Winter 2015 ICS Mewsletter

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

Winter 2015 #144

Here Come the 2015 Sweethearts!

Abby

Abby is our youngest candidate – she is playful and affectionate, seen here confident that she will be crowned the ICS Sweetheart.

Can she count on your vote?

Georgie

Georgie is as sweet as he is large. He is usually found supervising the activities in the main shelter and being adored by all. Will he get your vote?

Pink

Pink came to us on April 1st last year, but we’re not fooling when we say she is a real Sweetheart! She’ll be “tickled Pink” with your vote!

Cissy

Cissy is a gorgeous calico lady who had a rough start, but has certainly become the Sweetheart of her room, Church. Won’t you vote to make her the ICS Sweetheart this year?

Nema

Nema is a beautiful, friendly female orange tabby. She’s had a rough year, but has retained her sweet nature. Doesn’t she deserve your vote this year?

Snowball

Snowball has the most dazzling blue eyes and is simply adorable and loving. She’s deaf, so let your vote SHOW her that she’s a Sweetheart!

Donut

Who doesn’t love Donut(s)? This guy is a big bundle of love, who will sit in your lap all day.

Help Donut win this year with your vote!

Patch

Patch is an active, delightful little guy, who has watched all but one of his 6 siblings get adopted this year. Your vote will get him noticed!

Zeller

Zeller may come last by name, but this attractive guy comes first in the hearts of those who meet him. Your vote can make him the #1 Sweetheart!

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/ indcatsociety 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.

Calendar of Events

February Sweetheart Contest!

All month long Watch our Mewsletter, the Web, Facebook, and your inbox for news on the candidates and events happening during our annual Sweetheart Month.

You can help get out the vote and support your favorite sweetheart!

The One - A Special Valentine’s Adoption Event February 13: 4-6pm, February 14: 10am-4pm, February 15: 1-4pm ICS Shelter, Westville, IN Join us for this special 3-day adoption event, in partnership with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. All cats ages 5 and older will be just $10. Could you be “The One” to give an older pet a forever home?

March Sweetheart Day! March 7, 10am - 4pm Moose Lodge, 108 Indiana Avenue, Valparaiso, IN The final day for voting ends with a celebration! Join us for food, crafts, fun, and much more as we showcase our sweethearts and reveal the big winner of the 2015 Sweetheart Contest!

Spring into Action Volunteer Fair March 7, 10am - 3pm Crown Point High School, Crown Point, IN Join ICS and many other local non-profits to celebrate volunteerism and learn more about how you can help your community!

Please check our website or shelter for monthly adoption specials!

Board of Directors: President:

Anastasia Trekles Vice-President:

Judy Lindmark Recording Secretary:

Judy Dean Corresponding Secretary:

Carol Albrecht Treasurer:

Natalie Cebulski Board Members:

Diana Foster

Jason Petrovich

Jennifer Stall

Joan Hildebrand

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Options ICS 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).

Other local options:

After purchasing a voucher (cash/check/credit card), call one of the veterinary clinics listed below to schedule an appointment. ICS Spay/ Neuter vouchers are only accepted at the following veterinary clinics: • McAfee Animal Hospital: 219-462-5901 651 Eastport Centre Dr. Valparaiso, IN 46383 Basic - $115; Comprehensive - $140 • Westchester Animal Clinic 219-926-1194 55E US Highway 20 Porter, IN 46304-1397 Basic - $65; Comprehensive - $90

•

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

The scheduling number is 219-861-9006 – please call and leave a message.

