Independent Cat Society Mewsletter Fall 2018

For the friends of the Independent Cat Society, a no-kill cat shelter

Fall 2018 #159

The Dream Becomes Reality!

That’s right, after years of planning, fundraising, and even more planning, the first phase of ICS’s renovation project is underway!

With the help of generous donors, the Porter County Community Foundation, the Petco Foundation, and of course, Morton Buildings of Wanatah, ICS saw a new addition built onto its main shelter building.

The Joan Hildebrand Memorial Adoption Center will officially open for guests in the spring. But, we are very excited to show the progress of the work that you had a very important hand in making a reality.

Hard to believe, but here it is, nearly completed!

Interested in helping to keep the renovation rolling? The ICS Building Committee could always use more insight and willing volunteers to pitch in. Contact us at shelter@catsociety.org if you would like to help out.

Thanks to the Porter County Community Foundation for their generous support!

Morton Buildings staff framing the front of the new addition.

Upcoming Events, Tributes, and much more inside!

Published for the friends of the Independent Cat Society, Inc. PO Box 735, Westville, IN 46391 (219) 785-4936 Web: www.catsociety.org Email: shelter@catsociety.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ INCatSociety

Calendar of Events

November November 28 ICS 2018 Board Elections 6:00pm - 8:00pm Purdue University Northwest, Room LSF 170A, 1401 S US 421, Westville, IN

December December 1

The Independent Cat Society, Inc., founded in 1977, is a non-profit, no-kill cat shelter on US Rt 6 at the Porter/LaPorte County Line Road in Westville, Indiana.

Our mission is to rescue, shelter, adopt, and promote the spaying and neutering of cats in our Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland community.

Adoption hours: Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Others by appointment.

Please call (219) 785-4936.

About our Adoption Fees Include: Spay/neuter, vet exam, feline leukemia and FIV test; ageappropriate vaccinations; parasite treatment; tattoo ID/microchip; 30 Day No-Cost Pet Insurance; Hills Science Diet coupon; and free postadoption participating vet visit.

Please check our website or shelter for monthly adoption specials!

Board of Directors: President:

Jocelyn Vereb Vice-President:

Paulette Gonzalez Recording Secretary:

Diana Richie Corresponding Secretary:

Kay Vazquez Treasurer:

Natalie Cebulski Board Members:

Diana Foster

Beth Hayden

Lori Hlinsky

Jennifer Stall

18th Street Brewery Art Fair 11:00am - 5:00pm 5417 Oakley Ave, Hammond, IN

December 8-9 ICS Holiday Open House Saturday: 10am-4pm; Sunday: 1pm - 4pm ICS Shelter, 4061 County Line Road, Westville, IN

December 15 La Porte County Animal Shelter Pet Expo 9:00am - 1:00pm, Small Projects Building LaPorte County Fairgrounds, 2581 IN-2, LaPorte

January January 19-20 ICS Semi-Annual Book Sale Saturday: 10am - 4pm; Sunday: 11am - 5pm Valparaiso Moose Lodge, 108 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso, IN

February Sweetheart Month!

Join in the festivities throughout the month and vote for your favorites!

March March 2 Sweetheart Day Enjoy great food, crafts, jewelry, and more, as the candidates race to the finish!

10:00am - 4:00pm Valparaiso Moose Lodge, 108 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso, IN

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President’s Message Happy Fall! It’s hard to believe 2018 is drawing to a close soon – so much has happened this year!

Since our last Mewsletter in August, we’ve had several successful events, thanks to all of you, our faithful supporters! These include our booth at Popcorn Fest, our Fall Yard Sale, and of course, the Annual Cat’s Meow Gala. We especially want to thank our Sponsors for this year’s Gala: Ark of the Dunes Animal Hospital, Gast Animal Hospital, Michigan City Animal Hospital, Pratt Industries, Vale Park Animal Hospital, Westchester Animal Clinic, and a personal sponsorship from Jerry & Donna Daniel.

Of course, the real excitement has been watching our dream of a new building become a reality. The structure is up, concrete has been poured and the next step is for Morton Buildings and their great sub-contractors to complete the interior walls and utilities. We will have a lot of work to do after that, including getting the garage floor coating done and furnishings (office furniture/equipment, cages, etc.). Please keep watching our Mewsletters, Facebook and Website on the progress and ways you can help.

