World's Best Cat Litter $4 Coupon

Because we are users of "World's Best Cat Litter" (love it!) and have a blog, World's Best Cat Litter has provided us with a link for a $4 off coupon to share with our readers. Click on the picture below to get to the coupon site. If you haven't tried this litter, it is worth checking out. The cats like it, it clumps well, there is no dust, doesn't give the kitties "cement boots" and it is environmentally friendly! (This coupon link will work from August 19 - August 29 only.)

L'Oreal's "Because Your Dog Is Worth It Too Day"

Companion Critters, Inc. held a microchip clinic at L'Oreal's "Because Your Dog Is Worth It Too Day." This event is huge and thousands of dogs attend. There are tons of activities for the doggies and on a hot day in August, plenty of swimming pools in a variety of sizes for everyone. It's the only microchip clinic we have where all of our customers come soaking wet from just having had a dip in a pool!











A few of our 31 customers who will never have to worry about being unidentified in a shelter! (These three dogs were all homeless at one time and are now beloved adopted rescues!)

An Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day Adoption Story

For today, August 12, 2009, the 1st annual Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day, we would like to share with you the story of the adoption of one of our less adoptable pets that was published in "Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul."

Persian Love

Lindsey's white Persian head - a snowball with huge golden eyes and a flat, upturned nose - gave her a look of perpetual sourness. Her fluffy feathered tail and paws were worthy of a pedigreed show cat. But everything in between - her skinny little torso and legs - had been shorn to the skin, ridding her of years of heavily matted fur. Still, with a wiggle of her rear and her head held high, she approached everyone as if she were a fashion model sauntering up the runway and displaying the latest in designer feline styles.

She didn't care that the sight of her caused people to giggle. She felt no shame or humiliation, nor did it cause her to think less of any human - all humans were her friends and deserved her affection. I, too, was a guilty party: She made me laugh, that spunky little sprite.


Lindsey, a rescued cat I was fostering, didn't realize my halfway house for homeless animals was not her real home. It was the best she had ever known. She had spent eight years in a shopping cart topped with fencing. Her former people, elderly themselves, meant well and often took in homeless cats. They prevented reproduction by housing each cat individually in carriers. The cats never left their cages. The couple had rescued Lindsey as a kitten when she was tossed from a moving car. The white Persian had been lucky to be given the deluxe accommodations - the shopping cart - but now she had been rescued from her rescuers. I promised her daily that the best was yet to come.

At first, Lindsey could barely walk. A lifetime of confinement left her shaky and unsteady on her feet. Her muscles protested. She wobbled and stumbled. But she refused to give up, and, with practice, she soon began jogging and exploring. Lindsey found such glory in being able to run.

She adored the other foster cats and loved to snuggle with them. At long last, she could touch other cats instead of just watching them through bars. She had never seen a dog before, but that didn't matter - they were living creatures. She approached them without fear, confident of a loving reception.

One day, I found Lindsey upstairs in resident cat territory, with cats she had not yet met. Odessa and Abigail sat together, peering down their long alley-cat noses, wondering what the heck this creature was. They had never seen a Persian before, much less a bald Persian - and such a bold one, who would dare to come in and act like she was everyone's lifelong friend. I let them be.

A while later, I returned to investigate. At the sound of my entry, two heads emerged from a cat bed in the window, cheeks fused as one. The white, fluffy Persian head seemed dwarfed by the huge, coal-black head of my anti-social cat, Claude, who, years before, had lost a paw at the hand of a cruel human. The four-eyed, "Do-you-mind?" glare hastened my respectful retreat. Claude had found a new friend.

Then, suddenly, Lindsey became ill. Refusal to eat and drink sent her to the hospital - and a convalescent cage. It was touch-and-go for a while, but, finally, Lindsey regained her appetite. She joyfully returned to her foster home, free once again of the hated confinement. Tests showed some irregularities, possibly the result of past nutritional deficiencies. I was sure her retests would be fine, since Lindsey's appetite was back. In fact, Lindsey acted like her old self. As the adoption applications started rolling in, I felt certain that the best was now within reach.

Her story touched people, and interest in adopting her grew, despite Lindsey's advanced age. My duty as a good foster mom meant careful scrutiny of prospective homes. Not just any home would do, only the right home - a home perfectly suited for Lindsey's needs.

That mounting feeling of excitement, that intuitive knowing this is the one, ran through me as I studied one couple's application. Laura and Mike, who already had Fredo the Himalayan and Penny the Persian, wanted Lindsey to share their quiet, peaceful and loving home, where cats were cherished family members. A call to their veterinarian confirmed them as the best of pet guardians. Lindsey would meet them and go home the very next day!

