Save Our Strays, Inc.

SOS is a no-kill, non-profit organization dedicated to rehoming abandoned cats and kittens. SOS
CONTACT US:

Save Our Strays

Cat Haven
is in the works
A vision for many years a facility for some of our felines to reside in comfort and a happy place where cat lovers can come to get acquainted with our felines and adopt the purrfect kitty. Our Cat Haven is centered in mid Pinellas County; the support of our community is needed. Our needs include:

PO Box 373 Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785

727 481-5262 727 481-5091

E-mail: sos@saveourstraysinc.com On line: www.SaveOurStraysInc.com www.Petfinder.com
ADOPTION LOCATIONS:

These PetSmart stores CountrySide Every Saturday; 11 am 4 pm 26277 US 19 North at Enterprise Rd, Clearwater 727 799-3311 Tyrone (Call for dates) Saturday, 10:30 2 pm Tyrone Blvd & Park St St. Petersburg 727 343-7900 Gateway Sunday, noon 4 pm 7777 9th St No. St. Petersburg, 727 577-9935
Board of Directors & Officers
President: Secretary: Treasurer: Directors: Linda Hartnett Donna Johnson Robin Berryman John Hartnett Liz Thompson

Framed cat-themed art Kitty condos Scratching posts and boards New litter boxes Laundry detergent Bleach, disinfectant Rubber gloves Broom, mop Trash can & large trash bags Exterior security camera Last and not least: Dedicated volunteers
To donate items to Save Our Strays Cat Haven, please call cell phone 727 871-0888 and leave a message or email sos@saveourstraysinc.com, Attn: Cat Haven. Your donation is tax deductible as Save Our Strays is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization.

Washer & dryer Laundry sink Hot water heater Small refrigerator 32-inch doors Cupboards Counter tops Shelving Table

Newsletter

Kitty Kat Mews

Volume 18, Issue 2

Editor: Donna Johnson Photo Editor: Paula Hays Graphic Artist: Molly LeBlanc Website Administrator: Fluffy Cazalas
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free (800-4357352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.

Our location will be announced on our website this fall.

Front cover: Dr. Trevor Law of Tierra Verde enjoys fostering rescued kittens Miranda, Sofia and Sebastian. The Law family ended up adopting all three siblings. The kittens near-death experience is detailed on page 3. th Back cover: Brianna MacCullum of Kenneth City loves all cats. The 4 grader appreciates holding mother cat Tulip who has two adoptable kittens Sam and Jodie Foster born in April. Photos by Paula Hays

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Cover story

Saving seniors
As a no-kill animal welfare organization, Save Our Strays strives to provide loving homes to senior cats that otherwise could face their demise

Bound for county incinerator

Days-old kittens saved

Rachel, age 11
When spotted wandering in a Gulfport yard, this Siamese mix kitty was very thin; her fur was coarse and pale. A concerned animal lover had her scanned and she was identified as a SOS cat. Rachel was treated for a severe ear infection and fed canned food several times a day to put weight on her. Today Rachel sports a soft coat with dark markings. Her homeless status did not affect her affectionate nature. She loves to lie on her humans chest and give kisses.

At Pinellas Countys recycling and incinerator facility, a pickup truck pulled in with a trailer piled with trash. The driver began unloading his debris by hand when he and Compliance Inspector Pete Saroukos noticed something live among the refuse on the trailer. What they found were three days-old kittens their eyes not even open. Pete scooped up the tiny babies and took them to animal lover and Program Assistant Larry Baker who immediately called Save Our Strays. Our volunteers sprang into action. Marge Hodgen picked up the trio at the county plant and transported them to Linda Brielmaier, a vet-tech experienced at bottle feeding baby kittens. Timing is critical in dealing with tiny kitties; they must be fed every 2 4 hours or they will die. The teeny calico and two tabby kittens then were taken to volunteer Kim Triplett and her daughter, Dannyel Graston, both bottle feeding pros. Kim took the little ones to work with her for their daytime multiple feedings where co-worker Bob Snyder also helped feed.
When the trio turned six weeks and no longer required formula and hand feeding, they were transferred to a new foster family, Barbara and Trevor Law. Miranda, the Calico, was always the largest and strongest. The smaller ones, Sofia and Sebastian, were plagued with intestinal issues, but after trying different medications and special food, their bacterial infections were cleared up. The threesome is now full of life and will stay together forever. The Laws lost three elderly cats this year and could not part with the trio that they nursed back to health. It was meant to be, says new Mom Barbara Law. A very happy ending for three kittens with a near-death encounter.
Editors note: Pinellas County employee Larry Baker explained that the site where the kittens were rescued is a HEC3 (household, electronics and chemical collection) facility that takes most disposables. The site is also the residence of five cats that Larry has rescued and spayed/neutered.

Shadow, age 7
Shadow was dumped at the SPCA in November 2012. She had a skin disorder that became continually worse. Over a four-month period, we took her to four veterinarians that treated her for skin allergies, an auto-immune condition, and finally MRSA, a resistant Staph infection. Her skin is now cleared. One thing that never changed was her sweet disposition she would always purr when she had visitors regardless of her severe skin ailment.

