitty....and the relationship started to
grow.  During the time of the wait...Zack waited patiently....but he
also had the opportunity to get adopted twice...but we couldn't
let him go because of the promise to this woman.

Well in September the woman called...and said that her house fell
through and she would not be able to take Zack.   Her heart was
broken..and so wasn't Zack's.   

I would love to find Zack a wonderful permanent home which he
truly deserves.   He would be someone's best friend....and he
would fit in very well with a multi cat environment.

If you would like more info on Zack....just let me know off-line 
    at WILLEE::Merritt.
    
Sandy

    
    
    	I remember this guy and he truly is a love!  I think he's
    	the one my hubby took a liking to....
    
    	JJ
    

    
    The Pat Brody Shelter will be having an "Open" Craft meeting on
    January 18th at 1:00 at my house.   The goal of the meeting is
    to plan for the upcomming year as to what we will do for crafts,
    recruit new crafty folks, get some new ideas, and determine what 
    we can make with some of the material that has been donated so far.  
    
    You truly do not have to be crafty to attend...I'm not crafty so
    I do alot of the tracing, cutting, stuffing...and let the more
    crafty folks do the hard stuff. 
    
    During 91 our Committee met every other Wednesday night...but many
    folks that couldn't make the meetings, just made crafts on their
    own and delivered them when complete.
    
    If anyone is interested in coming to our 92 kickoff meeting...please 
    send me a note off-line and I will forward you the directions. 
    
    Sandy
    
    

    .11
    
    Am very happy to say that Zack has found a wonderful home being
    the only cat so he can get all the love and attention he needs.
    
    We'll all miss him at the shelter....
    
    Sandy

    I would like to say Thank you to the Pat Brody cat shelter.  My
    cat I have had since last August has been absolutely the best.
    
    Last night I received a phone call from the shelter asking how the
    cat was doing, and such.  They send out newsletters also.  This is
    an excellent run organization.
    
    Regards,
    
    Foxy's (now called SPRINKLES) Mom

    Update on New Shelter:
    
      There are only 9 healthy cats left at the old shelter and they
      should be moved to the new shelter soon.   The 9 that are left
      are semi feral kitties who we don't dare try to bath...so they
      will be off to the vets for their last health check and bath
      before going to the new shelter.  
    
      The new shelter for the Feluk cats is not complete...so the feluk cats 
      will have to stay at the old feluk house until we can collect the
      funds to finish it off.   Hopefully they will be in by spring.
    
       The new shelter is like a mansion to these kitties...and they
      are truly enjoying all the catwalks and outdoor area. (which 
      is huge).
    
      The shelter has done great with adoptions lately...there are
      some old time shelter kitties who have been adopted.  
    
      I plan on trying to coordinate another feline get-together at 
     the shelter sometime this spring so we can all celebrate and
     say thanks to all who have helped make this possible.
    
     Sandy
    

    As one of the volunteers at the shelter ...I have to say that the
    new shelter is GREAT!!.....  the place is so clean...and it'll be
    pleasure to go there and help out my "kitty" friends...sometimes
    I would leave the old shelter and be depressed for the rest of the
    day..because I had to leave all of them behind...but thanks to
    Priscilla (who the cats thank God for everynight!!..this woman is
    remarkably dedicated to the kitties) and all the others (including
    our beloved Sandy Merritt!!) that have had a hand in getting the new 
    shelter established....I still wish that I could take each one home...
    but I feel better about it now..because they are in such a nice place...
                               
    You will definitely see me at the shelter the day the FELINEr's come
    to visit.!!!                                                   
                               
        Kathie                 
          ~                    

    
      Hi,
    
       I am also a volunteer at the shelter and have to agree with
     everyone else the new shelter is FANTASTIC!!  It really will 
     be wonderful when all the kitties are there and we can leave
     the old shelter behind us.
     Sandy I guess I am not a silent Feliner anymore!!  I usually
     just read feline, but I definitely had to put my 2 cents in
     about the wonderful work that goes on at this shelter.
    
      Mary

    Mary and Kathy so glad you made yourself known.....there are many
    silent noters from this file that have recently started
    to volunteer at the PB Shelter...and I always stated I was going 
    to put all their names in this note to make them known.   They
    all came to the rescue when we desparately needed them...and
    they are wonderful to have on our team!
    
    BTW...Sunday was my cleaning day...and I truly can say I just
    LOVED working at the new shelter.   Both me and my sister couldn't
    get the smile off of our faces all day...it was like heaven.  The
    kitties are having such a wonderful time running around in the
    outside area, or climbing all over the catwalks,  or just laying 
    around in one of the big picture windows in the sun.
    
    Sandy   

    The Pat Brody Shelter is looking for a few volunteers to work
    at the Boxboro show in April.   The show is scheduled for
    April 18th and 19th. Specifically we are looking for help
    on  the 19th which is Easter Sunday and many people have
    plans for that day.
    
    The work consists of watching over our craft table, collecting
    the money and giving appropriate change.   It is fun to work...
    and you get to meet many nice people.  We have no plans on
    taking any cats with us that day...so you will not need to
    be involved in adoptions.
    
    If your interested...please let me know.
    
    Thanks...Sandy
    
    
                  

    Can you please update us on how you did at the Boxboro show.  I was
    there and purchased a few things from your table.  My husband finally
    torn me away.  I just love cat shows.  I only wished that there were
    more room between the aisles so that you could get a better look at the
    kitties.
    
    Claire (more of a reading than a writer)

    Claire,
    
    I know that I supported the Pat Brody Shelter booth at the show!  The
    volunteers on the crafts committee do tremendous work.  Pam Gladding is
    extremely talented (makes me sick, because I'm all thumbs!!) and my
    guest bathroom contains an adorable kitty tissue box holder (complete
    with eyes, ears, nose, whiskers, and tail!) that she made.
    
    The cat bed I purchased is beautiful, but the cats haven't gotten the
    hint yet!  They checked it out, but aren't sleeping in it.  Maybe they
    also think it is too pretty to get dirty!  I will have to change it's
    location to a different place and see if that works.
    
    Kelsey loves his afghan square, and they are finally tearing apart the
    catnip mouse!
    
    Now if I had only seen the catnip pads, I would have purchased one of
    those as well!!
    
    Keep up the good work, guys!
    
    
    -Roberta
    

    Clarie
    
    Thanks so much for supporting the shelter table....we did very well
    at the Boxboro show and we also did fairly good at the R.I. show last 
    weekend.  Considering that most of the craft material has been donated
    and the volunteers are the ones that do the work...it is all pure
    profit!
    
    Our best sellers include the felt catnip toys, quilted catbeds (sold
    almost 25 of them), catnip pads, kitty kleenix box covers, and 
    quilted kitty handbags. 
    
    We are really happy we have been doing so well at the shows because
    the shelter is still in desparate need of money to finish the new
    shelter and complete the new Feluk house.  Even though the cats
    are in the new shelter...we still do not have running water. (makes
    cleaing tough!!)  As well as it is kitten season...and you would not
    believe how many emergency phone calls Priscilla gets of cats/kittens 
    needing to be rescued.  Over one weekend there was 30 calls...that
    is so so so sad knowing you can't help them all. 
    
    We will be at the Sterling Craft show on Saturday and the Pet Fair
    in Concord on Sunday....so if anyone is there stop by and say hello
    to the volunteers.   
    
    Again...thanks so much for your support!!!
    
    
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Roberta...thank you as well.  Pam is exceptionally talented
    and she keeps trying to teach me...but I can even screw up
    cutting out!!!!   We also have other non-dec volunteers that
    are unbelievable!!  Bay State Curtain donated these big spools
    that thread come on....and one of the girls turned it into the
    most cutest kitty carpeted toy with bells/catnip inside...with
    a cute little mouse that goes round and round!!!   
    
    Thank god we have a great crew...and good friends that support us!!!
    
    Sandy

    Where and what time is the Pet Fair in Concord?
    
    Carole

    Carole,,,I have the pamphlet at home...I'll post the info
    tomorrow.   The two volunteers that will be there are Margaret
    and Elaine...so stop by and say hello.
    
    Sandy

    re: .25
    
    See note 32.2 for more info about the Pet Fair in Concord.
    
    Jo

    I would like to start the planning for a get-together at
    the Pat Brody Shelter sometime in June for anyone interested
    in seeing the new shelter and playing with the kitties.
    I would like to schedule this for a Saturday or Sunday
    afternoon.
    
    If you would be interested in coming...please send me
    mail off line to WIllee::merritt.   Depending on the
    response of interested folks...will depend on how
    we plan the afternoon.  Ie..alot of people...it might
    be easier to have it catered like last time.  Any
    idea/suggestions would be appreciated.
    
    Sandy 

    Just wanted to note that the Pat Brody Shelter now
    has multiple kittens ready for adoptions.  There are
    many sizes, colors and purrsonalities to chose from!
    
    And for those that do not want to deal with kittenhood...
    there are some gorgeous adult cats just waiting to be
    loved!   There are a few Maine coon look alikes...that
    are just big and beautiful...one of them in particular
    (Barry) is such a clown and is a real love bug!!!
    
    If you want more information about the shelter please
    contact me off-line.  If you would like to schedule
    an appointment please contact Priscilla at 508-582-4539!
    
     Sandy

    Note 17.3 contains the address for the shelter without the zip code.
    Could someone please post the zip code so I can mail a donation?
    
    Thanks.
    
    Debbie, Snickers, Raisin

    
    The Zip Code for Lunenburg, MA is 01462
    
    Y

    I visited the shelter yesterday when I delivered some cat beds to
    Priscilla that she had ordered.  It was a beautiful day to take a
    vacation day and drive from NH to Lunenburg, and I had the pleasure of
    not only seeing Priscilla again but also seeing and playing with the
    shelter cats and kittens.  What beautiful babies they all are; I played
    with some of the kittens that can come and go from their quarters to
    their fenced in yard.  It was so funny to see the ones that were still
    inside looking out the window watching me playing with the ones
    outdoors and how they'd come popping out through the flap door to play
    too.   These kittens are adorable and so playful, especially the little
    tiger babies.  Lots of cute kittens and colors to choose from.
    
    Some of the adult cats were outside in their fenced in yard too and
    were enjoying the nice, sunny weather.  A couple of them came over to
    the fence to play too.
    
    Sandy, I also had the pleasure of meeting "Bobby" (a cream and white
    boy), possibly under a year old.  What a love he is.  He talked and
    while lying on his side, put his paws out through the cage wire to
    touch my fingers.  He's so gentle and soft.  I was looking down at the
    cats in the cage beneath Bobby's and the next thing I knew Bobby's paws
    were touching my head, "Hey, lady don't forget I'm up here and want
    more attention".  
    
    As I was leaving I thought to myself, what a wonderful shelter for these
    cats to be in while waiting for a new home. 
    
    Everyone there was working very hard as usual.
    
    Pat
    
    
     

    Well, I paid another visit to the shelter this past Monday night to
    check out the babies again.  It was a tough decision to make as to
    which one I would be adopting to join the "clan" as they were all so
    adorable and real purrbugs.  I finally made up my mind and will be
    picking "her" up Saturday afternoon.
    
    Let's see, "With eight I get eggroll right?"  Ya, I know, and more vet
    bills, kitty litter/food to buy.
    
    Pat & Clan
    

    Congrats Pat....I truly don't think ANYONE could walk in that
    shelter right now and not feel the needed to take atleast 5 of
    them home!   There are some real gorgeous, huggable, loveable
    cats and kittens just waiting to be adopted.  And while they
    wait patiently for thier new parents...they truly are enjoying
    the new shelter and the outdoor area.     
    
    I just love Rebo, Ralph, Roxy and Ruppert...and April, Bobby, Coach
    Potato, and Sassoon, Scatter Bug, Misty, Pepper and so on!!!!  
    The inn is full...the inn is full...the inn is full!!!!!! 
    
    Sandy
    
    

I returned to the Pat Brody Shelter for Cats this past Saturday.
I had a terrible time trying to make my final decision even
though I already thought I knew which one.  Priscilla had to finally
leave me there alone for awhile so I wouldn't feel rushed or anything,
plus she had business calls backs to make from her house.
She had at least 3 adoptions (kittens) Saturday that I know of; the one
eyed kitten at her house, a tiger kitten at the shelter, and finally
my little one - a 14 wk. old tortie girl with the name "Princess Kitty Cherie"
on her pink collar.  I call her "Amber" but the name I submitted to CFF
for household pet registration is "CINDERAMBER CHERIE". ;-)

She's an absolute doll and such a purrbug (but then all those kittens/cats
at the shelter were).  By the time I got her home it was time for my Clan's
dinner so I put Amber in the bathroom with her food/water/litterpan while I
took care of the rest in the kitchen.  I wanted to make sure they all ate
their dinners before the introductions began.  You should have heard the
little dickens meowing in the bathroom for me to let her out to meet the
gang (some of which had already seen her in the carrier when I first came
home.

At first it was just the normal curiosity of everyone to "see what followed
me home this time" routine; the usual sniffing, hissing, jealousy looks
but Amber didn't seem to mind.  She just seemed to be so happy to be HOME.
It wasn't long before she knew just where the kitty room, litterboxes, water
bowls, toys (God she loves all the toys, especially the cat track), and where
Mom's chair is.  She also knows which cabinet contains the cat food; didn't
take her long for that either.  She even tried to turn the knob on it this
morning; so helpful you know. :-)

Well, I got the biggest kick out of Meeps and Amber.  At first Meeps just
chased and kept an eye on her and hissed now and then but as of yesterday
afternoon and evening, he and Amber were playing together.  Picture this:

	Meeps in the carpet covered cradle section under the kitty
	carpeted table (made by Aruba) lying on his back with his
	little round owl head/eyes looking up at Amber who was on top
	of the kitty table and they were playing "touchy paws".

Meeps being my youngest seems to enjoy the company of a youngster to play
with.  He loves to show off too and when he noticed Amber loves to play
"chase the ball", he did the same to get her attention last night.  She
played with the cat track for 30 minutes before finding another toy to
get her interest.  Oh, and when she made the mistake of attempting to climb
one of the livingroom drapes to get to the window sill, Meeps was right there
to discipline her at the same time I told her "No".  She does learn quickly;
she's already met "Mr. Water Bottle" when she tried to jump on edge of waste-
basket in kitchen (a definite no-no) and I squirted her just once with that
while everyone else just "snickered and pointed". ;-)

This will be my first whole day away since she came home Saturday so I don't
know how things will go but I've found usually my Clan spends the day sleeping
until I get home and then "the games begin". ;-)

Pat & Clan

    Congratulastion on your newest furface...AMBER...I love the name.
    I'm sure you'll have many stories to share...and I'm sure
    Meeps will keep her in place.    Hope she brings you alot of fun
    in the show arena...I can't wait until I see her all grown up!!!
    
    I'm so happy to hear the little sweet one-eyed kitten found a home.
    He was such a lovebug......he climbed right up the inside of my
    shorts one day...just so he could get my attention.  It worked!!!!!
    
    
    Sandy

    I will be bringing my girlfriend there next weekend.  Could you 
    please put specific directions to the new cat shelter?
    
    Thank you,
    
    Brenda who "adopted" FOXY...now named Sprinkles

    Hi....
    
    I will forward you the directions off line.....and just want
    to comment that it is much better if you coordinate a specific
    time with Priscilla as when to meet.   That way Priscilla can
    ensure somebody is at the shelter when you arrive.
    