The ICS/TNR Project team continues to work very hard – over 270 cats have gone through our program, with more every week. They held their first (annual) Feral Cat Day event on 10/16 which hugely successful.

The hope is that the hard work by the TNR team will help reduce the number of stray cats and kittens brought to the shelter(s) in the future. 2018 has brought us with record numbers of kittens. It began in March, with 4 nursing or pregnant moms taken in through our Foster program in a single week. Since then, over 150 cats and kittens have gone through our foster program and into the shelter, with more still in foster.

This is why responsible pet ownership is so important. Please Spay or Neuter your pets. Tell your friends and neighbors. If the expense is an issue, please remember we offer Low Cost Spay/Neuter vouchers for various area veterinarians, as listed below. Or, call us for more information about other ways we may be able to help.

Fiona and I hope to see you all soon! Thank you all for your continued support!

Jocelyn Vereb, ICS Board President with Fiona, ICS “Office Manager”

Spay/Neuter Resources ICS assisted spay/neuter vouchers are available at the ICS shelter on Saturdays from 10 AM-4PM and Sundays from 1-4 PM. (Others hours may be available by appointment only). After purchase (cash/check/credit card), call one of the clinics below to schedule an appointment: • • • • • •

McAfee Animal Hospital (Valparaiso): 219-462-5901 – $115 Westchester Animal Clinic (Chesterton): 219-926-1194– $65 Coyne Veterinary Center (Portage): 219763-3311 –$65 All Creature Features (LaPorte): 219-393-3558 – $85 Gast Animal Hospital (Valparaiso): 219-759-7387 – $110 Maple City Animal Hospital (LaPorte): 219-324-0055 – $116

Dr. Anderson’s Feline Reduction Center has a low-cost clinic on Saturdays in Beverly Shores.

The scheduling number is 219-861-9006.

Other local options: • • • • • •

Neuter Scooter: www.neuterscooter.com Pet Neutering and Adoption: www. petneutering.com (DeMotte) ABC Clinic: www.petrefugeabcclinic.com (Granger) The Estelle Marcus Animal Clinic: www. hscalumet.org or (219) 924-7140 (Munster) PAWS Chicago: The Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic or mobile unit, www.pawschicago.org or (773) 521-7729 (Chicago) Fried’s TNR Clinic: 219-252-2872, friedstnr@gmail.com (Michigan City)

Contact us at icstnr2018@gmail.com for information on feral/community cat spay/neuter.

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Sponsor-A-Cat!

from your Spokescat, Pyewacket

That’s right, it’s the holidays, a time to relax, have fun with the family, and eat great food. And there’s presents!

Everyone loves the holidays, even if it does get a little cold outside. Luckily, in the shelter, we stay nice and warm and happy, thanks to the ICS staff and volunteers. They make sure we don’t miss out on the holiday fun by giving us special treats and toys in celebration of the occasion. They even invite everyone out to an open house on the second weekend of December to let everyone else join in the good cheer!

But sometimes, gift-giving can be rough. Some people (and pets!) are really tough to shop for, aren’t they? Well, what if you got them something really special, like... an ICS Sponsor-A-Cat! No, I don’t mean taking home a cat. Some folks can’t add another member of their family right now.

Instead, I mean giving someone the gift of knowing that they helped a kitty in the shelter. Giving a Sponsor-a-Cat membership as a gift means that you can donate toward the care of one special cat, and in exchange, your loved one get cards and notes from their new sponsored cat throughout the year. They can come by anytime to spend time with their cat, and who knows? Your gift just might be the good luck that kitty needs to find that purr-fect forever family!

Interested? Check us out online or use the slip below and say happy holidays to your favorite humans and pets this year! Some of my friends below would love be your gift that keeps on giving.