Scottie, age 14
He was returned with his sister in 2012 after 13 years. Owners reason: children. He now needs a new foster home. Can you help him?

Shiloh, age 7, returned by owner in 2012, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and is on various medications.
These are just a very few examples of the senior felines that SOS cares for daily with TLC. -3-

Why we have cats in our lives

Cats are magnificent creatures that offer humans a splendid assortment of attributes. A few SOS kitties that would provide endless enjoyment are featured on this page

Missy is a beautiful Tuxedo

Mickey is a laid-back 2-year old that loves men

Companionship

Unconditional Love
Best Friend
Angel has a white fur coat with Tabby accents .

Laughter

Entertainment

Joy
Lap Cat

Snuggle Bug
Brothers Ollie & Stan are 8 months old George thinks dogs are cool

Happiness

Contentment

Pride
Miss Mia sports a lovely black & orange coat Max has extra toes on front paws
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National Feral Cat Day is October 16, 2013 Support Trap-Neuter-Return of feral cats

SOS welcomes newest participating veterinary clinic

Our constituents in the very southern part of Pinellas County will appreciate our latest clinic to take part in aiding our stray kitties: Animal Hospital of Pinellas Point, 461 45th Ave. So., St. Petersburg. Other veterinarian hospitals that play a vital role in maintaining the wellness of our felines include: Animal Health Care Clinic, 2118 Drew St, Clearwater; Clearwater Animal Clinic, 1639 So. Missouri Ave Clearwater; Northwest Veterinary Clinic, 4806 66th St No., St. Petersburg; Gandy Animal Hospital, 4714 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa; Midway Animal Hospital, 10700 Seminole Blvd, Largo; Sandy Paws Veterinary Clinic, 16701 Gulf Blvd, No. Redington Beach. Save Our Strays is very appreciative of the wonderful veterinarians that work with our non-profit organization in treating and saving the lives of our precious felines.

Volunteer sign-up schedule available

Pet photographs with Santa in December

SOS volunteers help create smiles every December by photographing pets with Santa at several PetSmart stores in Pinellas County. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up early to pick the store and position that they want. Slots are for Santa (suit is provided), photographer (camera is furnished by PetSmart) plus three helpers per shift. Sessions are usually available from 11 am to 4 pm. PetSmart locations include Tyrone Blvd and Gateway Mall (9th St) in St. Petersburg and Countryside area in Clearwater. Weekend dates in December are to be determined. Participants receive a framed colored 4- by 6-inch print of their pet for $10 with their PetPerks card. Call event coordinator at 727 545-1116 to sign up. It is a fun experience with lots of pets in holiday attire.

Save Our Strays adoptions are steady

Recent figures include: March - 15, April - 14, May - 22, June - 33 and July - 24. Our year-to-date total is 125, which takes into account kittens as young as two months to seniors over 12 years.

PetSmart Adopt-a-thon
Friday, Saturday & Sunday September 13, 14 &15 November 15, 16 & 17

Adopters receive special bonuses

Our volunteers keep Save Our Strays in business

Our non-profit organization has been saving strays with no paid staff for nearly 20 years. We are able to operate successfully and to maintain an excellent reputation in the county because of our dedicated volunteers. A salute goes out to all of our unpaid workers.
From bottle-feeding days-old kittens to buying feline food, our volunteers do it all. Foster families for adoptable felines: Ryland Carlin and her mother, Connie Plate, Linda Falion, Marge Hodgen, Trish and Drew Laczko, Barbara and Trevor Law, Jeannie Kervick, Karen Noyes, Nancy and September Patterson, Diana Ross, Nanci Snodgrass, Sharon Stansbury, Marge Stephens, Kim Triplett, Olivia Warnock, Allena Wilke, Rachel Wyllie. Permanent Fosters for older, hard-to-adopt cats: April Brown, Amy Carr, Phyllis Cole, Katherine Donahue, Marny Greatrix, Linda & John Hartnett,
Sandy Hennessey, Donna Johnson, Trish & Drew Laczko, Nancy Lowry, Barbara Martin, Diana Oswin, Carol Pieszchala, Karen Severiens, Lynda Shehan, Laurel & Bob Thieman.

Adoption counselors: Dennis Garver, Brenda Gordon, Linda Hartnett, Marge Hodgen, Donna Johnson, Trish and Drew Laczko, Barbara Law, Diana Ross, Liz Thompson. Accounting: Robin Berryman, Eric Petty. SOS phones: Linda Hartnett, Liz Thompson. Public relations: Paula Hays, Donna Johnson. Newsletter mailings: Evelyn Harley, Jannie Hume, Donna Johnson, Nancy Lowry, CarolAnn Matteo, Fran McDermott, Diana Oswin, Bonnie Sherrill, Liz and Hal Thompson, Mary Wallman. In addition, many volunteers offer their time at special events such as Photos with Santa and holiday gift wrapping. -5-