    How's Sprinkles doing?  I remember Foxy from way back when!!!!!!
    Tell your friend...there are many beautiful cats/kittens there
    right now!!!!!  Wait until you see the new shelter...it is so great.
    You will really appreciate it especially if you saw the old one!!!!
    
    Sandy 

    I've been checking this note frequently and was wondering what was
    new?  I really enjoy reading about success stories and how the shelter
    is doing.
    
    I look forward to seeing new replies.
    
    Claire
    

    Hi Clarie....
    
    I have failed miserbaly in posting notes about the shelter....but
    I do talk about it all the time...and I'm there just about all the
    time too!!!  We even have a few new feliners who have joined our
    volunteer crew!!!!    
    
    The shelter is doing great...as far as the new main house..the sink
    is installed and we even have a bathroom!! We still need to build
    cabinets for storage...but it is coming along great. There is potential
    that we might be expanding it sometime in the future to build a room
    for cages where we can keep the sick cats, new cats...or cats that
    are being monitored.  The cats have truly ENJOYED the outside area
    this summer...it so much fun watching them chase bugs or jump at
    grasshoppers!!!
    
    They are going to be starting work at the new Feluk House probably within
    a week or two....our goal is to get the Feluk cats moved prior to
    November!  WE have had approximatley 5 Feluk positive Cats get adopted in
    the last year and half....which is just WONDERFUL!!
    
    We work just about every weekend on some fundraising event...such as
    cat shows, craft fairs, flea markets, doggie dips and special events.  
    Our craft committee still meets every other week too!!!
    
    As far as the kitties...well there has been so so so many great
    success stories...I couldn't start to name them all.  We have had
    many feliners come to the shelter and pick up new kitties too!!
    My two favorite buddies (Rebo and Ralph...who were brothers) were
    just adopted last weekend...and even though I cried when I heard they
    were gone...somewhere in my heart I am happy!!! but I will miss them!!
    
    I hopefully can plan a get-together sometime in October.  I tried to
    plan it early this summer...but everyone's schedule made it very
    difficult and the shelter has been very busy in August/September!!
    I'd love for you to join us at the get-together...watch this note
    for an update!!!   
    
    Sandy  

    Sandy, maybe you could do a shelter update along with your own note for
    the offline newsletter?
    

    Okay Karen....
    
    Sandy
    

    Hi all!
    
     Thought I'd enter a note about my field trip to the shelter last
    Saturday. Nancy Cross, Lenora Palmer, Roberta Kagno and myself met
    Sandy Merritt at her house that morning. We had coffee and donuts, and
    met her clan. Van Gogh is a total love, as were the rest of the group
    we got to meet. Her husband Ernie is a great guy too!
    
     Then we piled into the car, and headed for the shelter. What a
    wonderful place this is! The cats have two big rooms with many shelves
    and high places to climb too. There are two kitty doors in each room,
    so the cats can go out into a very large enclosure for fresh air. The
    place was spotless too. I was trying to figure out how to move in
    myself without Priscilla finding out! ;-)
    
     We brought a lot of baby food and kitty snacks with us, and I sat in
    the middle of the floor with a jar of baby food, and had kitties
    crawling all over me, giving me loves as well as grabbing for the food.
    I was truly in kitty heaven! So many of the cats are VERY friendly, and
    some of the shy ones really love to be petted and loved once you get
    close enough! 
    
     There is also a kitten room with a smaller outside enclosure. The
    kittens were all very friendly and people oriented too. I fell in love
    with a little black kitten that had about 8 toes on each front paw! I
    had to remind myself that the inn is full many times that day! ;-)
    
     Also, the feline leukemia positive kitties will soon have their own
    little house in the back! I think it's wonderful that this shelter
    worries about the ones that test positive too!
    
     I know I had a wonderful time that day, and would like to go visit
    them again soon! I love spoiling shelter kitties, because I know I
    can't really have any more where I live. So why not get a kitty fix for
    myself, and make them a bit happier too? Best of both worlds, eh?
    
     Again, thanks Sandy, for setting this visit up, and for opening up
    your home to us that morning! It was wonderful!
    
    Love,
     Yonee
    

    Yes, Sandy, thank you!!  Your home is beautiful and no one would ever
    know that 9 cats live there!  Not a cat hair or dirty litter box in
    sight.  :^)
    
    I am going to steal Van Gogh, but he would probably pine for his mommy. 
    You guys should see this cat love all over Sandy.  Good thing he is not
    a WHOLE MALE!!
    
    The P.B. shelter is immaculate, and the cats all look like they are in
    kitty heaven living there.  I brought bonkers treats and had several
    furfaces knocking each other out of the way for their share.  I fell
    madly in two in particular; a big maine coon look-alike boy named
    Derek, who is extremely shy, and a female 8 week old apparant purebred
    Ragdoll kitten.  She is so sweet.  Good thing she wasn't in adoptable
    condition just yet cause I might have taken her home with me!
    
    It was a very nice day and my allergies never flared, so that says
    something for the cleanliness of the shelter.  Priscilla and her
    volunteers should really be commended for investing so much time,
    effort and money into building and maintaining such a safe haven for
    the cats.
    
    -Roberta
    

    Gee...thanks for the compliments...but if you didn't see cat
    hair at my house...your blind as a bat!!!!   And Roberta...I'd
    give you my husband before I'd give you Van Gogh!!!  Ernie doesn't
    even look at me that way!  
    
    We have some great volunteers that work hard to keep the shelter 
    spotless.....and I can honestly say I feel the cats will miss the
    shelter when they leave!!  They truly love it..especially the outdoor
    area.  It was so funny seeing Yonnee sitting in one of the rooms with
    baby food on each finger trying to feed about 70 cats!!  What a
    sight...I wish I had a camera!! The cats truly enjoyed your visit...
    and after we left...I'm sure they went for a long nap!!
    
    I think it's great that shelter volunteers visit other shelters...
    Priscilla asked me to coordinate a visit to Framingham Shelter sometime in
    the near future.   I think we can get great ideas from each other!!
    
    I do still plan on coordinating an "open House" to invite all the
    feliners to come visit.  Hopefully we can pull this off before it
    snows!!
    
    Sandy   

    Sandy, the only cat hair I saw at your house was attached to the cats!
    

    I had fun too, I had fun too!  Of course, I am missing much skin
    on my fingers due to kittens fighting over who got the baby food.
    But well worth it!  And I loved Army Brat II.  (sigh)  But the inn
    is full, the inn is full.....  at least, that is what I keep saying.
    
    Thank you Sandy, for the great visit and your hospitality....
    damn good coffee!
    
    Nan

    
    Well, since I hardly ever get a chance to get into this notesfile
    it's no surprise that I'm the last one of the group to thank Sandy
    for a wonderful day at the Pat Brody shelter!  We all did have a
    great time there, and earlier at Sandy's immaculate house too! 
    I know that the Framingham shelter could certainly get some great
    ideas for their new shelter (yet to be built, but I truly do believe
    that it will happen in my lifetime!) if more of the volunteers were
    able to take a field trip up to Lunenberg.  The cats looked great
    at Pat Brody's -- they're obviously cared for & loved by wonderful
    volunteers!
    
    Thanks again to Sandy for helping us have such a splendid day (even
    if it rained the whole time!)
    
    Lenora

    I just thought I'd share some good news...on a blah Monday!!
    
    Prisiclla and Linda recently brought 12 shelter kittens to visit a Nursing
    home in Fitchburg.   You can just imagine 12 little tiny balls of
    terror running down the long corridors of the Nursing home.   The
    old folks loved every minute of it....they were either laughing
    so hard...or tenderly holding one of the sleepier kittens.
    
    The Nursing Home also has a Craft Committee that has offered to
    cut-out some of our felt toys for us and help us with our crafts!!
    So in the long run...it was a great visit...and I know we will be
    bringing cats/kittens for many visits.  Now if we could only convince
    them to adopt a cat as a house cat for everyone to LOVE!!  Can you
    just imagine the attention this cat would get.  
    
    Priscilla has also started going to some local schools for show and 
    tell....and to help educate the children at an early age.  She
    discusses the responsiblity of owning animals...and talks about
    neutering/spaying and the overpopulation of unwanted cats.
    
    Two great programs...that will hopefully benefit our furry friends!!
    
    Sandy

    
    	They sound like wonderful ideas Sandy!  I've been reading
    	a lot of articles lately on how beneficial it is for people
    	in nursing homes and the physically/mentally handicapped to
    	have a pet around.....boosts their morale and gives them 
    	something to look forward to!
    
    	JJ
    

    I got my cat from the Pat Brody shelter last September?  I was
    told the cat is up to date with shots, and such.  Could someone
    please give me the name of the veterinarian the shelter uses?  Time
    for more shots!  They still have the cat's file, so I would like to 
    stay with them.
    
    Regards,
    
    Brenda
    

    Brenda...the two vets that support our shelter and are on our
    Board of Directors are:
    
    	Fallon Animal Clinic -  Dr Mike Fallon   Lunenburg    
                            or
        Central Animal Hosptial - Dr. Eileen Mulcahy Leominster
    
    
    I would check at Fallon's first because most of our newcomers go
    there first.   Hopefully you have remembered the kitties name when 
    he was at the shelter because I'm sure that is what the records would
    state.
       
    Sandy

    The cat's name was FOXY, and I got her last August...so I'll try 
    Fallon first.
    
    Thank you,
    
    Brenda

    Sandy,
    
    Does Precious still need a home?  I may be able to talk my husband into
    letting me have 1 more kitty.  I have 2 right now, but would love more.
    They're 3 years old, both declawed, littermates, brother and sister. 
    You can reply here or write back to me directly. 
    
    Regards,
    
    Claire

    Precious is still available for adoption.......please talk to your
    hubby and if you would like to see a picture of her...I do have one
    with me at work...just let me know where I can mail it to you!!!
    
    I'd love for Precious to find a wonderful home with a feliner...that
    way I can continue to get "auntie" updates!!!!!!!  Even though she
    was real nervous when she came back to the shelter....she is still
    a sweetheart and purrbucket when you pay attention to her.
    
    For more detail info on her you can contact priscilla at 508-582-4539!!
    Keep me posted....and if you would like to meet her...you can let
    me know. 
    
    Sandy 
    

    
    I am so so so happy to inform you that Precious in note 17.51
    has found new home where she will be an only cat and
    treated like a queen.  The adoptive Mom had a cat for 18 years...
    and last year she had to put her to sleep.   It took her approximately
    9 months to realize she had love to share to another cat.
    
    I met the adoptive Mom at the cat show on Saturday...and she informed
    me she had an appointment at our shelter for 1:00 the next day.  She
    only went to the cat show to prepare herself (ya know buy toys...etc)
    just in case she was to adopt a new friend.
    
    The good news is that she has said I could call and get updates
    whenever I wanted too.  I will miss my little Precious...but I sure
    hope she is as happy as her new adoptive Mom was!  
    
    Sandy
    
    
                                                     

    I adopted two cats, littermates, from
    the shelter at the end of August....Rigby
    and Digby.
    
    We have renamed them Nicholas and Alexandra.
    
    They are lovely animals.  I was quite impressed
    with the cleanliness of the shelter and the
    dedication of the people whom we met there.
    
    Anyway, I digress.  We have just had Nick and
    Alex neutered and spayed.  I need to send a
    copy of the certificates to the shelter.
    
    I have the address but am missing the zip code
    for Lunenburg.  Would somebody either post it
    here or send it along to me...NETCUR::MILANESE..
    
    Thanks, 
    
    Sylvia

    Lunenburg's zip is 01462.
    
    /diane

    I had to post a note here -- thanks to Sandy for helping me out.
    
    Having lost Wumpkin last August, I decided Harry (the Rat) needed a
    pal; he's been waking me up 6-8 times a night to play "fetch the
    mousie" -- and I need my sleep!  
    
    I met Sandy this Tuesday at her place (wonderful sleek, friendly cats,
    all of them!), and we went to the Pat Brody Shelter, where I spent a
    couple of hours getting acquainted with cats of all kinds.
    
    What a wonderful place!  If anyone in the near-Fitchburg area is
    looking to adopt, I highly recommend the PBS.  Everything is clean,
    cats are well tended and the facility is great!  
    
    I met so many wonderful cats, it was a problem deciding which one to
    choose -- but Tuesday was not "suck-up-to-prospective-owners-day," so
    I had to ask some questions of the folks who've been there a long time
    and know all the cats.
    
    Well, I settled on a little black-and-white critter somebody had named
    "Bugeyes"  -- I assure you her eyes do NOT bug out, they only open into
    round circles of amazement at everything in sight!  She was highly
    recommended as being quite socialized to other cats, which made me feel
    very good about bringing her into my house to meet my 22-lb beast.
    
    She slept all the way from Fitchburg to Uxbridge (the entire width of
    the state!), and when I introduced her to the beast, she was most
    respectful of his space, but hasn't turned tail and run.  In fact, as
    he is most interested in following her wherever she goes, she sometimes
    turns around in mid-trot and faces (up) to him, as if to say, "Can I
    help you?"  
    
    It completely throws him, and he is amazed!
    
    They've had a few wrassles, but no claws and no biting.  Harry hisses
    a bit, but she hasn't hissed back.  She seems to be taking all this in
    stride, bless her little heart!
    
    Her markings are so cute -- her front legs are all black, with
    individual toes being white .... Her nose is a black triangle,
    surrounded by white stripes between nose and eyes.
    
    She's a gem -- healthy, frisky, and beginning to play now, after only
    about 18 hours in her new home.
    
    She is settling in pretty quickly, and I couldn't be more pleased.
    
    Do consider the Pat Brody Shelter -- the folks are very helpful,
    clearly love cats, and take very good care of their charges.  My only
    regret is that I couldn't bring them all home with me.
    
    Speckles, Doris, Psycho, to name only a few ... and Victoria ..... and
    Wilheim .... (sigh) .....
    
    Anyway, thanks again, Sandy -- looks like this one's a "keeper."
    
    /june

    Congrats, June!  I am happy to hear of your new furbaby.
    
    Sounds like you made a perfect (or is that purrfect) choice for Harry!
    
    Happy New Year!!
    
    -Roberta
    

    June,
    
     What a lovely way to start off the New Year! A new furface to love! I
    think shelter kitties tend to adjust fairly quickly. I think if you can
    find a kitty that is living fairly peacefully with all those other
    great furfaces, having to adjust to a new home with only one or two
    others, is a cake walk for a shelter kitty! I know my shelter guy
    Finnigan never bothered with my two girls when he got home, but they
    weren't too pleased for a while. 
    
     Now they all play together, although the girls are still leary of
    Finnigan. Not becuase they are afraid of him, but because he's so much
    bigger than they are. When he pounces on them, he knocks the stuffing,
    and wind out of them! ;-) They are all doing well.
    
     Please keep us informed on how your new "owner" is doing! I love happy
    stories! I also love the PBS! It's a great place!
    
    Happy New Year!
    
    Love,
    
     Yonee

    Now June...did you call my cats "sleek"....I don't think so!!!!
    Their coats appear sleek...but under that fur is alot of jelly
    bellies!!
    
    I'm so happy you enjoyed your visit to the shelter....I was happy
    to spend hours there playing with all the babies!!!!  So happy your new 
    kitty worked out so great for Harry and you!!!!  She is gorgeous
    with her big eyes that always have that look of excitement!!!
    
