Friday, December 12, 2014

Santa Kitty Toy Hop 2014



So my post is going to be a wee bit different, since I'm not actually bringing toys to the shelter, because they are so well stocked right now in that department that it would be a waste of money and I'd rather support them in other ways.

I was pleasantly surprised at some of the changes the shelter has done recently.  A handful of years ago they renovated their footprint and installed three large community cat rooms.  Two of which were connected by a sliding glass door.  Shortly after this improvement they decided they wanted a retail shop and moved the small animals into the middle of the three cat rooms - yes the one with the sliding glass door.   This year they decided to move the small animals into the first of the three rooms and use the second and third - the ones that connect - for community cat rooms and the door was open for the cats to wander about.

When they did this, they also added electric fireplaces for heat and ambiance. I was blown away!

the first cat room
the second cat room - see the door on the left
They then added another improvement which floored me and I can not tell you how badly I want to do this to my house..


In the second photo you see the red roofed picture window.. that is the same window on the "second cat room" photo where you just see the black sill on the top of the photo. They installed a cat door so the cats can go outside and get some fresh air. I adore the fact that this is up off the floor. While ticks are not much of an issue where this particular cat window box/room thing is, in my house I'm scared to death of ticks. We had a cat room that went right to the ground and we never had them before, but each year since the tick population has gotten out of control and I'd just really rather not deal with my cats bringing in ticks. This room is well built and up off the ground.. I LOVE IT!

They didn't stop with the electric fireplaces though.. they are getting all spiffy for their Holiday Open House this weekend..


In addition to the two community rooms, there are two rooms of cages for cats who need their own space. The staff tries to rotate the cats out of the cages for a while so they have some walking around time, as well as some sitting on the cat tree in front of all the other cats time.. :)

I thought the stockings on the cages were such a nice touch.

I plan on stopping by the open house to do a little holiday shopping for my cat loving friends, and help out a bit.. which I am sure would be more appreciated than some toys when they already have so many. I know full well how lucky this shelter is. Yours probably could really use a little holiday cheer.  A small donation of food or toys would go a long way to brightening the lives of not only the kitties who will use them, but the staff who are probably a bit overwhelmed this time of year - okay fine all year round. Even people goodies would be appreciated. An extra batch of cookies, some good coffee, a box of chocolates.. Shelter staff are always overworked and in my opinion underpaid..

16 comments:

  1. Please, make sure you post your link on the blog hop linky! I love your shelter - they should set the standard for other open admission shelters all over the U.S.! My human was glad she brought toys to the rescue she went to - the kitten room had tons of toys, but the adult cat areas had almost none, and the cats seemed starved for play. The time she spent there was not enough for them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just did.. and I was happy to see you spending time with the kitties. A lot of people feel they can't do that as it would make them too sad. It was a blessing for the kitties and I'm sure a highlight of their day for you to be there.

      Delete
  2. What an amazing shelter! It's great for the animals, but it's also much more welcoming for potential adopters, especially those who find shelters sad or cold or the like and thus tend to stay away. Great idea on gifts for the staff (as well as the animals), too. I think I will deliver a treat for them when I drop off some food for the kitties...

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a beautiful place for kitties waiting for their forever home!

    ReplyDelete
  4. wow - we LOVE those changes....we bet the cats are feeling much more homey now. We hope you find lots of good things to show for this weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great layout for the shelter. I love the enclosed catios! I should show this to Linda in case they have any green papers left over after the roof repair. Spending time with the kitties is twice as good as new toys.

    ReplyDelete
  6. How beautiful! Electric fireplaces and a catio off the ground! We'd want to visit every day! Purrs...

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a good place to wait for that *right* home!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Have they got room for a small tuxie? MOL Just kidding!! They have set the standard high, that's for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow, what a great shelter!! When cats are feeling at ease and comfortable they are so much easier to adopt.

    ReplyDelete
  10. We LOVE that outdoor enclosure. How cool!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow I wish all shelter kitties had it so nice!! Very nice. Lucky cats. Thanks for giving us the tour!

    Oh, and I want to build one of those enclosed catio's for my kitties, another project on the list!

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a beautiful shelter ! Of course, it's not a forever home, but it's really a nice place to be for kitties ! Purrs

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a wonderful - AMAZING - makeover! Those electric fireplaces - and the mini catio - ROCK!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Like everyone else I am amazed and impressed with the layout and design, including the little details of your local shelter. I am going to post a link to my local rescue's FB page, as the idea of the little fireplace heaters and the up off the ground catio make the place so much homier and would be purrfect for Oregon's rainy year round weather. Thank you for all you do to help your shelter with the kittens and visiting the ones there up for adoption. Your dedication is especially admirable considering all the work you have with seven of your own. The special health needs many of your fur kids have would keep most people busy and justifiably not able to volunteer, therefore the fact you make the time to do both attests to the love and compassion you have for animals. 💜

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a great shelter and post!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...