Latest contributors
Effective through August 25, 2013

Mr. Moo is ready for you

Blue Ribbon Membership

($100 - $999 donation) Deborah Bradbeer Warren Carew Annina Donaldson Duke Energy Sam & Cindy Gray Janet Korn Naomi Malone Kens Palm Trees Michelle McCarty Yini Matesi Lee Mowinski The Pinellas Park Citizens Police Progress Energy Foundation Susan Scholl Donna Smith Pat & Richard Smith Sophia Snyder William Spencer

Paws Membership
Aspasia Becatoros Eric & Bridget Breland Debra Brown MaryAnn Brown Susan & Robert Colbeck Phyllis Cole Joseph Corr Jerome DeClercq Doug & Nancy Doll Stacie Eckenrode Thomas & Donna Fernandez Marylou Fouser Lillian Furman, Smokey & Samantha Robert Gerwig Sylvia & Terry Gilbreath Judie Glenn Catherine E Hamel Ray Hanke Rosemarie Hari Evelyn Harley Jack & Antoinette Hawkins Ray & Marge Hill Dan Hood Yvonne Huff Carolyn Huffer Jannie Hume Harriet Lewis Lisa Kowenski Michele LaMontia Arthur Markowitz Edith Mills Carol Mitchell Andrea Manson - 6-

David Manson Ken McNeer Fran McDermott Barbara Martin Mary Markiewicz Lee Mowinski Richard Newman Nancy Oakley Evelyn Perna Fran Radford Anita Rallo Linda Macy Rogers Grace Roth Leslie Rowe Natalie Rowland Gerald & Marilyn Schleicher Bonnie & Rick Sherrill Catherine Smart Joann and Holly Smith Sophia Snyder Suzanne Todd Judith Votaw Marilyn Weaver Arliss Wells Patricia Wilbur Ruthe Yow Betty Zandi

SOS takes part in Bark in the Park

The Pinellas Park Police Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association held its annual event in May with numerous animal rescue groups in attendance. The association awarded each rescue group with a certificate and a check for $100 in remembrance of canine police dogs Rocky and Banook.

Wanted:
Tales about your SOS cat
Cats do the darndest things! Is your Save Our Strays kitty extra funny? Quite mischievous? Rather coy? Extremely smart? Super friendly? We invite our readers to share their feline anecdotes. Please limit your cat tales to one paragraph and indicate approximate date that your feline was adopted. We will publish as many stories as space permits in our winter newsletter. Your cat yarn can be mailed to SOS Box Number or emailed to sos@saveourstraysinc.com, attn: Newsletter Editor.

In Honor of Pets
Ally, on her. 16th birthday Hailey Tuxedo From Kathleen Kerrins Wendy & Jim Rexroad
William Spencer & Brenda Weeks

In Memory of Pets
Casper Got Milk From Mary Ann Brown
William Spencer & Brenda Weeks

In Memory of People
Babe Pinheiro From Ivone & Gordon Meltzer

Our Wish List

Grant writers Adoption counselor volunteers Additional foster homes PetSmart gift cards Training (pee) pads Catnip toys Canned & dry adult cat food Canned kitten food Scoopable clay litter Humane traps for feral cats Postage stamps

Special Thanks
Lynne Brown Canned food Anita Deal Roll of Stamps Sam & Cindy Gray Towels, sheets & & cat carrier Gloria Kuhny Bags of food Barbara Law Feline medication Venue Theatre Cat beds, Collective & scratching post Actors Studio

Please bring items to our PetSmart space

SOS board members hosted a social for its volunteers in May. The event was to show appreciation for the dedication and hard work of all Save Our Strays volunteers and to encourage new volunteers to join our team effort.
Return envelopes provided courtesy of Clearwater Animal Clinic, 1639 S. Missouri Av., Clearwater FL, 727-584-1151

Please support Save Our Strays, Inc.

Id like to Join / Volunteer

Name:__________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________City:___________________________ State/Zip:______________________________________ E-mail address:____________________________ Home Ph:________________ Work Ph:_________________ Cell Ph:______________________

I would like to contribute to SOS Cat Haven the cost of veterinary expenses for senior cats I want to support Save Our Strays, Inc; enclosed is my gift of:
$10 $25 $50 $100 $250 $500 $1,000 (Corporate/Best of Show) $______ Other

Interested in volunteering? What would you like to do? Transport cats, volunteer as an adoption counselor at PetSmart on an occasional Saturday or Sunday, foster a cat or kittens, volunteer at promotional events, help with newsletter mailings, assist with grant writing. Call 727 545-1116 to learn more. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Have you ever fostered a cat before? _____ Can you foster a Save Our Strays kitten or cat now? _____ Please phone: 727 481-5262
As a foster home caregiver, a home visit is required prior to fostering for Save Our Strays, Inc. You need to understand that fostering requires a commitment to seeing the process through to adoption which means you could foster a cat for, perhaps, several weeks. You need be able to transport the cat to a participating veterinarian and to a PetSmart store for adoption. We adopt from PetSmart stores in the Countryside area, Gateway Mall and from the Tyrone Blvd. store on weekends. See page 2 for times. (Rev. March 2013) -7-