    Hopefully she can keep Harry in his place....and may they become 
    wonderful buddies!!!  Please let us know her new name!!!!
    
    Sandy                                                    

    "Bugeyes" is now "Babycakes" because next to Harry, she looks like a
    little baby!
    
    She's doing really well -- but runs upstairs and cries -- I think she's
    still missing all those wonderful shelter cats -- after all, Harry's
    just one (big) cat!
    
    It's still working out wonderfully -- and I'm still pleased.
    
    I think Baby is pleased, too!
    
    ..... Details at 11 .....

    For those of you who do not receive the Pat Brody Newsletter
    which is published quarterly...I thought I'd share some of the
    very interesting statistics which compares last year with this year!!
    No wonder we are so busy...it's amazing how we have grown and
    continue to grow!!!!!
    
    Pat Brody Newsletter Holiday Edition:
    
    
                         Y/E 1991          Y/E 1992
    ----------------------------------------------------
    
    * Rescues adopted      193                497
      (all cats spayed/
      neutered if old
      enough)
    
    * Spay/Neuters          23                 63
      (via our low cost
       spay/neuter 
       program)
    
    * Number of cats at     70                110
      shelter at yearend
    
    
    Also the edition mentioned that Annabelle Brody, Pat's mother,
    has undergone heart surgery this past year and now lives with a
    pacemaker.  Annabelle continues to take very good care of Pat's
    own personal cats and she has been an inspiration to all of us at the
    shelter.   The edition suggests that you write to Annabelle and send
    her well wishes and she would love to hear about happy stories about
    your kitties.  If anyone is interested in writing to Annabelle...just
    let me know and I will forward you the address.
    
    There was also a wonderful story about these kittens which were found
    in a box with a Christmas Tree.  We called these kitties the Christmas
    Tree family and all were adopted but one.  BUT... a few days prior to 
    Christmas the last of the Christmas Tree kitties found a wonderful
    new home for the Holidays.
    
    If anyone would like to be added to the Newsletter...just send me a
    message off-line.
    
    Sandy
    
     
    

    > ... and now lives with a pacemaker.
    
    Sandy,
    
    Do pacemakers make good roommates?
    
    Sorry, couldn't resist!!
    
    :^)
    
    Those statistics are wonderful!!
    

    When I red the story, I wanted to know what kind of
    cat a pacemaker was! (8

    
    Cindy Fischer is coordinating the following workshop at the
    Pat Brody Shelter for Cats. 
    
    
                   TELLINGTON TTOUCH WORKSHOP  (TT.E.A.M)
    
    Instructor:  Patty Merrill, Practitioner II
    When:        March 6, 1993  (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
    Where:       Sandy Merritt's house and the Pat Brody Shelter
    Fee:         $35.00 (proceeds benefit the shelter)
    Limit:       15 Participants   (pre-registration is required)
    
    What is TT.E.A.M?  Tellington TTouch is a method used to activate
    neural pathways to the brain to increase an animal's awareness
    and self-image.  Th technique promotes healing and communication
    with animals.
    
    Does TT.E.A.M. really work?  Yes the success rate for gentling"
    feral cats and shy or insecure cats has been remarkable.  The TTouch
    can also help cats with poor appetites, cats who are "car-resistnat"
    and cats that are healing from injury or aging.
    
    What will we do at the Workshop?  Patty will teach body work and
    show the TTEAM cat video.  Using the shelter cats we will get
    hands-on experience with the TTouch so you can help your own cats!!
    You will also have the opportunity to discuss your specific problems
    and concerns with the experts.   
    
               *******************************************
    
    Personally I saw the video and think the techniques taught would
    be beneficial for anyone who deals with ferals/strays, aging or
    injured cats, as well as show cats who are nervous.   It also shows
    how to totally relax your cat before you attempt cutting nails, giving
    baths etc!!!!   The morning will be spent at my house where we will
    see the video, learn the techniques and work on each other.(yes...it
    works on humans too) and the afternoon will be spent over the shelter
    with all the cats where we will have hand-on experiences.
    
    If anyone is interested in going, please let me know and I will 
    forward you the pre-registration form which has to be sent
    back to Cindy Fischer!!   Please join us...
      
    
    
    

I read about T Touch in a new age magazine, probably 
"Natural Health". Tellington is the name of the woman
who developed it. As I recall, she began with a very
nervous horse. I've tried it out on Bumble Bea, but I
guess it is an acquired skill, 'cos she just wanted
me to leave her alone.


                             seh

    Hi,
    
     I was talking to Cindy Fischer at a gathering at Nancy DC's house, and
    she was practicing this on NDC's cats. I wanted her to do it to me
    instead! It looked wonderful!
    
     Sandy, I would definitely be interested in this class. It may help me
    with the ferals at the Framingham shelter. Please forward me a form, or
    I can get one from you tonight at the gathering.
    
     Oh boy! I get to see the PBS shelter kitties again! Can I still bring
    Baby food? ;-)
    
    Yonee                            

    Update for TTEAM workshop at shelter!!
    
    Just wanted to let those of you who will be attending the workshop
    and have received confirmation/directions in the mail from Cindy. 
    The plan is to meet at the shelter and then carpool over to my house...
    and return to the shelter for the hands on experience!! So the
    directions you have recieved are to the shelter...which is much
    easier to find then my house!!
    
    See you then....
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Guess Sandy didn't want more people to "bare" left, eh?  A bunch of us
    showed up at her house with missing items of apparel after following
    her directions to a T.  :^)

    I got my conformation in the mail yesterday! I'm psyched! I still think
    I'm going to "bare" left to Sandy's house first, since I already know
    how to get there without a map! ;-) I'm going to wear extra layers of
    clothes if it's cold though! 8-)
    
    Yonee

    
    Picky picky....so I can't write.....but that isn't an excuse to
    strip in the car!!!!!!
                                                  
    Sandy

    Would someone please direct me to the note with the address
    for the Pat Brody Shelter.  I would also like the phone # and
    directions from a major Rte #  (i.e. I190, 495 or Rt 2).
    
    I have a friend who would like to adopt and we need to call for
    an appointment and general info.
    
                         Thanks very much,
                                Carol

    Hi Carol....
    
    The following are the numbers for the Pat Brody Shelter:
    
          Adoptions:           508-582-4539
          Shelter:             508-582-6116
    
    If you call 582-6116 you will most likely get our answering
    machine but please leave a message because the calls are
    responded to on a nightly basis...if time permits!!
    
    I have not published the address in the notesfile because
    it is very important to schedule an appointment because
    there is not full people coverage 24 hours a day!  Priscilla
    will provide directions...or I can send them to you off-line!
    
    Good luck in your search for a cat!!
    
    Sandy
    

    
    RE:  Tellington TTouch Workshop (TT.E.A.M.)   March 6th
    
    I just talked to Cindy Fishcer and we are still planning
    on holding the workshop this Saturday.   Hopefully the
    weather will hold out for us because it will be very
    difficult to reschedule because Patty the practioner has
    a very busy scheduled and I believe she is off to Florida
    on Sunday.
    
    If the weather is really bad...and we decide to cancel
    you will either hear from me or Cindy!! 
    
    Sandy
    
    

Great, hope the weather holds and you don't have to
cancel it -- we've been looking forward to this for
weeks.  I was just wondering how you would handle it
if the weather was still bad on Saturday, now I know!

Hope I don't talk to you on the phone Saturday -- and
look forward to talking to you in person...


Jan

     I just had to share this story...it is one of our biggest adoption
     successes we have had at our shelter.   We always thought Toot would
     be a "lifer" at the shelter..but Priscilla kept saying "there is
     a wonderful home out there for Toot...we'll find it!"
    
     For those that have been to the shelter...Toot is the one eyed kitty
     who spent most of his time in the hallway in a big Toyko cage and
     normally greated you with a happy hiss!!
    
      Toot is a kitty we had at the shelter for approximately
      2 years.  Toot came to us as a very independant feral with
      a very infected eye.   The vets did all they could but determined
      the best thing to do was to remove the eye.  After the operation
      Toot spent the next six months sitting in a corner spitting at 
      anyone who even attempted to look in his direction.  He didn't
      care for humans before the operation..and he sure hated them
      after.
    
      Well after moving to the new shelter...Toot really hated being in
      with the other cats and he kind of decided that he'd rather spend
      time in the hall where he'd see more humans!!!  Toot was put in
      one of the small shelter cages...but soon learned how to unlock
      the door and let himself out. (he's the only one that has ever
      figured this out...leave it to a feral!!)   Toot then was put in
      a bigger Toyko cage...but really had the run of the hallway too
      and used the cage as his "safe zone"!!  Toot also had some other
      medical problems....and was a weekly vistior at our vets...
      Toot is now on a specail RD diet and is doing great!!
    
      Some of the volunteers worked long and hard with Toot so he could
      get famialiar with humans...Toot thought this was great if there
      wasn't too many folks in the room...but Toot still had that little
      bit of "evil" in him if you tried to be too nice!!
    
      Last summer we advertise Toot in our local paper explaining his
      life and the work that still needed to be done with him.  NOBODY
      called!!!   A few weeks ago Priscilla decided to advertise again
      explaining in the article that Toot is the only cat that has been
      advertised in our weekly section...that has not been adopted.
    
      Out of the blue...we get a call from a woman who had a one eyed
      cat for 13 years who just recently lost him!!  She wanted another
      one-eyed kitty!!!  Well being one-eyed is only one of Toot's
      handicaps...the other is the special diet...and the other is
      he still needs to learn to trust humans completely.   He has
      come along way...but still has a way to go.   After Priscilla
      explained the situation..the girl was still interested in meeting
      Toot!!!
    
      The meeting went well...Toot hissed a bit...but with her 
      persistance Toot did allow her to pet him!!!  Priscilla packed
      up Toot and brought kitty and the girl down to see Dr. Fallon
      so he could explain Toot's medical history!!  The girl agreed to
      take Toot..and agreed that it would be best if she continue to
      use Dr. Fallon has his vet!!!
    
      About 3 days later the girl called to say she and Toot were doing
      great but she felt Toot was threatened by the huge house that he
      now as the run of!!!  WE suggested a kitty condo, cage, or box
      that Toot could use as his "safe zone"!!  And she giggled and
      said "and the good news is...I work with him everyday and I now
      can get him to let me pat him...and he only scratched me once"!!!!
    
      We will really miss Toot at the shelter...his big cage is now
      empty...but we're also so happy he found his "special Person" to
      spend the rest of his life with!!
    
      Sandy
    
      

    Sandy! Great news about Toot! Sounds like his new person is perfect for
    him! If you get any more reports, please keep us posted on his
    progress.
    
    We have a couple of similar stories from the Framingham shelter. I may
    be forced to open a FAHS (Framingham Animal Humane Society) note to
    cover these ;-)
    
    What a nice way to start the week! Thanks for sharing!
    
    Yonee

    
    AWESOME!!!  I remember Toot.  I'm so happy that someone took the time
    to see beyond his gruff exterior to the teddy bear underneath.  I'm
    sure, given more time, he will be relaxed and happy in his new home.
    
    Congrats to Toots and his new mom.
    
    Nancy 
    
    P.S.  We had a Toots at our shelter...his name was Ollie.  And after
    	  two or three years he, too, found a home.  He hissed and bit
    	  the woman who took him, but she laughed and said, "Everyone
    	  deserves a chance to be happy" and marched out the door with
    	  him.  I guess she called later to say that he was a big
    	  affectionate blob at her house and doing quite well.  A
    	  complete turnaround....  Right Yonee?

    Yup! Good old Ollie! What a Curmudgeon he was at the shelter! Last we
    heard, he's just a big love bug to his new person. How did you put it
    Nancy, Every old sock has a shoe that fits it? Something like that
    anyway. 
    
    Casper was another success story. He was so aggressive that we never
    thought he'd get a home, but this divorced guy came and took him home
    to be his pal, and he's also doing great! 
    
    Ya just never know! ;-)
    
     Yonee

    
    I loved Casper...
    
    And I don't have a white cat....   YET!!!  ;-)
    
    N

    I received my new issue of the PB newsletter the other day and inside
    is a great picture of Sandy Merritt with her sister!!  
    K

    Shucks...being famous for being the pooper-scooper of the
    quarter...is something I could have done without!!!
    
    Sandy

    Don't know if I already mentioned this, but ....
    
    I got Babycakes (formerly Bug Eyes) the Tuesday after Christmas
    (thanks, Sandy) from PBS .... when I got the newsletter, I scanned the
    list of adopters, and saw before mine the name of people I work with in
    Maynard .... she sits in the very next Cubicle!!!! small world, huh?
    
    Also, I was pleased to see that Psycho found a home.
    
    

    I read the first 10 or so notes in this string and can't find the phone
    number and its not in the new Worcester phone book.  Can someone please
    supply the phone number and address?
    
    Thanks
    Joyce

    
       Telephone numbers:
    
          Adoptions:     508-582-4539
          Shelter:       508-582-6116
    
    
       Address for mail/donations:
    
       Pat Brody Shelter for Cats
       PO Box 142
       Lunenburg, Ma  01462
    
    
       If you need specific directions to the shelter please contact
       the shelter to schedule an appointment because we do not have
       full coverage 24 hours a day.  At that point they will provide
       clear directions on how to get there.
    
    
    

    
               ********************************
                          Bosco Fund
               ********************************
    
    The Pat Brody Shelter has a special donation effort going on right
    now to save one of our shelter kitties named Bosco.   Bosco is a
    young male who has a very huge hernia and needs an operation. Because 
    of the size of the hernia, our local vet has suggested that this 
    operation be completed by either Tufts or Dr Shunk (specialist).
    The estimated cost will be between $300-400.
    
    Bosco is a sweet black/white boy who is full of energy and acts
    like there is nothing wrong with him even though the hernia is
    very huge.  The danger to Bosco is if the hernia should burst...we
    will definitely lose him.  
    
    The shelter can normally cover the cost of spaying/neutering
    testing of our shelter cats...but Bosco needs special help and 
    the volunteers are trying to collect enough funds to save him!
    
    If you would like to contribute to the Bosco Fund please make
    your check payable to the Pat Brody Shelter For Cats. (please
    note it is for the Bosco Fund).   You can mail it PO Box 142,
    Lunenburg, Ma. 01462
    
    Sandy
                                                                  

    Sandy,
    
     What a wonderful thing you and the others are trying to do for Bosco!
    I was just about to write out a check, and ARGH!!!! no checks in my
    book!! 
    
     If I go home at lunch, I'll get some, and the check will go out today.
    Otherwise it will be tomorrow. What an airhead I am lately! I've been
    out of checks for two days! You'd think I get n the ball! ;-)
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee

    I lied, I'm sorry! Airhead that I am, I just finally remembered to put
    checks in my checkbook! DAH! So, the check really IS in the mail today!
    ;-)
    
    If my head wasn't atteched these days......  8-)
    
    Yonee
    
    P.S. Any idea how the fundraising is going for the operatio

    Thanks Yonee from Bosco!!  As of last Wednesday we had approximately
    $120 saved up for the little guy!!!  I'll keep you posted...
    
    Sandy

    The following two young cats were rescued by the shelter at about
    8 weeks of age.   They lived under a porch with a very wild Mother!
    The shelter had fostered both these cats (separately)in homes where
    the Foster Mom worked very hard to get them socialized.  Both of them
    have reached a point where they are adoptable but still a little 
    scared so they will need a home with patience and alot of love.
    