Pillsbury

Marco

Polo

Gucci

Sterling

Rayne

I want to Sponsor-A-Cat from the Independent Cat Society

I have enclosed a check for:

__________ $180 for one year of Sponsor-A-Cat

__________ $15 for the first month of Sponsor-A-Cat. I pledge to send $15 each month to Sponsor-A-Cat

__________ I pledge to send the amount that fits my budget and feels “right” to Sponsor-A-Cat each month Please mark “SAC” on your envelope and check memo. The sponsor will receive a photo and biography of his or her Sponsor-A-Cat. Name of sponsor_____________________________________________ Is this a gift sponsorship? _______________ Address_________________________________________________ City______________________________________ State_______ ZIP__________ Telephone _______________________________________ Month of sponsor’s birthday______________________________ email address_______________________________________ Clip and mail to: Independent Cat Society, Inc., PO Box 735, Westville, IN 46391 4

The Cat’s Meow Dinner and Gala!

Thanks to all who donated items for the 2018 Cat’s Meow Gala Silent Auction and Raffle: All Tech Computers American Licorice Aurelio’s Pizza, LaPorte Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa Cat Trees by Max Chesterton Feed & Garden ChicagoLand Popcorn Chili’s in Valpo Chipotle Mexican Grill Cinemark in Valpo Divine Hair Designs Duneland Pizza El Salto Mexican Restaurant Gelsosomo’s Pizza-Chesterton Haunted Hill Hospital Indianapolis Colts Joy Wok Kuranda Beds Medieval Times Mesa Luna Mucho Mas, Michigan City MUTTS Panera Bread Round Barn Winery Serenity Salon & Spa Shedd Aquarium Starbucks

Storytime Soap Shoppe TGI Friday’s Therapeutic Healing Hands Massage Wheel of Fortune TV show And thanks to these Individuals who donated items, time, and talent: Amber Gold Bernie Howard Beth Hayden Carol Albrecht Deanna Kronland Diana Foster Diane Groves Donna Daniel Jocelyn Vereb Julie Weller Loree McKinney Pam Vrablic Roxanne Meyers Sharon Fitzsimmons

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Holidays with the Pets

by Victoria Voller, Board President, Humane Society of Northwest Indiana Dear Brad Pit-bull, I wish you a happy holiday too.

You are bragging that you were very good last Christmas and obviously that is your gift to your pet parents. Really? Well they are luckier than mine.

Dear Ollie, I have heard throughout the years that it is more blessed to give than to receive, especially around the holidays. Well, I wonder what that means for a dog or a cat?

Last Christmas, I did a whole lot of getting.

I got toys, biscuits and my cat friend got weird toys with feathers and wands. I even received a red Christmas sweater with an embroidered tree that lights up. It should be entered in the ugly Christmas sweater contest, or is that just for humans? When my owner put it on me, I stopped moving and just stood there. I would still be standing if it weren’t for the obnoxious human kid who took the sweater off of me and wrapped me in a towel. Don’t ask.

Last year, I was a real good sport, sweater debacle excepted. I didn’t topple the Christmas tree, I didn’t eat the tinsel, and I never ate a wrapped package or sucked down a kid’s toy. I did however, nosh on some turkey on my search under the table but didn’t knock over the Christmas candles with a sweep of my tail. Then there are the lush red and green plants which include cactus, holly, lilies, mistletoe poinsettia, hemlock, and ivy, which the florists deliver to our house non-stop. Sometimes I lift my leg on them with the sheer joy of seeing their red and green flora shine, and sometimes I just want to eat one. But I didn’t rip them into tiny green shreds because I was on my best behavior ever.

Well, okay, maybe not totally ever. My pet parents have lots of friends who come and go over the holidays. I usually hunker down under the table and look for my opportunity to bolt. Last year, I did run off but I was immediately returned because I was wearing my collar and tags. So what gives, Ollie – how do you spend Christmas? Happy holidays, Ollie, you are my man!!

To my woman and man human, Christmas giving for the pet brood here is simply trying to be on our best behavior. We realize that no human one wants to run to a veterinarian during the holidays because their pet has eaten or ingested something they shouldn’t.

Second to that Christmas horror is finding a pet missing and phoning the local shelters to find it when they are closed for the holidays.

So, I try to be a good dog but in many ways, it’s not possible. I tore into a white paper bag carrying fruitcake from a local bakery; I have vomited on the carpet right before the guests pull up in their cars. I scratch doors, growl at other dogs and don’t come when I am called. In years past, I have swirled around the house stealing toys and have behaved worse than Thing One and Thing Two from The Cat in the Hat. My humans nicknamed me the Christmas Thing Three; it seems to be a tradition here.