No sooner had arrangements been made than my vet called with the long-forgotten test results. I knew he would not be calling in person if everything were normal. The news hit me hard. Lindsey had kidney disease, and the prognosis was grim. "Make what time she has left quality time," the doctor advised.

With a heavy heart, I relayed the sad news to Laura. "We would still like to meet her," she told me. The ache in my throat eased at her kind words. Nothing could have lifted my spirits or restored my faith in humans more. Not only were Laura and Mike the committed pet guardians I hoped to find, but their selflessness put Lindsey's needs above their own, even knowing their attachment to her could only last a short time.

Although Laura, Mike and I were strangers, we hugged, linked by our common goal to make Lindsey's remaining time special. They signed the adoption papers, but more important to me was the verbal commitment they made - a promise to call it a day when Lindsey's health started to fail. Suffering was not to be part of the deal.

Lindsey settled nicely into her new home. Fredo fell in love with her, grooming Lindsey at every opportunity. Penny had to adjust, but soon found Lindsey more than willing to share Fredo's attentions. The three became friends. Lindsey spent her days exploring her new home and basking in a bed of sunshine streaming through the windows. She spent her nights sleeping comfortably wrapped around either Laura or Mike's head. This was the best - exactly what I had hoped for when I'd made that promise to Lindsey.

It lasted two months. Lindsey became weaker, and when she no longer rallied with treatments and medication, Laura and Mike lovingly allowed her to leave life, peacefully and with dignity. Tears flowed freely in grief, but also in appreciation for having known her.

Lindsey had emerged from her long years of isolation and confinement miraculously unscathed in spirit. The love and sweetness she radiated enriched the lives of everyone she touched. I was comforted, knowing that she had experienced a life worthy of her, even though only for a short time. Against all odds, she had achieved the best.

© 2004 Daniela Wagstaff

The Pitfall of Adopting a Senior Dog

We heard about Pepi, a senior guy in Australia, who was adopted by former Olympic Level Michele Brown. Pepi was 12 years old at the time. That was 6 years ago. He is now 18 years old and leads quite an active life.

The Pitfall: Adopt a senior dog and he might be around a little longer than you expect.

We wanted to find out more about Pepi from an adoption perspective so Ms. Brown was kind enough to share the following with us.

What compelled you to adopt Pepi?

Without any preconceived ideas, Pepi was chosen from more handsome dogs because of his eyes. He was in a shelter pen with five bouncy puppies and his eyes pleaded, "Help! There's been a mistake. I'm not supposed to be here." He knew the odds were against him. When I couldn't take him that day, he sighed, dropped his head, and with great sadness turned and shuffled away. He came home the next day. Pepi knows how to speak from his heart.

Do you know how Pepi ended up homeless and in the shelter?

We are told he lived his "first" life with an elderly couple who had to move to a nursing home. He was 12 years (84 dog years) when he was made "homeless." The only thing his bio said was that he did not like riding in cars. He actually loves the car!

Pepi with his adoptive "grandpa" and "mom"

How did Pepi adjust to his new home?

The three (human) weeks at the shelter saved his life. Separation from his first family ripped his world apart. He hadn't been trained to beg on the street. He couldn't have survived on his own. It was tough for him at the shelter but when we got him home, he was so grateful. True, for a couple of months he had sad memories and, though anxious to please us, nothing could console him. He took 6 months to make his first bark. We were stunned and happy to hear it. Pepi was coming out of his shell! Nowadays, he has a huge vocabulary. His rehabilitation included taking walks, playing together, grooming and socializing with other dogs. Slowly at first, he came around. Once he turned the corner, he never looked back. Pepi is in his "second" life.

Does Pepi have any special needs or health issues that require special care?

Love and respect: Pepi is a dog-person, not "just a dog." When we enter a room, Pepi greets us with a tail wag. We greet him with a pat. Pepi lives indoors, as befitting a gentleman of his age. A deep, comfy bed is appreciated.
Responsibilities: Certain tasks are assigned to Pepi - carry in the mail, assist with groceries, accompany the trash out, charm visitors.
Security: He can still hear the front door bell.
Medical: A yearly health check and teeth cleaning. Monthly flea and heart worm preventative. Pepi has NO arthritis! At age 12 Pepi had signs of eye cataracts. Now his vision is down to 5% but it doesn't hold him back. His hearing is also down to 5%. But his heart and vital organs are in great shape!
Food: A fussy eater, but a wide variety of tastes.