    Fergie: Young female (approximately 6 months old) with semi long
    hair of white/peach/gray! Fergie loves food....and loves affection!
    Fergie has lived with multiple other cats, dogs and many kids and
    even if she is still a bit scared she has come along way.
    
    Di:  Yound female (approximately 6 months old) with short hair of
    white/peach/gray.   Di has gray markings around her eyes which makes
    her green eyes look like emeralds.   
    
    The coloring on these two girls is absolutely beautiful.  Even though
    they are littermates they actually do not get along with each other
    (since they were separated in foster homes) so they do not have to
    be adopted together.
    
    Both have been spayed, Feluk/FIV negative, no mites/worms, and have
    had their booster shots and Rabies shot.
    
    If you are interested in adopting one of these girls, please send me
    a note off-line and I will give you the number of the foster mom who
    currently is taking care of them.
    
    Sandy
    
                                         

    The shelter has been requested to provide 8 stewards to the cat show
    in Portsmouth, NH at the end of August. (I believe it is Aug 28th
    and 29th).  Normally we have young volunteers who help us do the
    stewarding, but these same volunteers will be working many other
    cat shows this summer and Priscilla didn't want to ask them to go
    all the way to NH.  Priscilla has asked me to put a note in 
    this file to find out if there would be any volunteers that would 
    like to assist us that weekend and help raise money for the shelter.
    (we normally get between $300-$400 for stewarding!!)  Young teens
    (over 13) are also welcome!!
    
    The stewards are the folks that sit in the judging ring and disinfect
    the cages between cats and do some "running" for the judges and clerks.
    (bring forms to tables, go get more paper towels etc).  They normally
    are not responsible for cleaning poop/pee!!  It is not difficult work 
    but it is a long day (9:00-5:00 normally)...but you do get the best
    seat in the house to watch the judging!!!
    
    Priscilla needs to find out if we have enough volunteers to cover
    this show because she has to commit our attendance to the cat club by 
    the end of June.   The shelter has a very hectic fundraising schedule
    this summer, so we are reaching out for new volunteers to assist us
    with this particular show.  It will be very important that if you
    say you can volunteer that you ensure you really can commit to that
    particular time frame. (it is to difficult to find last minute 
    volunteers to cover at the last moment)
    
    If your interested, please send me a note offline (willee::merritt)
    and let me know if you'd be interested in working one of the days...
    or both of the days!!   Thanks.....
    
    Sandy
    
     
    

    Wow, the club is going to give the shelter $300-$400 to provide
    stewards??  That is good money. We usually get our stewards from the
    4-H, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, but we only pay them about $200 plus
    provide them with lunch.  
    
    Jo

    I agree Jo...it's nice money for the shelter!!  And they also buy
    the volunteers lunch!!!   Karen Fallon's club was the first to
    ask our shelter to do the stewarding...and now it's catching on
    with other clubs.   We have three shows this summer that we have
    been asked to do the stewarding!!  Now all we need to do is find
    more volunteers...the ones we have are starting to burn-out 
    (like me)!!!!
    
    Sandy

    Sandy and Pam,
    
    I've got some excess craft supplies for you.  Lots of little marbles. 
    Some crackled on the inside, some not.  The ones that aren't, I can
    show you how to "crack" if you want.  There's also some pipecleaner
    type things, beads, and a lot of other stuff.
    
    Hey Pam, wanna get together in a couple of weeks?  Hopefully I'll have
    turkey kittens to socialize! (-:
    
    Holly
    

    Sounds like Holly has kittens due!! :')
    
    Jo

    Holly...the shelter can always use excess craft stuff...we have
    some pretty talented folks (Pam...being the most talented) that
    try to come up with new ideas for new material.  Okay everyone...
    what can we do/make with marbles??  Could they be cats eyes???
    
    I'd love to see the little Turks when they are born!!!
    
    Sandy

    Sandy, you're MORE Than welcome to come visit turkey kittens too! 
    We'll have to have a "socialize kittens" gathering at my house! (-:
    
    Yes Jo, I have turkey kittens due Father's Day weekend.  I have kept 
    it quiet because of the problems she had last time.  Here's hoping 
    that things work out this time.  I'm being skeptical at best.  
    Especially considering what happened last weekend (I'll put another 
    note in about that in a bit). 
    
    What's really exciting is that my mother has cornish rex kittens due
    the same weekend!  PIMA is so big, she looks like she'll explode!! 
    Kyra isn't nearly as big as she is, but she's due before PIMA.
    
    If either of you want to stop by my house at any time, let me know. 
    I've got the craft stuff all in a bag for you.  I'm also planning on
    making you some kitty beds (when I have some "spare" time!  Ugh!!).
    
    Holly
    

    The Pat Brody Shelter has just passed another historical moment!!!
    I am SO HAPPY to announce that the Shelters Feluk Positive cats have
    moved to their new isolation house as of June 18th!!
    
    Prior to going in their new home...each kitty was bathed,
    checked/treated for earmites/worms and my last picture of them they
    were all happily sitting on their new cat trees, basking in the sun,
    and washing themselved dry!!  What a wonderful picture!!!  The new
    shelter is a big sunny room with many windows and beautiful new cat
    furniture (boy did Priscilla get a DEAL).  There is a small outdoor
    enclosed area so they can enjoy the sun and feel the warm summer 
    breeze. (and the semi-ferals cats can hide under the stairs!!)
    
    for those of you who have seen the old shelter...you must understand
    the joy of moving them to their new one.  The old one...was built with
    love and has a alot of wonderful moments...but it truly has served it's
    time!!!  I believe it was being held together with love!!!
    
    Special thanks to my buddy, Yvonne who helped with this special event!!
    We both took a vacation day on Friday and we worked our butts off until 
    4:30 that night!!!  (what a day off...it would have been easier to
    come to work!!)   Of course Priscilla took advantage of having two
    hard working volunteers spend the day at the shelter!!!  Thanks Yonee!!
    
    And...welcome to your new home you wonderful kitties!! I was so
    thrilled to be the one to help move/bath Tigger.  Tigger was one of
    the kitties I rescued from my neighborhood...and it broke my heart
    (and Jan's who was going to adopt him) when he tested positive!! 
    
    Sandy

    Sandi,
    I am very pleased that you have all reached this goal!  Give my best to
    Priscilla and all who have helped.  Say hello to Linda's husband too! 
    Poor guy,  he is so good about manning the booth!
    Karen

    Yup! I was there for the final day of the old FELUK house! I helped get
    the last four non-feral cats out with Sandy, and helped get the last
    four ferals put of the carriers! I only saw the old shelter that one
    time, and the cats seemed happy enough, but they were in a pretty
    drafty building, and so far away from the new building! I was so happy
    to see the new kids take to the new shlter so readily! It seemed like
    no stress at all, because they saw the other kitties they already knew! 
    
    What a great historic day, and I was really proud to be part of it,
    even though, as Sandy stated, I worked my butt off! ;-) I need to lose
    a lot more of it though! ;-)
    
    Sandy, thatnks for thinking of me fotr the wonderful offer of working
    me to death Friday! ;-) I had a great time, and my heart was singing on
    my way home!
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee

    What is happening to the old shelter.....I saw a flyer
    from some orginatation looking for $$$ which claims to be
    using the old Pat brody shelter....and using her shelter name.
    
    Comments?  Want more info.
    

    The original two sheds that held the healthy cats was donated to
    another shelter called the 2nd Chance Cat Shelter.  The person
    stripped the old sheds, reinsulated, added storm windows and
    is currently being used for many rescue cats.  That is a legit small
    shelter...and the person is a very caring animal person.   We
    had an article regarding these sheds and that shelter in one of our 
    newsletters!!   We thougth Pat Brody would be happy to know her
    original shelters were STILL being used for rescuing cats!!
    
    The old Feluk house will be stripped and reinsulated, but Mrs.
    Stacy who owns the dog kennel (the old shelters were on her
    property) has decided to keep this shed and use it for the dogs.
    
    Hope this clears it up....
    
    Sandy

    
    	I'm going to see Pat Brody tomorrow (Saturday) with the
    	intent of adopting a (one) cat ........... sigh....
    
    	Why do I feel like I should borrow a station wagon?!
    
    	
    	I'm also bringing along two friends, both cat lovers ...
    	so we may need a U'Haul

    RE -.1
    
    Need to borrow some carriers? ;-)  There are many wonderful kitties at
    PBS. I hope several of them pick you, and you have to bring tham all
    home!!!! 8-) 
    
    Kidding, but I hope at least one really neat kitty picks you that day!
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee

    
    	Oh, I'm SURE at least one will pick me up! 
    
    	What I forgot to mention is that I have a six year old Tiggr at 
    	home already. Tiggr is an 18lb orange tiger who seems friendly 
    	... we'll soon find out. I'm hoping to find a playmate, other 
    	than me, for the 3:00am chase-the-ball routine.
    
    	Heidi 

    Heidi,
    
     Just remember that Tiggr (love that name) may not be too friendly at
    theh start, but if you give him and the new kitty time to work out the
    pecking order, I'm sure they will be good buddies in a couple to a few
    weeks.
    
     Good luck, and have a ball at the shelter!
    
    Yonee
    
    P.S. I know from first hand experience that the kitties love meat
    variety baby foods for oa treat/snack, if you're so inclined! I was in
    kitty overdose one day with about 30 cats crawling all over me while I
    sat in the middle of the floor, with baby food on all fingers at once!
    I just knew I had visited heaven for a short time! ;-)
    
    

Hi everybody, I just talked to Priscilla about returning
some kittens we are currently fostering for the shelter 
and she shared the news that they are in SERIOUS finanical
difficulties -- over $5K in debt!  

If anyone can spare them any donations it would be most
appreciated, they are desperately needed.  Priscilla has 
decided to basically close down the shelter until they 
can pay off some of the debt.

They will still adopt out animals and need to reduce their
current headcount both to find the cats/kittens loving
homes and to reduce their operating expenses.  She only
as two or three appointments for this weekend, with this
economy people just aren't taking on new mouths to feed.

But they will not be taking in any new ones for the forseeable
future -- she even asked me to keep my 13 wk old kittens
another week or two!  They'll be growing out of the cute
kitten stage and into the 'young cat' (which is just as
cute to me but younger kittens probably have wider appeal
to the general public) but since she isn't adopting any out
right now she really felt they were better off staying at
my house rather than crowded into the shelter.

If you know anyone looking for a cat or kitten, or who has
money to donate -- send them along!  Priscilla sounded very
discouraged, we can't let her down after all the good work
she has done (with a lot of help from wonderful shelter
volunteers, right Sandy?).

Thanks for listening,

JanB

p.s.  the kittens I described in note 502 (about Cindy B.)
that were born without upper eyelids have just had their
first round of surgery to correct it -- $1200 for the
three of them.  How many shelters would even risk that
amount of money for three stray kittens!?!

    Put the address here on where to send money.
    
    Thanks
    
    Sandy

    The address for the PBS is:
    
    
       Pat Brody Shelter for Cats  (Make checks payable to this)
    	P.O. Box 142
    	Lunenburg, MA 01462
    
    
    
    Don't forget to send matching gift forms if you plan to donate 25.00 or
    more! Or maybe you could double up with someone to make the amount
    equal 25.00 or more! 
    
    Yonee, (who helps out whenever she can at this shelter also)

    
    	For those of you who volunteer at the shelter and know
    	some of the cats ... I am proud to announce that I was
    	adopted by Jebb White this weekend.
                                     
    	He is a very loving little guy, who singled me out following
    	me from room to room and tapping me on the shoulder whenever
    	I turned around to pat another kitty. He's about a year and a half
    	old, basically white with buff markings, and has the sweetest
    	disposition! He likes to butt you with his head and rub his face
    	all over you.
    
    	Last night I brought him home and he settled right in like he owns
    	the place, totally ignoring my 6 yr old ... which did NOT go over
    	real well. Tiggr hisses whenever Jebb approaches, then looks at
    	me and purrs .... he's all hot air! No claws or fur flying and
    	I suspect they'll be just fine by the time I get home tonight.
    
    	We dropped off some food last night and when we arrived someone
    	else had left a food donation at the shelter door - thank you who
    	ever it was! It seems like there are lots of caring folks who
    	donate time, food, and money ... BUT the expenses far outweigh
    	these. Priscilla told me that they spend approximately $100 per
    	cat (vet check-up) when they are received into the shelter, and
    	that's before feeding - they only ask for a $40 donation when 
    	you adopt!  	
    
    	I'm thrilled to welcome Jebb into my home and will be making
    	regular donations I'm sure. BTW a case (24 cans) of Friskies
    	is $5.99 at BJs and a 20 lb bag of Meow Mix is $9.49.
    
    	Heidi

    Heidi,
    
     Congrats on your new addition! I just knew someone great would pick
    you! ;-) Sounds like he's settling in quickly. Shelter cats usually do
    though, I think. It's the already established at home cats that take a
    little more time usually. Glad to hear there were no fireworks when you
    got home! That's a real good sign.
    
     Keep us up to date on stories, and how he's doing! I love it when a
    plan comes together! ;-)
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee

    Great news...I know Jebb very well!!!  He's a beautiful kitty
    and I'm so glad he choose you as his new owner!!   Please continue
    to provide updates....and don't forget to send pictures to the
    shelter.   
    
    Glad to see your other cat kind of accepted him.  If there was going
    to be a nasty battle...it would have happened already!
    
    Sandy (PB volunteer)
    
    

    
    	Well, the hissing stoped by end of day 2. Now they are more
    	or less friends, but not buddies. Poor Jebb wants to play
    	but Tiggr still keeps a polite distance. When they pass in
    	the hall or rooms it's nose to nose, but then they go their
    	separate ways. They ususally don't stay together in the same 
    	room but I caught them both sleeping on the bed together the
    	other day. Tiggr's problem seems to be more with me rather
    	than Jebb at this point; his nose is still lsightly out of
    	joint so I'm paying a little more attention to him.
    
    
    	Jebb is just a luv though, such a sweet disposition, and such
    	a loud purr! He just seems to take everything in stride and
    	nothing bothers him. Definitely a lap cat though .... if you
    	even bend over to pick up something he's in your face purring
    	away.
    
    	Pictures will be sent soon - got to get some film...
    
    	Heidi

    There was a nice article in the Sunday Worcester Telegram about
    the Pat Brody Shelter.   There is a great picture of Priscilla holding
    Jeffery one of the shelter kitties who just recently was adopted.
    
    The article discusses how the shelter is continuing after Pat passed
    away,  where some of the cats are rescued, our new buildings, some
    of our future goals, and it even discusses our Craft Committee and
    other fund raising events we do!!!  
    
    If anyone would like a copy of the article...just send me a note 
    off-line!! 
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Hi,
    
       I was wondering if the directions to the PBS is in this topic
    somewhere?   If so, could someone give me a pointer to the note?
    
    I belong to a food service and ordered several cases of Friskee's
    buffet food only to find that my cat will not eat them...   Rather than
    keep trying to feed them to her and wasteing them, I would like to
    donate them to the shelter.   Although it isn't much, I would think
    that any little bit would help...
    
    Thanks,
    Sarah
    

    Sarah.....
    
    Believe me every bit does help...and thanks for thinking of the
    Pat Brody Shelter.
    
    It would be best if you contact them via phone and coordinate your
    visit.   We do not have full time coverage at the shelter...so it
    would have to be coordinated to ensure somebody is there 
    when you arrive to greet you!!
    