But so far this year, I have been good. Okay, the holidays haven’t quite started yet, but I am certain, Brad Pit-bull, that your good behavior through the Christmas holiday 2017 was a welcome gift to everyone in your household. Congratulations. Will you be on your best behavior this year too?

Remember not to chase the cat in your house or eat anything with sugar, turkey skin or bones, mistletoe, holly or poinsettias.

Tell your cat friend to stay away from raw fish, onions and chives, uncooked eggs, and caffeinated drinks. For a complete list of holiday food spoilers for household pets, visit https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/generalpet-care/holiday-safety-tips.

Your Friend in Fur, Ollie Remember, love is a four legged word

Merry Christmas, Brad Pit-bull

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Memorials & Tributes

August 2018 - November 2018

In memory of Mike Masters from William and Wendy Masters

Brenda Palla

In memory of Todd Gumns, from Maxine Hamann

In memory of my friend’s cat Sophie, from Louise Vale

In memory of Joan Hildebrand, from Sharon Benefiel, Edward and Nancy Hayes, Timothy and Carmella Moroney, and Louise Vale

In memory of David Hoenke and his beloved friend Gypsy the cat, from Barbara Hoenke

In memory of Dan Raymoond, from Arlene Maxwell

In memory of Marilyn’s love of caring for homeless cats, from Kirt Christensen and family

In memory of my dad, Keith Kites, 7-12-18, from Donald and Karol Johns

In memory of Marian Bukovich, from her family and friends

In memory of Mary N, Williams, from David and Kathryn Halterman, and James and Barbara Wood

In memory of Robert Cauchon, from Marti Rukavina

In memory of Katherine Kanney from George and Billie Callas

In honor of Betsy (Bitsy), adopted 12/17, from Ann Marie Barr

In memory of Sammi, from Gerald and Darlene Brooks

In memory of Charlie, from Judith Kowal

In honor of Jethro the Cat (Blinky), from Meg Demakas

In memory of Kelley and Brooke, from Linnea Hokanson

In honor of Anny Glinski, from Marilynn Glinski

In memory of Cinder, Bambi, Winston, Elizabeth, and Ashley, from Norman and Patricia Karner

In honor of Simmie Kellogg, from Sherri Holt In honor of our cats from ICS, Tangelo and Persimmon, from Robert and Patricia Beezhold

In memory of Sally Benson, from Gerald and Donna Roessing In memory of Buster Brown, Princess Angel, Misty, and Lil Rosie, from Donald and Rosemary Fanning

In honor of Beau Niemeyer, who thinks he’s part dog – he even sits and gives paw when we tell him! from Virginia Niemeyer

In memory of Meshaul and Morris, from Donna Frey

In honor of Dr. Kylene Huler and her fur babies! Thank you for being such a great doctor and for all you do for the fur babies – we love you! from Greg and Kim Fisher

In memory of Lloyd Chapman, from Imogene Black, George and Brenda Booth, Robert and Linda Gall, Eileen Hansen, Louise Newbold, and Larry and Charlotte Sackrider

In honor of Jodi Dusek’s birthday, from G.S. Dusek

In memory of Sandy Harley, from Ralph and Judie Rankin, and Scott and Christina Spickard

In honor of our kitties, Ike and Missy, from Debra Bieker In honor of Christine Wulf, from Scott and Timburley Ecklund

In memory of Carol Wallney Barney, from John and Rosemary Kokenis

In honor of Cutiebatootie – we love him so much, from Jeffrey and Nikki Templin

In memory of Bev Overmyer’s cat, Nolan, from Mitzi Grogan-McGlone In memory of Janet L. Pullins, from Marilynn Glinski, Diane Hanson, Karen Jefferson, Theresa Pullins, and JoAnne Rosenbaum

ICS remembers some of our beloved cats that have passed on to the Rainbow Bridge in 2018: Whisper, Mabel, Maximus, Bradley, Mr. Beans, Van Gogh, Tulip, Bobo, Oscar, Daphne

