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!
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| the first cat room |
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| the second cat room - see the door on the left |
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..