    
    Sandy

    Is the phone number listed somewhere?    I'll ask for directions when I
    call...  What city is it located?   Is there anyone that works in the
    Hudson/Marlboro area that works at the shelter?  If so, perhaps I can
    bring the cat food to work and meet so that the food can get to the
    shelter.
    
    
    Sarah

  I have sent mail to Sarah that I'm in MRO3 and would be willing to take
  the food to the PB Shelter for her.

  Debbi

    I know the phone number is in here...somewhere, but I'll post it
    again.
    
                   508-582-6116     Shelter
                   508-582-4539     Adoptions only
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Regarding Bosco.....shelter kitty with a hernia!
    
    I am finally happy to say that Bosco is recovering from his hernia
    operation very well.   The poor baby cannot have any exercise for
    atleast 3 weeks and must be caged.   He has this huge Elizabethan
    Collar on.....and the baby still is purring up a storm and wanting
    very much to be held and loved.
    
    I wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the Bosco Operation
    fund and saved this little guy!!   If anyone is interested in 
    adopting Bosco (after his recovery of course) please contact
    the shelter at 508-582-6116 or  508-582-4539!   Bosco is a very
    special kitty who wants so much love...and you are very special
    people for saving his life.
    
    Sandy

    I know this probably isn't the right place for this note but:
    
    I've been a basket-case all day because my kitten is being spayed
    today!  I got her from the Pat Brody Shelter last June - she was
    Mrs. Mechanics Kitten #1 (I think) - the one who looks like a Bluepoint
    Siamese with some white on her.
    
    I KNOW she's going to be ok...I KNOW this is the right thing to
    do...I've done this to EVERY cat I've owned but she looked so scared
    and confused this morning when I dropped her off at the vet.  I can't
    call till 3:00 and the closer it's gets to 3 the more I worry.
    
    No other reason to write - just needed to "talk" to people who understand
    (and care).
    
    I can pick her up tomorrow at 9 AM...can't wait!
    
    (Her name is Princess Jasmine by the way).
    
    Thanks for listening.
    
    Linda

    Linda,
    
     I know how awful it can be to have to leave a confused scared kitty at
    the vet. We can tell you not to worry till we are blue in the face, but
    you still will, just as every one of us would do in your place. It's a
    rule I think, that the Moms/Dads have to worry.
    
     Just try not to worry too much. I'm sure she will be just fine. You
    are smart to leave her until tomorrow, so you don't have to watch her
    come out of the groggies. That's pretty sad in itself. My Furby looked
    like she OD'd on catnip when she got home! It was sort of funny, but
    when I remembered she had no control over it, it was sort of sad too.
    She came home hungry though! ;-)
    
     I'll be thinking about you and your kitty until you let us all know
    she is fine. Keep the faith! 3:00 is almost here!
    
    
    Love,
    
     Yonee

    Well, just called the vets and Princess is waking up nicely.  Of
    course, now that she's through the surgery I will now switch my
    worrying to thinking of her alone in a cage all night and not cuddled
    up next to me in bed!  I think I live to torture myself!
    
    After I get her tomorrow the next roadblock will be convincing my
    husband that she needs to come up north with us this weekend to my
    inlaws.  I don't feel comfortable leaving her at home alone after just
    having surgery.  She plays too roughly with one of my other cats and I
    would worry about her stitches.
    
    Thanks for the kind words, Yonee!
    
    Linda

    Linda,
    
     Don't worry about her too much being alone in a cage tonight. She will
    be groggy for quite a while, and probably sleep most of the time. She
    is probably better off being confined for the night, so she won't
    chance hurting herself by trying to move around and maybe losing her
    balance. 
    
     If you need any back up about taking her with you this weekend though,
    I'm all for it, even though she will probably not play too hard for a
    few days. Don't tell hubby I said that though! 8-} ;-)
    
     Let us all know how she is when you get her home. Glad she came
    through the surgery fine! Give her 'gentle' hugs from me will you?
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee

    Yonee,
    
    Just wanted to let you know that Princess came home this morning and is
    doing FINE.  She was VERY glad to see me - when she first got home my
    dog was so excited to see her he almost wouldn't let her out of her
    carrier because he wanted to give her doggy kisses.  Princess must have
    rubbed against my legs 100+ times.  She is now sleeping happily on my
    bed.
    
    My husband has (reluctantly) agreed that she can come up north with us
    this weekend.  I feel badly making her go back in the cat carrier but
    she can ride in the back with our dog and they can keep each other
    company.  Beats worrying about her all weekend!
    
    I think my son was more concerned than I was - she usually sleeps with
    him and he was TOTALLY depressed last night when she wasn't there with
    him.
    
    So, she's now officially "fixed" and has started her Feline leukemia
    boosters...I've promised her she doesn't need to stay at the vets again
    for [hopefully] forever!  Although she does have to go back in a month
    for her next Feleuk shot.
    
    Thanks again for your kind words.  I needed them!
    
    Linda

    Linda!
    
     I'm so glad Princess is home and relaxing comfortably! ;-) Good job
    getting hubby to let her go with you this weekend! I would worry about
    her home alone also. Sounds like she and the dog are best buddies! Godd
    traveling companions for the trip!
    
     Give her kitty hugs and paw pats from me and my crew! IO knew she'd be
    all right, but who cann EVER tell a Mom/Dad not to worry about their
    furface, right? ;-)
    
     Glad all went well and she's home.
    
    Love,
    
     Yonee

    Yonee,
    
    Bailey (my dog) was WELL trained as a puppy that CATS RULE - DOGS DROOL
    (for those of you who have seen Homeward Bound)!  He learned his lesson
    well and lets our cats do ANYTHING to him!  Of our three cats, Dude
    (the "middle"cat) is absolutetly in love with him - when she comes in
    the first "person" she greets is Bailey!  Princess has NEVER been
    afraid of him - from her first day here they have been good friends.
    
    [Mods - no more "personal" conversations in this note - promise!]
    
    Linda

    I just have to share this wonderful news......
    
       Psycho, a shelter kitty with a heart disease has found a
       wonderful new home with a man from Boston!!   Psycho is
       about 5 years old and has spent his last three years
       at the shelter.   He has taken his heart medication for
       the last three years and so far he is in perfect health!!
    
       Psycho was a kitty which all the volunteers thought would
       never find a home because most people did not want to deal
       with pilling a cat everyday.   BUT...this wonderful man
       fell in love and has promised us that Psycho will be spoiled..
       he will have great vet care...and will be loved forever!
    
       I was very lucky to be at the shelter for this adoption...and
       once I saw this man hugging Psycho...and Psycho was eating it
       all up....I know the Christmas Angel was watching over this kitty!!
       Of course...tears were streaming down my face!!!   
    
       What a wonderful X-mas gift for Psycho...he found a new home!!
       BUT...boy will we miss him at the shelter!!    As Priscilla always
       says "Each shelter kitty WILL find that right person...it just
       takes time"!!   Merry Christmas to Psycho...
    
    Sandy

    Will the shelter be open/can be open on the 26th of december (sunday).
    I saw a posting on the internet where someone wants an adult cat
    to pick up on the 26th since they will only be in boston at that
    time.
    
    Sandy

    
	Since the shelter operates by appointments only I suggest
        you/he/she calls ahead. For an adoption I'm sure someone
        will be there - probably half of the staff & volunteers!
    
    
       Telephone numbers:
    
          Adoptions:     508-582-4539
          Shelter:       508-582-6116
    
    
    

    Yes! Definitely call and make an appointment. This is the only way the
    PBS does adoptions as far as I now. As long as there is a chance of a
    kitty getting a home, I'm sure there will be someone available to open
    the shelter! 
    
    Yonee

    We decided to shut down the adoptions at the shelter from Dec 21-25...
    but as long as they call and make an appointment with Priscilla for 
    the 26th.,,,,I'm sure they can work it out.
    
    We are shutting down during that time to stop the "urge" for someone
    to pick up a kitten/cat as a last minute present!   We are already
    getting some "weird" calls.....and have turned away some folks.  
    
    Your friend should call ahead...and make the appointment.
         
         508-582-4539   or    508-582-6116 
    
    

    Special Needs Kitty:   Tested Positive for Feluk.
    
          Beautiful young female Siamese kitty who has tested
          positive for Feline Leukimia.   This little kitty has
          beautiful light aqua eyes....and is absolutely gorgeous.
          She is also one of the sweetest, loving kitties you can
          find and will roll on her belly for you to pat it.  She
          is a sweetheart....and we would love to find her a home
          where she will be an only indoor cat or live with other
          Feluk positive kitties.
    
      If you would like more info on this kitty please write to me
      off-line or contact Priscilla directly. 
    
      Sandy

    17.136:   The young female Siamese kitty who has tested positive
    for Feluk has found a wonderful new home.  (Ya hoo)   This is
    the third Feluk Kitty from the Pat Brody shelter that has been
    adopted in the last two months.   
    
    Also...for all of you who helped the Bosco Fund for his Hernia
    Operation....Bosco has found a wonderful new home with one of
    the shelter volunteers.   Priscilla had hand-fed Bosco when he
    was born...and pampered him when he had the Hernia...she had a 
    VERY hard time giving him up because it had to be that "perfect"
    owner!!    
    
           Thank you all for saving Bosco and letting him live
           a well deserved pampered life!!!
    
    
    Sandy
           

    Big Hugs and Kisses goes to Len who visited the shelter Sunday
    afternoon and took many pictures of the shelter cats.  The
    pictures will be used for our Sponsor Program as well as
    for any adoption advertising we do!!   I know Len got some
    wonderful shots...and I can't wait to see the pictures!!!!
    
    The shelter volunteers and kitties really appreciate your
    kindness and all the attention you and Sandy gave them!!!
    
    Sandy 

    Just wanted to let you know that the Pat Brody Shelter will
    be on Leominster Access TV (ch 29)on Sept 6th on the Barbara and
    You show!  I have the pleasure of being one of the volunteers
    who will be on TV, and of course we'll have a few cats with us!!
    
    This is just the beginning...another volunteer is trying to
    get us on the Fitchburg Access TV (CH 36) and our hope is to run
    some segments at the shelter that can be re-run throughout
    an entire month on both stations!
    
    Stay tuned...I'm hoping to tape the show so I might have
    a tape available for viewing!!!
    
    Sandy
    
    
    
    

    
    
    Since I live on the seacoast of NH, I probably won't get these channels
    but will love to borrow the tape ;-)
    
    Shaw

    I keep razzing Sandy about being a "star" after being on TV!
    I can tell everyone "I knew her when"...
    
    ;-)

    Ya...I knew her when she scooped poop for a living!!!  My concern
    is this is a LIVE program so I'll have to watch my mouth!!  Can
    you just imagine..."what do you mean your outdoor cat has had 
    10 litter......BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP!!"
    
    Pam...I'm nominating you for our first NATATIONAL TV show!!  I'll
    stick with the little cable company!!!
    
    Sandy  

    Oh, Sandy, that would be worth watching!!  I wish I had access to that
    cable channel!
    

    Well, maybe we can tape it... and that would be a great excuse
    for another feline get-together!!
    
    Pam

    Yesterday my mother took an elderly friend to the Pat Brody Shelter
    to pick out a cat.  After spending quite a while looking, petting,
    and holding all the cats the woman decided to adopt an adult female
    kitty named Sarah.
    
    My mother was *very* impressed at the way the shelter was run, how
    clean everything was, how well the cats were treated.  She couldn't
    say enough good things about the shelter.  
    
    While at the shelter she came w/in inches of adopting 2 more cats 
    herself (George and Apricot).  She figures that 4 cats is enough 
    right now though (although she's doing her best to get a family
    member to adopt them!).
    
    I'm looking forward to stopping in to see the place myself.  I don't
    know if I'll have the will power to walk away empty handed though...
    
    Sharon (and my 2 adoptees Pumpkin and Sammie...)
      
    
    

    Sharon....
    
    Thanks for the note...and I'm sure your Mom's friend will enjoy
    Sarah.   I'm not real positive which kitty Sarah or George are...
    but I do know Apricot very well and he is such a LOVING beautiful
    boy!!!
    
    I love hearing rave reviews because I do feel our shelter is
    unique and all the volunteers work so hard to keep it clean!
    I look back to where we were three years ago...and it is amazing
    how we have grown!!!
    
    Your note put a BIG smile on my face!!!
    
    Sandy

    
    
    Sandy,
    
    Since I travel to Gardner to see my folks periodically,
    can I just 'drop in' or do I have to call first if I want
    to come see the kitties and drop off some food or litter?
    
    Thanks
    
    JJ

    JJ...it's best you call because we don't have full time
    volunteers that stay there all day.   Anytime you want to
    drop by...just let me know and I'll meet you there.  I
    haven't seen you for awhile so it would be nice to visit
    with you!!!!!  There are ALOT of cats/kittens there right now!!!
    
    Sandy

    Well the shelter had our BIG deput on the Barbara and You show
    which is shown on our local cable television in Fitchburg/Leominster
    and other surrounding towns!!   It went very WELL considering it
    was "live" and we had 4 cats with us!!  I had awful visions of 
    "what could have happened"!!!!
    
    This particular show was suppose to be a 1/2 hour, but the people
    who were suppose to have the first segment did not show up,so we got
    to spend an hour talking about the shelter!!!  Barbara asked if we
    could S.T.R.E.T.C.H. our discussion for the entire hour and I said 
    "no problem...I can talk about our shelter for 2 hours".!!!
    
    We featured 4 cats (HiTor, Magic #3, Turk, and Blackie Moreway) who
    all behaved very well and will hopefully get adopted.  Little Magic 
    stole the show because she wouldn't sit still so we let her run
    around the studio and the cameraman was having a very good time
    with her.  He got some adorable close-ups of her with her head in
    a baby food jar and rolling on the carpet!!
    
    We also touched based on the importance of spay/neutering, declawing, 
    cat behaviour, food/toys, success stories, and our shelters programs 
    such as visiting nursing homes, craft committee etc!!!  They even opened 
    up the phone lines and we received 4 calls asking us questions or just
    thanking us for doing a GREAT job for the community.
    
    AFter the show the producer asked us if we would like to start a
    monthly segment just featuring our Shelter cats, opening up phone
    lines for an Q&A, possibly getting one of our vets to appear in
    one of the shows,  and also doing field trips to the shelter.  
    So our goal is to do "Live" shows once a month and then cable will 
    run the show the entire month.  (ha ha Pam...do I have a bargain for
    you!!!)  
    
    Overall...I thought it was GREAT and hopefully the show will help
    us get more donations, new volunteers, and adoptions!!!
    
    Sandy   
    
    
    

    Sandy and another volunteer, Kathy Goguen, were stars the other
    night - they did a great job!  I don't think I could have gone
    on LIVE TV without getting really nervous, babbling, or saying
    something I shouldn't have said!
    
    Great job Sandy!

   Sandy,

    good for you !!! I ***KNOW** you can talk about the shelter for hours,
    that's for sure !!

    did anyone TAPE the show ??  I wasn't able to watch it but would love
    to borrow a tape if it's available..............

    Debbi & the Burrage Ave. Menagerie

    I have a tape, and I'm sure Sandy's hubby taped it for her, since
    she couldn't see herself on live TV!  I think someone said it's
    going to be repeated on Friday.  Do you get the Leominster access
    station (channel 29 - Cablevision?)
    