What does Pepi do for fun and exercise?

Every day Pepi and I do a 5 mile run. Pepi rides in a child's pram while I run behind and push the pram. He rides 1/4 mile, walks 50 yards, rides, walks...

Pepi sometimes picks up hitchhikers.

Kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it, how many Pepis are overlooked in shelters everywhere just because they are in their golden years.

Pepi in the News:
"Plenty of Tricks in Pepi's Pram"

September 16, 2009
Earlier this month Pepi had gone to the vet for a routine dental cleaning. Immediately thereafter he started going into kidney failure, probably as a result of the anesthesia. Pepi was in and out of the hospital and was seeing a kidney specialist. Today Pepi was released from the hospital. After only 5 minutes at home he suffered a massive stroke. Pepi was rushed back to the hospital where he sadly had to be euthanized. Our deepest sympathy to Pepi's family. Rest in peace, little guy. You were one amazing dog!

Pepi's Memorial

L'Oreal R&D Health and Safety Day

Not only were we asked to come to the 5th Annual L'Oreal R&D Health and Safety Day to promote microchipping of pets, foster dog Pumpkin was also invited. She played an important role in demonstrating how microchips are scanned. But aside from that, Pumpkin was the L'Oreal employee morale booster of the day. Always ready to meet and greet, Pumpkin dazzled anyone who came near. If any of the L'Oreal employees were having a bad day, you wouldn't know it to see them oohing, aahing and laughing with Pumpkin!

Fundraiser: Father's Day Gift Wrapping at Barnes and Noble

Barnes & Noble offers a great community service opportunity for non-profit organizations. Prior to holidays or special occasions charities can sign up to man the gift wrapping table at a Barnes & Noble store. Gift wrapping for customers is free, but customers may leave a donation if they so desire. It is a great way for charities to make some money while saving people the tedious chore of wrapping gifts.

Companion Critters wrapped books at the Barnes & Noble store in Clark, NJ from 9 am - 3 pm on Father's Day 2009. Foster dog Pumpkin came along to help. Pumpkins' schmoozing abilities apparently far outweighed our gift wrapping abilities as Pumpkin earned more in the donation jar for giving out kisses than we did for wrapping! Thank you Pumpkin, thank you Barnes & Noble customers and thank you Barnes & Noble for helping us raise $163.17!

Rascally Raccoon Rescue

While at the Union shelter today taking pictures of cats and dogs to post on Petfinder.com, an unexpected rescue mission developed. The shelter is located behind a Home Depot store. One of the Home Depot employees came over to the shelter asking what to do about some sickly orphaned baby raccoons that were hanging out in the parking lot. Apparently, the mother raccoon and her 3 babies had been living in the warehouse but mom had not been seen for a couple of days. The employees put the babies over the fence into the park but they came right back to the Lawn & Garden department in the Home Depot parking lot. They weren't looking well at all. Dehydration was setting in.

The first raccoon went into the carrier without much ado, just a little shove did the trick. Not a good sign at all. He had discharge in his eyes and really wasn't feeling well. The second one was a little perkier but not enough to run away. After a brief battle and near escape, my gloved hand won and he ended up in the carrier with his brother. The third sibling was not around.

So now what? I have no raccoon experience. Were they old enough to eat on their own? If not, exactly how was I supposed to give them a bottle when they were obviously old enough to already mistrust humans and put up a fight? I was completely out of my element. They napped comfortably in a dog crate on the kitchen table, out of reach of curious canines, while I emailed and telephoned in an attempt to find a wildlife rehabilitator. I reached one fairly quickly who was unable to take them - she was already bottle feeding a dozen raccoon babies. But she kindly passed along some tricks on how to get to them eat on their own, none of which worked. As I expected, it was because they were indeed too young to eat on their own. At long last an offer from a rehabber who came highly recommended and was "only" bottle feeding six at the moment. She could take them. I packed up the babies and off we went. The rehabber immediately whisked them away to get them on the bottle. It was of the utmost importance. She stands ready to accept the 3rd sibling if he comes back around. The Home Depot employees are on the lookout for him. I'll be checking in over the weekend to see how the babies are doing. Now that they are in experienced and capable hands, chances are much better that they will survive to be released back into the wild.


Sunday, May 24, 2009 Update: I called to check on the babies. They are both taking the bottle, have perked up considerably and are doing great.