In memory of Foxy Lady, my sweet little girl I had for 19 years, from

Corporate Sponsorships Financial Institutions 1st Source Bank Allegius Credit Union Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union Grants Banfield Charitable Trust Best Friends Animal Society Bissell Foundation John W. Anderson Foundation Petco Foundation Porter County Community Foundation Porter County Master Gardeners TransCanada Corporation Unity Foundation of LaPorte County Matching Gifts ArcelorMittal Matching Gifts Benevity Community Impact Fund Charity Gift Certificates CNA Foundation Discover Financial Services Exxon Mobile Foundation JC Penney Change for the Better Campaign State Employee’ Community Campaign Truist United Way of Greater LaPorte County

Local 2nd Chance Games Movies & Music, Portage Aurelio’s Pizza, LaPorte Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, Michigan City BoyConn Printing, Valparaiso Cat Trees by Max, Hebron Chesterton Feed & Garden, Chesterton Chesterton High School, Chesterton Chicagoland Popcorn, Merrillville City’s Pure Ice, LaPorte Eley-Graham Financial Advisory Services, Merrillville Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service, Valparaiso Jake’s Feed & Garden, Valparaiso Justin’s Tree Service, Chesterton K&D Tool Supply, Trail Creek KarahTess Clothing & Lettering, LaPorte Lake County Public Library, Merrillville Mid-America Claims, Inc., Valparaiso Moose Lodge – 1357, Valparaiso Portage High School, Portage Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser, Valparaiso Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, Crown Point StoryTime Soap Shoppe, LaPorte Vincent’s Hair Design, Valparaiso You Can Make a Difference Club, Westville Elementary School

Other AmazonSmile Cat’s Pride Litter for Good Program Event Wines - Benefit Wines Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund (Eldred) GoodShop Health and Hospitality Corp of Marion Co Lion with an Eye Patch Gaming Network for Good Wells Fargo Advisors Yankee Candle Participating Veterinarians All Creature Features, LaPorte Arbor View Animal Hospital, Valparaiso Ark of the Dunes Animal Hospital, Chesterton Coyne Veterinary Services, Portage Gast Animal Hospital, Valparaiso LaPorte Animal Hospital, LaPorte Maple City Animal Hospital, LaPorte McAfee Animal Hospital, Valparaiso Michigan City Animal Hospital, Michigan City New Carlisle Animal Hospital, New Carlisle Olson Veterinary Services, Randi Olson DVM Westchester Animal Clinic, Porter Vale Park Animal Hospital, Valparaiso

If we have inadvertently omitted anyone, please write, email, or call us so we can include them in the next newsletter.

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Independent Cat Society PO Box 735 Westville, IN 46391

Non-Profit Organization US Postage

PAID

Valparaiso, IN Permit No. 134

Upcoming Events • ICS Board Elections

http://catsociety.org

• 18th Street Brewery Art Fair

@IndCatSociety

November 28, PNW Westville December 1, 18th Street Brewery, Hammond

• Holiday Open House

facebook.com/ INCatSociety

December 8-9, ICS Shelter

• LaPorte County Animal Shelter Pet Expo

December 15, LaPorte County Fairgrounds

• ICS Semi-Annual Book Sale

January 19-20, Valparaiso Moose Lodge

• Sweetheart Month

Celebrate with us throughout the month and vote!

• Sweetheart Day

March 2, Valparaiso Moose Lodge

If you’d like to receive the Mewsletter via email, let us know at shelter@catsociety.org.

Can you help the Independent Cat Society cats?

Become a Member!

Annual Dues:

Donate or Volunteer! ______ I am donating $______ for the care of the cats and kittens.

______

$1000 Corporation

______ I am donating $______ to the building fund.

______

$500 Platinum

______ I will help groom cats at the shelter.

______

$100 Gold Star

______

$50 Family

______

$25 Individual

______

$1­­0 Student

______ I am donating $______ to the TNR/Assisted Spay & Neuter Fund. ______ I will help at fundraising events. ______ I will be a foster parent. ______ I will donate my cat-themed artwork or crafts for fundraising events. ______ I will bake for fundraising events. ______ I will make adoption follow-up telephone calls. ______ I will help cats get good homes by becoming an adoption counselor. ______ I will help take care of the grounds and maintain the shelter. ______ I will distribute flyers for fundraisers.

______

$10 Senior

­­Name______________________________________ Address_____________________ City______________ State_______ ZIP__________ ____This is a new address. ____ Do not send a “thank you” note. Phone____________________ email___________________________ Clip and send to: Independent Cat Society, Inc., PO Box 735, Westville, IN 46391