    If not, let me know - I can loan you the tape.
    
    Pam

    I was very nervous when I first sat down...but once they started
    asking me cat questions...I loosened right up!!!!  After awhile
    it just felt like I was sitting there with friends chatting!!!
    
    Barbara is a great talk show host because she really kept the
    conversation going!!  Even though my worse fear happened...she
    asked me "how many cats do you have at home"...and all I said
    was MANY!!  She then pressured me and said "well how many is many"..
    and I quitely said TWELVE!!!  The look on Barbara's face was precious...
    as my husband sat at home and said "oh my god...she admited to
    having 12 cats on TV!!!"
    
    The show will be shown again on Friday night at 7:00 on Channel 29,
    but if you can't catch it then, I also have it taped!!     
    
    Sandy

   Does anyone know what time on Friday ??  I do get Leominster cable, so I
   expect I'll "get" the show - if someone can tell me what time, maybe I'll
   even remember to set my OWN VCR to tape it this time ?!?!?!?!?

   Thanks, Pam !

woops, notes collision between sandy's answer before i even got the question 
out !!!! hey, the girl is GOOD !!!!!!!!!!

    Sandy,
    
    I think you meant to say "only 12".
    
    
    Deb (with only 9)

    The Pat Brody Shelter will be deputing our very own television
    show on November 16th from 7:00-7:30 on Channell 29.   This will be
    a LIVE monthly show and the cable station intends to run the film
    a few times during the month.   This is quite different then what
    we did a few months ago on the Barbara and You show because it is
    OUR show..and there won't be anyone there to prompt questions. 
    (yes...I'm nervous!!)   We're thinking of calling it the Pat Brody
    Shelter Kitty Corner!  Any ideas are welcome!!!
                        
    We're working on the specific details for the 1st show...and part of
    it will be a tour of the shelter and featuring a few cats for adoption.
    Our thoughts are each show will contain one or two topics...BUT every
    show will atleast feauture a few cats.  Some thoughts on topics are:
    
       o Review all our shelter programs
       o Feature our Feluk Cats and discuss the disease
       o Discuss cats with disabilities...(feature some)
       o Ask the Vet (we'll ask one of our vets to join us)
       o Spay/Neuter
       o Open phone calls for questions regarding shelter or kitty
         questions.
       o And then we were thinking about featuring specific topics...
         such as Fleas, Parasites, diseases, Introducing new cats etc...
    
    I'd be interested in hearing any ideas you have on what you would like
    to see/hear if you turned on the TV and there was a show on Cats and
    Shelters!!!   
                  
    Sandy  (who's hoping to make it to Prime Time TV some day)
    
    

    Gee, a real-live TV star, right in our very midsts : )
    You don't suppose Greater Media Cable from Worcester will pick it up?
    I'd love to see the show!
    I'd also love to see a quick spot on "litter box" problems, like when
    to see the vet, how to "retrain" a cat that has forgotten to use the
    box. Maybe also include cleaning recommendation for when they do
    happen to use something other than the box.  I seem to find a lot of
    people dumping their cats because they pee in the house. Maybe some
    education would help. Talk about unneutered males spraying, etc. 
    Also, discipline techniques - like the squirt gun and balloons. Teach
    people not to smack their cats if they misbehave!
    Definitely stay away from de-clawing...too controversial!
    And always, always show lots of kitties available for adoption.  Always
    open with a camera pan of all the cats available.  The sheer numbers
    should prompt plenty of people to try to help out by taking at least
    one cat (yeah, like who would take only one??)
    Good luck Sandy!  Will you be doing book signings and autograph events
    soon? : )
    Sarah 

	Sounds marvelous, Sandy!!  Best of luck to you!!!  I don't have any
	ideas now, but will try to think of some!

	Laura

    Neat!  Do you think Shrewsbury Cable might pick it up - you can ask, I
    think they're always looking for new shows ....
    
    Good luck!
    
    					- Andrea

    I doubt other Cable stations will be picking up this particular show
    because what we have found is if we want to do the same thing on the 
    Fitchburg Cable Station (Ch 36) we would have to do ANOTHER live show 
    because cable stations don't share cable programs.
    
    The only other way possible would be for the Shelter to create their
    own Video and pass it out to multiple cable stations. Of course..that
    way it wouldn't be live and probably wouldn't be a monthly series...
    BUT that is a pretty good way to reach out further.
    
    Thanks for the ideas so far...and keep them coming!!!!
    
    Sandy

    Sandy,
    This is of course on a different vein...
    but I would like to see mention of cat clubs that
    have donated and/or helped the PBS.  Some members of a certain club
    have felt left out.  As in, the club has never been mentioned in the
    newsletter.  Substantial amounts have been donated.  It would be nice
    to know that "breeders and organizations" also care about the welfare
    of stray and unplanned animals.
    Karen
    

     .......so, wouldn't you know, I got home but was occupied with other
     "things" and missed the show !!!!!!!!    How'd it go, Sandy ???????
     Any idea of when they'll be re-airing it ?

     Debbi

    Hmmm...very interesting night!!!   I probably am putting more
    pressure on myself then I deserve but both Kathy and I had a 
    very rough night and felt it could have gone smoother!!!  Of
    course we were very well prepared...but I guess on LIVE TV
    anything can go wrong.  Boy..was I nervous because it is alot
    different then sitting on a show and being prompted with questions
    vs running the show!!!   I haven't even watched the tape yet...
    
    We started with a tour of the shelter...which we had to ablib
    through because after they edited the tape, the picture no 
    longer went with the words we had originally prepared!!  We planned
    to show more of the shelter...but instead the tape concentrated
    on the cats!!!
    
    We did feature four of our cats...Peaches, Hanu, Roadside, and
    Rox's...and that went pretty well, even though little Roadside
    disappeared off of the set and Hanu (Siamese) was very vocal
    throughout the show.
    
    This particular show will run for the next three Wednesday nights
    at 7:00.  Our plan is to do another live show on December 7th and
    we will be doing a Holiday special.  Our plan is to again feature
    cats (hoping they will wear big red bows..or antlers), discuss
    kitty Holiday Hazzards, and do the top 10 good/bad list of
    kitty toys!!! 
    
    According to my husband and Pam G....the show was pretty good...
    but I'm still afraid to watch the tape.  Of course...I had one
    good slip.  I was talking about future shows and stated we'd
    like to do a show on "special needs kitties"..such as cats with
    one eye...and what I meant to say was cats missing a leg...BUT
    it came out "cats with one leg".  Of course Pam nor my husband
    will never let me live that one down!!!!
    
    I'm sure with every show...we'll get better!!!!
    
    Sandy
    
    

    That's funny Sandy!  But there very well could be a cat with only one
    leg!
    Karen
    

    Update to TV show:  Channel 29
    
    I just wanted to let anyone in the Fitchburg/Leominster area know
    that we did our Live Christmas Pat Brody Kitty Corner show on 
    December 7th.  This re-run will probably run every Wednesday night
    at 7:00 for the next few weeks.  It was a fun show where we featured
    7 cats/kittens for adoption, had our 10 best/worse kitty toys, and
    also discussed some Kitty Holiday Hazzards.
    
    Our next Live show is scheduled for December 28th at 7:00 and the
    topic is Feluk Positive Cats.   We have a young high school 
    volunteer who is also a Girl Scout and is trying to win one of the
    highest Girl Scout Medals.  The project she has taken on is to
    educate the public on Feluk Positive Cats and her major goal is to 
    try to find homes for a few of the Shelter Positive Cats!
    Of course...we will have some of our kitties with us too!!!
    
    If you can...please tune in!!!
    
    Sandy

    One of our Saturday weekend cleaning teams is looking for new
    volunteers to assist one Saturday per month.  The cleaning crew
    is responsible for cleaning both the rooms and gages, doing dishes,
    laundry, scooping/cleaning litterboxes, medication, feeding etc...
    And of course giving the cats alot of love and attention.
    
    The teams consist of about 3-5 people and the hours are normally
    from 8:00-1:00 depending on the amount of work and team members.
    The key is to be dependable because there is alot of work and your
    team depends on you to be there.
    
    If you are interested in this particular Saturday Cleaning crew,
    please contact Kathy Goguen directly at 508-343-3134 and tell
    her you are from the Digital Notesfile.
    
    Thanks..
    
    Sandy 

    Well I'm very happy to say that our Pat Brody Kitty Corner 
    TV show on the Leominster Access TV Station is doing very well.
    We have just been asked by the Westford Cable Company if we
    wouldn't mind if they start airing our show too.   This is
    really great because we will expand in about 8-10 more cities.
    
    Both the Cable Companies are in the process of coordinating the
    exchange of tapes, so when I have more details of what cities will
    air us as well as the times, I'll definitely let you know!!!  I'm
    assuming any city that deals with the Westford Cable Company will
    most like be able to see us.
    
    Our next show is scheduled for February 22nd and we will be having
    one of the vets from the Fallon Animal Clinic (Either Dr. Groby
    or Dr Mike Fallon) join us to discuss Rabies.
    
    Also stayed tune for a show in the spring which we want to ask
    our own Karen Fallon from this file to come on and discuss 
    her Cat Club and how they support the shelter.
    
    Sandy (who won't stop until we get on David Letterman!!)
    
    
    

    Could Tubba do some stupid pet tricks????
    That would be cool, except, he only does weird things when he wants to,
    not on command.  I suppose his looks alone would be worth it!
    Karen

	Think of the top 10 list possibilities!

    I've got one!  Brutus is too fat to chase his tail. When he tries, he
    turns himself around and flops over onto his back, up against the
    bathroom wall, and can't turn over again because his legs are going one
    way and his arms the other.  Does this qualify as a stupid pet trick?
    I'd love to see the show - maybe I'll lobby Greater Media Cable to get
    it for Worcester?
    Sarah

    Actually Sarah if you want to do the lobbing and they seem 
    interested, just have them call our Cable Company because
    that is how we got involved with the Westford Cable Co.
    
    Regarding Stupid pet tricks...nobody could beat the time
    my little Dewey (better known as Dewhead) was playing with
    my leather pocketbook strap and ended up getting the
    strap rapped around his paw..and then his claw got stuck
    in his own nose!!!!   the pitiful cry for help was awful..
    but I just couldn't help but laugh!!
         
    Sandy
    
    

    Big special THANK You to Len who met me at the shelter
    a few weekends ago and took some absolutely beautiful
    pictures of most of our Shelter Cats!!!!   Some of these
    pictures will be used for our Newspaper articles for
    adoptions. 
    
    We spent an entire afternoon with the cats....and had
    a wonderful day!!!! Len continue to state "I'm at my
    cat max...I'm at my cat max" and this is one time
    Len visited the shelter and didn't go home with
    a new furface!!!!   Thanks again Len for your
    volunteer work....we all appreciate it and I know
    the cats enjoyed both you and Sandys company!!!
    
    Sandy

    For anyone in the Fitchburg/Leominster area, I just wanted to
    let you know that the Pat Brody Kitty Corner TV show has a
    very special guest star appearing this week.  Karen Fallon
    from the feline file will be joining us to discuss her
    Cat Club/Shows, her Breed and will also have a few of her sweet
    kitties with her.   Of course we will also be featuring a
    few of our shelter kitties.  If you do get an opportunity, please
    watch and call us with some questions!!!  
    
                    Show:       Pat Brody Kitty Corner
                    Co-hosted:  Sandy Merritt and Kathy Goguen
                    Date:       May 17th
                    Time:       7:00 - 7:30
                    Station:    Leominster Access TV
                                Channel 29
    
    
    

    A belated thank you to Sandy and to Kathy for inviting me 
    to the show!  I was so nervous being a first timer :')
    One woman called in and asked me several questions, I forgot most of
    them and never really go to answer them for her.  Oh well.
    At least the cats were all very well behaved.  If anyone heard
    a big clunk at the beginning of the show, that was the jar
    of Gerber hitting the floor!  D'White just thinks he's the cats 
    pyjamas now that he is abig t.v. star!  
    thanks again,
    Karen
    

    Hi...I need some ideas!!!  The next Pat Brody Kitty Corner
    TV show will be about Kitty Behavoir problems.  Our current
    plan is to touch base on scratching furniture, jumping on
    tables counters, and possibly not getting along with other
    cats.   We already did a show on litterbox behavior problems
    so we do not want to cover that again.   Does anyone else
    have any behavior problem...or solutions they would like to
    share.     Please feel free to write to me off line.....
    
    Sandy

And obsessive licking. Oliver cleans himself contantly, then the other cat, then
as many of our dogs as will put up with it, then us. Can barely hold him any
more without him wanting to clean up. Can hardly wait to watch the hairballs
pile up as he gets older.

						Trace

    right, overgrooming/balding. Might want to mention that in an older cat
    it might be a precursor to hyperthyroidism.
    
    Deb

    Thanks...are there any solutions or trick to try for cats
    that overgroom.  Hmmm...with all my cats I don't have one
    that overgrooms!!!   Is overgrooming always a sign of stress
    when not medical problems.
    
    Sandy

    Sometimes fleas cause it.
    

    also, it can be a sign of overcrowding, and I *think* a food allergy
    (usually to the dye in some foods?).
    
    Deb

    Come to think of it, isn't there an autoimmune disease, e-something
    granulousis(sp?), that can cause fur loss on the legs and maybe
    other areas, that could be confused with the results of overgrooming?
    Not to mention ringworm causing hairloss.
    

    another thing that you might want to mention is what we learned last
    year with Eirene, that eating litter can be a sign of anemia.
    
    Deb

    Wow Deb....that explains why Mr Meow use to eat litter.  If
    you remember he was my 17 year old kitty who had kidney
    failure and anemia.   We use to see him eat litter on occasion...
    and never knew why?
    
    God...this notesfile is great for info!!!
    
    Sandy

    I remember Mr.Meow; he was ill around the same time as my Eirene
    (we went thru the kidney problem and anemia at the same time).
    
    For some reason, I think that pica usually indicates a mineral
    deficiency.
    
    Another form of pica you might want to mention is how Siamese based
    cats seem to love wool, and how that can cause some problems like wooly
    furballs for the cat, holes in blankets and socks for humans (no need
    to bring up Panther's name or picture, though).  While furballs are
    usually minor, they can be so bad as to cause a blockage and require
    surgery (this is rare, though).
    
    Deb

    How about tips on brushing cats' teeth?  I'd LOVE to see someone do
    this successfully on tv : )
    Sarah

re .186

>    How about tips on brushing cats' teeth?  I'd LOVE to see someone do
>    this successfully on tv : )
>    Sarah

Oh!  me too!!  And successfully means no scratch or teeth marks on the poor 
human.

Details on the mouth rinse and other tooth/gum care would be good.  I'm not in
the area to see this, but if anyone would take copious notes and post them, I'd
be grateful.

			SQ

    When my great little lady Noella began eating litter we discovered she
    had feline leukemia (which often does present an aenemic situation0.

>    How about tips on brushing cats' teeth?  I'd LOVE to see someone do
>    this successfully on tv : )
>    Sarah
    
    Well, I've been attempting to brush Ashlar, Carrie and Amelia's teeth
    lately and haven't received any scratches or bite marks yet.  Of
    course, I haven't been extremely successful in getting full access to
    the teeth either but I am making progress.  
    
    When I went to the store to buy fresh cat toothpaste I only bought
    the paste instead of the package with the paste and brush cuz I thought
    I already had the brush (the old toothpaste was past the expiration
    date).  Well, I couldn't find the old toothbrush and didn't want to 
    spend another $6.50 to get the brush and end up with another full tube
    of paste so I went to the grocery store and bought a soft, small, kids 
    toothbrush.  It's so cute.  It's got the pink power ranger on it.  :^)
    
    The love their new toothbrush...
    
    	NOT!!!!!!!
    
    Jan

    
    
    My male cat Floyd licked bald patches into the backs of his legs on
    about 4 different occasions.  My vet told me that it was probably due
    to boredom and sure enough since we got another cat 2 years ago he has
    never done this.
    
    Kirsty

    Okay...we need some new ideas again.   Our next Pat Brody
    Kitty Korner show is scheduled to air on Novemeber 15th.
    
    The topic this time will be Cat Myths.   Some things we already
    thought about were:
    
      o Cat sucks the breath out of babies and kills baby
      o Pregnant woman MUST get rid of cat
      o Black cats are unlucky...tri colored cats are lucky
      o All male cats spray...female cats never spray
      o Female cats are more affectinate
      o Felv cats MUST be put down immediately
    
    We'd appreciate hearing any other myths from you!!!
    
    Thanks...
    
    Sandy M

    Hi,
    
    How about something about the myth that cats and dogs
    can NEVER get along?  I missed out on a roommate opportunity
    this past month because my landlord insisted that my friend's
    dog would kill my cats, or vice versa.
    
    Nothing I said could persuade her otherwise..
    
    Good luck!
    
    Alicia

    Not sure how widespread this belief is, but when I was a kid it was
    "common knowledge" that Siamese were vicious!!!
    
    Then there are the supposed relatives, pole"cats" and fisher "cats"...
    
    Or the "fact" that cats all eat fish (exclusively) and drink milk or
    cream (exclusively).
    
    Leslie

    
    How about the oft repeated desire for the kids to witness Momcat
    experience the "wonder of birth"?  "Of course we'll have her spayed
    after her first litter..."
    
    len.
    

    
    Or the one that cats enjoy tormenting if not torturing their prey?
    
    Or that cats are aloof and "independent"?
    
    len.
    

    If anyone can share any stories regarding how some of these
    myths got started...I'd appreciate that info too!!! You
    can forward me any info off-line at USCTR1::merritt_s.
    
    Such as...a black cat being unlucky...MUST have something
    to do with Halloween or witches????? And the cat sucking the
    babies breath...I heard that it really was Sudden Infant Death
    and they blamed it on the resident cat.
    
    I'll go doing alot of research on this topic..so I'll share
    some interesting tidbits with you too!!  Thanks again....
    
    Sandy
    

    In Scotland and probably the rest of the UK, black cats are a sign of 
    good luck, especially if one crosses your path.
    
    Often a (plastic) black cat on a ribbon is given to a bride on her
    wedding day to bring the bride and groom good luck.
    
    
    Kirsty

    Kirsty...thanks for the UK pointers!!!   I have been reading
    alot and alot of myths have to do with cats and brides. A
    few I read up on were if a cat sneezes three times on the
    day of your wedding...you will have a wonderful marriage.
    
    I've also read about cats and drama theaters.  And how
    many years ago actors would bring their cats on opening
    night for good luck.
    
    Sandy..
    

    I am sure this is in here but I can't seem to locate it.
    I need the address for the PAT BRODY MEMORIAL SHELTER,
    I'm trying to make a donation and have lost the envelope
    that came with their magazine.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Rosemary
    (Mother of 7)
    

    I think I have found it, now I would like to check that it's
    their current address as the "note" was from 1991.
    
    Pat Brody Shelter for Cats, 
    P.O. Box 142,
    Lunenburg, Mass. 01462
    
    

    Rosemary...
    
    That is the correct address for the Pat Brody Shelter.
    Just for the record they do have a new Telephone
    number which is 508-582-6116,
    
    Your donation would be GREATLY appreciated by the
    kitties and volunteers!!!
    
    I had to laugh...on Saturday I delivered a package
    to the shelter from a Girl Scout Troop at my
    sisters school.   The package was this hugh box
    filled with cans of cat food and each can was
    separately wrapped!!!  It was so cute...
    
    Sandy M

    Sandy,                     
    
    Thanks for the info.  We try and do something each year, either a 
    craft for the craft show or money.  I am sure I've missed the
    Craft Show so it's money, and I am sure it will be gratefully 
    received.
    
    I always admire shelter volunteers--I couldn't do it.  I would be
    taking cats home every day.  My sister brought home two strays this
    autumn with the promise she would find homes for them.  She did, our
    home.  So now I have 7 cats.
    
    Keep up the good work.
    

    Actually....over the years of volunteering I have come to
    the conclusion that our Shelter cats are the lucky ones...
    and my heart breaks for all the strays that have no where
    to go or nobody to love him.
    
    I know our shelter kitties are VERY well taken care of and
    get plenty of food, love and attention...and each one of them
    will eventually find a family of their own to love.
    
    Being a volunteer...I have personally received so much love,
    caring, knowledge, understanding and met some wonderful people
    that I feel I get more out of it then I could ever give.
    
    Sandy
    

    Is this a no kill shelter?  If it is, I know of an older, nice kitty
    that may need a home there.  I've been trying to find a home for an
    older cat (spayed, declawed, needs to be indoor cat) whose owner just
    died.  The son (in his 50s) told me that he's moving in Jan. and if he
    can't find a home by then, he is probably going to put her down.  If
    she went to a no kill shelter, where they screen for good homes, he may
    let her go there.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Tina

    Yes, it's no-kill.  I don't know if there is room at the
    inn at the moment, but they might be able to give you some
    advice if there isn't.
    

    Tina...yes the Shelter is a no-kill shelter and at the current
    time I do know they are way over the maximum number of cats
    they should have because they are still trying to recover
    from a terrible kitten season last summer.  There are just
    so many unwanted litters born...it puts a strain on all
    shelters.
    
    I do know that each cat brought to the shelter is checked
    over by the vets for Neutering/spaying, booster shots,
    Rabie shots, Felv/FIV tested, and checked and treated
    for worms and mits.   They have a very good screening
    process for adoptions....they ask a million questions...
    and if there is any doubt they will even call
    your vet for recommendations.
    
    Only new cats and sick cats are caged...and the rest of
    the furry crew have big beautiful rooms with huge 
    windows and many places to sleep.    The rooms have
    kitty doors that go outside to a beautiful enclosed
    outdoor area.  The cats really do love it...
    
    You should contact them...but just be aware they might
    not be accepting new cats at the current time.   I'm not
    sure how old this kitty is....but I also am very aware
    that sometimes the older cats have a real hard time
    adjusting to shelter life.  If the shelter is full...
    they might atleast give you some tips on how to find
    a home or point you to other shelters.
    
    Sandy
    

    Good News!  Samantha found a home where she will be the only cat and be
    an indoor cat too.  She will be moving out of state, and her new owners
    seem nice.  Their cat lived to a ripe old age and then died, and they
    really miss their cat but didn't want a kitten either.  In fact,
    Samanatha just moved and is now in Pepperell (she was in Nashua).

    Great news for Samantha....

Well, Saturday I called the Pat Brody shelter for cats, and was hoping to go
see the kittens they have for adoption, but all I got on the phone was a 
recording, and no one has called me back yet.

I imagine it'll take some time to find what I want, an exotic shorthair of 
some kind.

Laura

    Laura,,,,
    
    I do know Priscilla had family plans this weekend so she did alot
    of her adoptions on Friday Night.  Hold tight...I'm sure she'll call
    you back.
    
    Sandy 

Well, mary just called me for an interview and didn't seem to like the fact that
I declaw my cats.  She says the shelter has a policy to try to place cats
that are already declawed with someone like me...then she said usually it's
only older cats (not kittens) that are already declawed, but I definitely
want another kitten.  I'll wait a while, but looks like I may have to look
elsewhere.

Laura

    
    
    	Laura,
    
    	A lot of people don't approve of having cats declawed.
    	And if you're looking for an exotic shorthair type cat,
    	I wouldn't bother going to a breeder.  I'm 98% positive
    	that no (reputable) breeder would sell a cat to someone
    	if he/she knew the cat was going to be declawed.
    
    	I am by no means trying to be judgmental, just trying to
    	set your expectations a little.
    
    	JJ
    

Well, I don't want to get in a rathole over this, but I got Buki from a breeder
and she had no problem with it.  There is a school of thought that considers
declawing to be less traumatic to a cat than constantly yelling at it and 
squirting it with water to keep it from scratching furniture.  

I'll just have to keep looking, I know I'll find a kitten somewhere.

Laura    

    
    Ahh, not to rathole or pass jusgement, there is something 
    called a nail clipper and it takes 1 minute per week per cat!!
    A good compromise...
    
    
    Eva

     
                  Pat Brody Shelter Yard Sale
    
    The Pat Brody Shelter is looking for donations for
    their Memorial Day Yard Sale.  Some items of interest are
    furniture, appliances, books, kitchen stuff, nicknacks,
    jewlery, clothes, pictures, exercise equipment, and so on...
    
    If you have any items you wish to donate please contact
    the shelter at 508-582-6116 to arrange delivery or pick-up.
    
    The yard sale will be held on Memorial Day Weekend at 479
    Northfield Road in Lunenburg,    If you have the opportunity
    please stop by OR if you would like to donate some time to
    work at the yard sale please contact the shelter,  Volunteers
    are ALWAYS needed.    
    

    Sandy,
    
    For those of us from another part of the globe - when is 
    Memorial Day.
    
    Judy

    And how could I forget you Judy....
    
    The yard sale will be held on May 25th, 26th, and 27th.
    
    Sandy

I'll be going to P.B. shelter today and hopefully find another furface to add
to my family!

If I'm lucky I'll get to finally meet Sandy too!

Laura

    Well I'm happy to say that our Pat Brody Kitty Corner
    live TV show will be on twice a month vs only once!!
    
    If you live in the Fitchburg/Leominster area you can
    catch us live on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every
    month at 7:00PM on channel 29.
    
    We have alot of fun doing the show...and the cats have
    been great so far!!  (nobody has pooped or peed yet!!!)
    But...with cats on live TV, I can tell you we have had
    quite a few "bloopers".  
    
    Sandy M (co-host)

    Sandy,
    
    With so many cats living a lot longer, diseases that were once unusal
    are now more common place. As an idea for your show, have you thot about
    maybe doing a segment on problems of the older cat? Diabetes,cataracts,
    hyperthyroidim, tooth loss, becomming hard of hearing, sence of smell not
    as good as it was? (This is probably enough for a couple of shows).
    
    Deb 

    Hi Deb...
    
    We did a very similar show a few months ago and we covered
    many of the diseases that older kitties can get.  During that 
    show we brought on two of our "older kitties (12 and 15)" 
    from the shelter for adoption.  (but nobody adopted them yet...sigh)
    
    Keep the ideas coming.....we have a list that we keep anytime
    we think of new ideas!!!   I'll post a list of some of the
    topics we already covered...and some of the other ideas we
    have.
    
    Sandy   

    any chance you can do a show on how easy it is to take care of a
    diabetic cat? I got a rude comment from a pharmasist when buying
    insulin this weekend and I guess it is sort of acting like a thorn in
    my paw, considering that last month my vet had me play show and tell
    with Jimmy to convince a woman that she shouldn't put her cat down
    because he is diabetic (that cat is alive and responding beautifully,
    bu the way).
    
    Deb 

    It's on our list of diseases we would like to discuss....
    I do believe this would be a great topic and one dear
    to my heart!!! 
    
    When we did do our show on older kitties...I specifically
    mentioned that I have a diabetic cat at home that is doing
    well and giving shots is very simple!!!
    
    Keep them coming...
    
    

    Re: .222
    
    What was the pharmacist's problem?
    

    The Hon. Colonel Sebastian Moran, DROFFC, respectfully suggests a show
    on wobbly kitties. This is the season for kitties and some of them will
    be wobbly. Too many people reject adopting them or have them put down
    thinking they are unadoptable. The Colonel is my second wobbly and they
    are delightful. The Colonel goes to Parade Rest (the unenlightened
    would say "falls down") every second or third step but he still manages
    to cover quite a bit of ground in a very short time. In fact, my
    St.Bernard occasionally chases him and has only caught him once. At
    which time he gave the Colonel a big sloppy kiss, which the Colonel
    disliked intensely. The Colonel can only jump three feet (enough to get
    on the bed) so counters and shelves are perfectly safe. He can't climb
    curtains but he has caught a mole and several mice.
    
    Sari

    Great idea...we did bring our shelter Wobble kitty, Willie
    Woe on the show, but we really did not get into a detail
    discussion on his problem.
    
    Hmmm..maybe when the time comes the Colonel would be interested
    in becoming a TV star????   
    
    

    RE: .224
    >What was the pharmacist's problem?
    
    It was a wet-behind-the-ears pharmacist that insisted that I could use
    Humilin. I explained it wasn't for me, but for my elderly cat, that
    many cats don't often respond to Humilin, but do to natural insulins,
    and that given his age, I didn't want to switch him from beef to pure
    pork, since not only would he have to be readjusted, but in moving from
    one type of insulin to another an allergic reaction could occur.
    
    First, this "pharmacist" was astonished to learn about the potential
    problem in changing types of insulin (heck, the first thing they say in
    the inserts is don't change the type or dosage without consulting your
    physician because it can cause a reaction.) Then, and at the risk of
    having to moderate myself for not valuing differences, I was subjected
    to a comment about how the money people spend on extending the lives of
    their pets could do so much more good helping the homeless/poor that can't
    afford routine health care.
    
    Needless to say, they lost the sale.
    
    Deb
    

    That pharmacist sounds like a Danger to the Community :-) :-(
    I hope he doesn't go around randomly changing types of insulin
    on life forms in general.
    

    >    That pharmacist sounds like a Danger to the Community :-) :-(
    
    well, I'll agree. And it is a much nicer term than I'd have used.
    
    Deb

    The Colonel would be delighted to appear on tv to promote the cause of
    wobbly cats. He would be insufferable afterwards and I fear he might
    insist on charging for autographs, but he would enjoy it tremendously.
    He would also lord it over his canine brother and sister. Maybe you
    could have a show on dogs living in a house where the alpha is a cat?
    
    Sari

    He will need an agent, and a contract, of course. This could get
    expensive for the human.
    
    THE FIRM

    
    	I thought I would enter this here, not sure if its the right
    place.
    
    		My two cats have decided they don't like fancy feast,
    Beef flavor anymore.  I'm not sure on the amount of cans I have 
    left but I'd like to donate them to a needy cat/shelter.  I know
    Sandy is a volunteer and may read this.  Let me know if anyone
    is interested.  I live in Gardner and work in Nashua.  Thanks
    						Sue  WMOIS::FLECK_S

    Sue...
    
    I'm sure the shelter kitties would appreciate your donation
    of Fancy Feast.  That is not a food that is normally donated
    nor can the shelter afford to buy it considering there are
    over 100 cats.  
    
    I'm on vacation next week...so maybe when I return we can
    figure out how to get it from Gardner to the shelter.
    
    Thanks..
    
    Sandy 
    Sandy

    
    Sandy,
    	Sounds great!  I'll wait to hear from you and also take a
    count of how many cans I have.  Maybe when you get back and are
    working at the shelter, I could bring them to you.  I've always
    wanted to see the shelter.  Thanks         Sue

    
    	Sandy,
    		Are you back from vaca yet?  I picked up some more
    cat food to donate to the shelter, so if you could let me know
    whens a good time to drop it off, that would be great.
    
    	as a side note: what's up with this new "PETCO" ??? I buy my
    cat food from Just for Pets, now Petco and it went up 6 cents a 
    can.  Doesn't sound like much but its alot when you buy 12 cases!
    
    				Sue, Bo,Mandy,Rosie, Pumpkin, and Crunch

    AHHH...I forgot all about you.  And as a matter of fact I
    worked at the shelter last Sunday which would have been
    a great time for you to visit.  
    
    We do have a few choices:   the next time I actually work the
    shelter will be on June 2nd, but if you would like you could
    also stop at the BIG Yard Sale during the Memorial Day weekend
    and you could give the donations to anyone of the volunteers.
    
    If you would prefer to wait so I can give you a tour of the
    shelter it will most likely have to wait until after Memorial
    Day weekend because my weekends are pretty full with Graduation
    Parties etc.
    
    We can take this off-line and define a specific time!!!
    
    Sandy 

I've got a kitten emergency and urgently need to reach someone at the Brody
shelter.  All I get is a recording, followed by an "end of tape" message.
Can someone e-mail me a phone number where I can speak with a human?  Or
the address of their vet?

We were adopted by two kittens last Friday, then known as Hatch #5 and
Hatch #6.  Hatch #5 (now known as Figaro) has dropped from 2.5 pounds on 
5/11 to 1.75 pounds today, is anemic (not FeLV, thankfully), dehydrated, 
and lethargic.  We may be losing her, and I need to speak to someone to 
get her records ASAP.  We're trying to piece together whatever we can before
she becomes more critical.

Thanks!
Jeff
plugh::needle or [email protected] or Jeffrey Needle@LJO

    Jeff...
    
    My guess is one of these two vets have the records:
    
        Fallon Animal Clinic    508-582-4539
        Central Animal Clinic   508-537-0239
    
    Just explain the situation and how you adopted them
    from the shelter....and ask if they are the ones with
    the records.
    
    In the meantime...I'll see if I can get in touch with
    Priscilla through other connections. Her home phone number
    is not listed and I do not have it.  
    
    Please keep us posted...
    
    Sandy M
    

Geez, I love notes :-).  Got in touch with someone at the shelter (THANKS,
Sandy!) and it turns out all 6 kittens are having a problem.  They recommended
treatment which is not the path my vet chose, so hopefully the two of them
will be able to come to consensus (Clavamox vs. Albox).  And I'll be able
to get Figaro's sister Cleo onto antibiotics asap as well to avoid problems
for her.

By the way, the records were at the Burlington Animal Hospital.

j.

    
    	I had the pleasure of touring the Pat Broady shelter last week-end
    and I was quite impressed!  I couldn't believe how clean the whole
    place was, I did not smell one odor which if you have cats you 
    understand how hard it is to keep odors down. The cats are very
    happy and content and safe and well cared for.  Even my cats don't
    have A/C in the summer, I don't even have it!  I think my cats
    would love to live in a place like that!  I also want to thank 
    Sandy Merritt for taking the time to show me around and talking to
    me. It was a pleasure meeting Sandy who is very down to earth like
    myself.  I will definately plug the shelter whenever I get a chance.
    
    					Thanks again to Sandy!
    				
    				Sue, Bo,Mandy,Rosie,Pumpkin and Cruch

    Thanks Sue...it was very nice meeting you too!!!
    
    I will have to admit the shelter is cleaner and has less odors
    then many houses I have been in.   The cleaning routine is
    very extensive and done daily to try and keep the germs under
    control.
    
    The volunteers work very hard to keep the cats happy and
    content until they can go to their new homes.
    
    I'm glad you enjoyed the shelter....
    
    Sandy M
    

    I want to let everybody know some of the feedback I gave Sandy
    Merritt after our wonderfully successful trip to the Pat Brody
    Shelter on Saturday:
    
    "Where do I start?  Well, I guess first of all, the Pat Brody
    Shelter absolutely lives up to its reputation in ::FELINE.  What a
    great place for kitties to be in transition!  And Priscilla is,
    obviously, their guardian angel.  She really does seem to be a
    divine intercedent.  What a lovely person, so knowledgeable, so
    patient.  (And what a great face!)
    
    "We got there a little before Priscilla did but there were two ladies
    there who let us in; they were very nice and helpful.  There's one
    hell-raiser kitten in the first room who's Born to Climb--and Mom
    made the mistake of wearing pants with a fringe on the bottom!  All
    three of us served as surrogate `trees' for the little black thing,
    who was adorable but a real PITA!  We also fell in love with Marmalade,
    in room #1.  Poor guy, he *really* wants to go home with someone and
    he's such a love.  He has a great Siamese-y voice, too.  But he does
    need to heal his ear and a wound on his side.  (Wish we could take
    everybody.)"
    
    We found the shelter to be ingeniously designed and very well run. 
    There are notes everywhere on who/when/how to medicate (and when not
    to, and who to call/what to do when in doubt).  All the kitties have
    comfy collars with their names and sex.  There are toys galore and
    wonderful hidey-holes and catwalks.  The cats who are not caged (and
    that's most of them) can come and go at will through catflaps to a big,
    totally screened outdoor area.
    
    The adoption screening procedure is *for real*, and they DO call the
    references you provide.  And they are absolutely up-front and honest
    about the cats.  When my daughter and I were in room #1 with Thaicoon
    (with no PB people in there with us), Thaicoon gave a little cough.  I
    didn't really think much about it at the time, just made a mental note. 
    When I went out to see how the paperwork was going, Priscilla and Mom
    were talking and Priscilla volunteered that Thaicoon did have a little
    cough but she thought it might be a reaction to the air conditioning,
    or it might be a stress-related upper respiratory infection.  This may
    not sound like a big deal, but as I said to Sandy, I think that kind of
    thing rides a fine ethical line and Priscilla came down squarely on the
    responsible side of that issue.  For all I knew it could have been a
    one-time little cough or sneeze, and any other shelter could have
    "forgotten" to mention it.
    
    So if you're in Mass. or NH and you're "looking", you will not be
    disappointed if you give them a call and get an appointment!
    
    Leslie

    I have a question that came in as a Phone call to the Pat
    Brody Kitty corner which I could not immediately answer.  I know
    I have read information regarding this but I'm not sure if
    it was in Cat Fancy, Cat Magazine or in this notesfile.
    
    The caller wanted to know why her 12 year old kitty has always
    had a fetish with Plastic, Cellofane etc.  This kitty will chew,
    eat and swollow any type of plastic or Cellofane.   She tears
    apart window envelopes...just to get at the plastic window.
    
    Any idea???   All I could comment on was that since the kitty
    does eat it...it's best not to leave it around because I believe
    it could cause some internal damage.   The caller says she does
    try to keep it away from the cat...but she was more interested
    in knowing WHY he would do this.
    
    Sandy 
    

    My 12-year old cat will lick plastic, but he never eats it.  But that
    lick, crackle, lick, crackle, lick, crackle drives me crazy and I
    always move the bag so he can't get it.  He especially likes the
    plastic bags your groceries come in.  He has done it all his life, but
    I never knew why.
    
    My other cat (9-year old) eats paper.  I have to be very careful about
    what I leave out or it will get lots of little kitty teeth holes in it!
    
    Jill

    
    I posted a note years ago asking this question, and I believe the
    general answer was that it tastes sweet to them.
    
    I'll see if I can find the note.
    

    I'll check around and see if I can find the answer somewhere too.
    You may want to warn her that cellophane can turn into a glass-like
    substance in a cat's stomach.
    
    Jan

    Note 142 proves to me there are many kitties that like
    plastic or cellophane...but other then it taste sweet there
    is really no explanation.  I'll definiely let the lady know
    that this is pretty common...but also can be dangerous.
    
    If anyone else has an opinion of why they do it...please
    share.
    
    Sandy 

    My Ryan eats plastic as well.  He also craves green veggies,
    particularly broccoli.  My vet (who specializes in cats) claims
    that plastic tastes or smells like fiber to them, and claims that
    cats that crave it may need more fiber in their diet.  She 
    suggested that Ryan isn't able to fully utilize the fiber in his 
    diet, and asked me to keep him on a high fiber diet, supplement 
    with fiber every other day, and let him eat all the broccoli he 
    wants.  It's several years later and he still eats plastic, but 
    I continue to do what she says just in case he needs the added 
    fiber.  The other symptom he had was a tendency to get blocked 
    anal glands (yuck!).  This symptom has gone away.
    
    Karen.

    Out of curiosity, how do you regularly suplement him? My late cat Argus
    used to get a spoon of bran mixed with his wet food (when he went on CD
    for FUS, he gained weight and then had a tendency toward constapation;
    the brand kept him "regular".
    
    I have another very overwight FUS cat that also craves vegies (lucklily
    not plastic, but he doesn't care for the bran inhis food (he thinks it
    is a low-cal filler!). He does like all types of veggies, though.
    
    Deb

    >>> Out of curiosity, how do you regularly suplement him?
    
    Vetacyl (sp?).  It's a capsule that I get from the vet (1 large
    bottle easily lasts the year between appointments for shots).  
    I open the capsule and dust his food with the powder inside.  I
    don't remember the ingredients, but it's just basic stuff like
    corn husks and so on (I think).  He doesn't seem to mind it.  I
    feed dry food (Science Diet Light), but the powder kind of sticks
    a bit and he seems to get most if not all of it.  I think I've
    seen it sold in other places, like in pet supply catalogs.
    
    Karen.

    Deb, you might ask the vet about WD, which as I understand it
    is high fiber possibly lower calorie CD.
    

    Karen,
    
    we switched him to that once and he began developing crystals. So, he
    went back on to the C/D.
    
    thanks,
    Deb

    The Pat Brody Shelter is now on the Web.   Check it out....it is
    work in process so stay tuned for further info.
    
       http://catsontheweb.com/
    
    
    The cats look BEAUTIFUL!!!!
    
    Sandy 

    Sandy -
    
    I'm assuming you finally got to it...They fixed the problem I reported
    with the photos.
    
    Doesn't Radar look great?
    
    Gita

    Those kitties are sooo gorgeous.  But, I wouldn't have found them
    if I hadn't known they were there - on most sites Search means
    "invoke a search engine,feed it some words to find what you're
    looking for on this site."  Maybe they should rename it "Cats for
    Adoption" or somesuch?
    

    Even though my wife has been volunteering at the shelter for some time
    now, I visited yesterday for the first time. Took my 12 year old next
    door neighbor. I figured we'd be there for about an hour and then
    split. Sarah wanted to see the kittens. Well, we ended up closing the
    place up, and would have stayed longer if we could.
    
    We had a ball going from room to room seeing all the furfaces. We
    played with the gray kitty with one eye, and spent alot of time with
    "no nose", the kitty with the burned face. What a love she is. She has
    such a great personality considering what she's been through.
    
    Then, of course, we went out back to see the kittens and spent alot of
    time there. There's an absolutely georgous cat there named Tempest. If
    I was looking to adopt, it would have been a hard choice between her
    and "no nose".
    
    Just as we were about to close up, a couple stopped by looking to
    adopt. We gave them Precilla's (sp?) phone number, but then took them
    on a tour just so they could have a quick look around. I guarantee
    they'll be back, so someone will get adopted.
    
    It was a very enjoyable trip.

    Steve...glad to see you finally made it to the shelter.  I just
    LOVE going over and spending an afternoon with all the furfaces.
    
    Just to let you know:  No nose name is Fluffy Comet and her and
    Priscilla have been through so much together...I'm not sure Priscilla
    would ever adopted her out.  She's one heck of a special kitty!!!
    The one eyed kitty is Chunky...and he was rescued from the streets
    of Fitchburg with a VERY bad infected eye.  He's a real sweetie!!  
    
    Tell you wife I said "hello"!!!
    
    Sandy 

	Hi,

	The webpage looks great, I second the suggestion on adding words
	to the search option.  I'm partial to the picture of Bigfoot as
	he looks like a tuxeo I live with who calls herself Layla.   

	Was hoping to see a picture of Ziggy, are the pictures going to
	rotate ?

	John

    Hi John...
    
    Many of the cats on the Web page have already been adopted...
    and Priscilla is just starting to get her hands into the
    maintenance of the Web page and the importance of keeping
    it up to date!!!  It's a great tool...but it is only good if 
    it stays pretty current. 
    
    I sent the feedback to the shelter regarding adding words
    to the search button...it should say CAT SEARCH!!!
    
    Hopefully Zigman will get adopted and NOT even have to be
    put on the Web.   He's such a doll......
    
    Sandy 

    Just wanted to let everyone know that this weekend is the annual Pat
    Brody Shelter Yard Sale and 50/50 raffle.  Please come by between 9 and 4
    Saturday - Monday.  
    
    The shelter is in debt to the local vets and could use all your
    financial support.  I understand that this is the yard sale to end all
    yard sales.  Hope to meet some of you there.  I'll be working at one of
    the yard sale tables on Sunday.
    
    Gita

    Can smomeone please post directions to the shelter?  I'd like to go to
    the yard sale tomorrow.  I'll also be bringing by a donation of cat
    food.
    
    Holly
    

    
    Any chance we can agree on an approximate time when most of us Feliners
    could try to be there at the same time?
    
    len.
    

    Cool... hmmm... 10:30 am tomorrow??  I'll have Alycia with me.
    
    H
    
    p.s.  If I ask very nicely, any chance I could come in and see the
    kitties??

    
    10:30 works for me, though it being Saturday morning, it may be a large
    value of 10:30...
    
    I'm not bringing any of mine, they might think I was returning them! 
    Though if I get my act together sufficiently tonight, I might manage
    to bring some new/recent pictures.
    
    You don't think they'd really have a yard sale and not let us visit the
    kitties?
    
    len (adopter of Brody Alumni Blueberry, Robin, Rocky and Floyd).
    

    Hi Len!  Yeah, I remember you too!!  I won't be running a raffle when
    you see me this time, either!  haha!
    
    And Alycia isn't one of my cats, she's my 8 month old daughter!!  haha! 
    
    
    See everyone around 10:30-11:00 tomorrow!
    
    Holly
    

    Ahhh..I was on vacation last Thurs/Fri so I didn't see these notes
    until today.   That's too bad because I would have met you at the
    yard sale.
    
    Sandy 
    

>   And Alycia isn't one of my cats, she's my 8 month old daughter!!  haha! 


Ah!

A cat substitute. 

    Well, I was a little late.  I showed up at around 11:00.  Didn't meet
    up with anyone, but I bought a few things for Alycia.  Things were WAY
    too busy for me to even consider asking to see the kitties.  I'd love
    to stop by with Alycia one time and let her see the kitties.  
    
    I also have another cat food donation to give.  I brought one with me,
    but forgot the other.
    
    Holly
    

    I've had another request from Priscilla.  Some of the volunteer teams
    are short-handed and she wondered if there were any more folks from
    Digital who'd like to help out.  You only "work" a couple of hours once 
    per month.
    
    All I can say that helping out at the shelter is one of the most
    rewarding things I've ever done.  You get so much love from these cats
    - much more than you can ever give back.
    
    If you're interested, please call the shelter's anwering machine at:
    
    508-582-6116
    
    or send email to:  cats@catsontheweb
    
    Thanks,
    
    Gita