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•

Neuter Scooter: www.neuterscooter.com

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Pet Neutering and Adoption: www. petneutering.com (DeMotte) ABC Clinic: www.petrefugeabcclinic.com (Granger)

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The Estelle Marcus Animal Clinic: www. hscalumet.org or (219) 924-7140 (Munster)

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NAWS: www.nawsus.org or (708) 478-5102 (Mokena)

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PAWS Chicago: The Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic or mobile unit, www.pawschicago.org or (773) 521-7729 (Chicago)

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Anti-Cruelty Society: www.anticruelty.org or (312) 644-8338 (Chicago)

For help with spaying neutering of free-roaming cats, please email us at: icstnr@comcast.net

President’s Message The only mystery about the cat is why it ever decided to become a domestic animal.

– Compton MacKenzie As you know, the Independent Cat Society in Westville is a small non-profit shelter where, for 38 years, while waiting for homes, kittens and cats have completely relied on the kindness of volunteers for every facet of their physical care and emotional well-being.

Temporarily fostering felines in off-site homes is an extremely significant facet of that volunteerism. While foster cats are waiting for permanent parents, they are being socialized with humans other animals, getting well fed, and receiving the veterinary care they need in order to be healthy. These experiences in family environments make fostered cats and kittens extraordinarily trusting and adoptable companions.

Please note: We do not use litter pan liners, newspapers, or pine cleaners like Pine Sol. Thank you!

Office Supplies Stamps Various Colored 2-pocket folders with Business Card Slots Letter-Size Manila File Folders

Such is the case with already spayed Callie and neutered Cathloua. This “Dynamite Duo” live with a kind-hearted, gentle man who faithfully volunteered to “foster-parent” them until they were adopted into a permanent home together. The Portage Callie resident and these beautiful, affectionate, 6 year-old cats bonded so well that Independent Cat Society members called the loving situation a “foster failure,” since they all enjoyed life together for almost five years.

But sadly, it is now urgent that Callie and Cathloua find a new forever home together. Their caretaker, a long-time Independent Cat Society friend, former board member, and supporter has become very ill. He is no longer able to provide the love, attention and affection the cats have had in his company. This “Dynamite Duo” and our dear friend and volunteer are looking for your help. Please find it in your heart to adopt these two beauties into your home. Simply call Dorothy at the Independent Cat Society (219) 785-4936 or Sue at (219) 733-9512, or email us at shelter@catsociety.org, to make arrangements to meet these cats.

We hope to hear from you soon, and thank you for all of your help, in any and all forms that you give. As ICS supporters, we appreciate all that you do to help animals and our community.

Cathloua

Sincerely, Staci Trekles, ICS Board President and Dee Dunheim, ICS Volunteer

You have options!

You may have noticed our newly adopted envelopes, which allow you to select how you would like to direct your gifts to ICS. But do you know how your directed gifts support our cats and our shelter operations? Here is a quick description of each of our funds. Be sure to send us a question if you are ever interested in knowing more about our fundraising efforts!

General Operating Expenses

Supports medical expenses, food, litter, payroll for our

medication and cleaning staff,and shelter upkeep Trap Neuter Return / Assisted Spay & Neuter Fund

Supports our ICS TNR Squad and their operations to help cats in our community Building Fund

Goes toward the planning and building of a new, improved ICS shelter Sponsor-a-Cat

Supports our Sponsor-a-Cat program - find out more and sign up on page 4!

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Cleaning Supplies Bleach Laundry Soap (prefer HE type) Dryer Sheets Liquid Hand Soap Dish Soap Paper Plates Paper Towels 30-gallon Trash Bags Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags Medical Supplies Microwaveable Heating Discs Science Diet A/D, I/D, K/D Wellness Grain-Free Food Building and Grounds 20 x 25 x 5 Aire Bear Furnace filters Water Softener Pellets 16 x 20 x 1 Fiberglass Furnace Filters Replacement Filters for Hunter Air Purifier Model #30547 Carpenters, plumbers, painters Other Dry Cat Food, kitten and adult, Prefer Hills Science Diet but use other brands for donations to those in need Ground flavors of Fancy Feast and grain-free foods Kuranda Plastic Cleanable Cat Trees Scoopable and Clay Litters Gift Cards to Lowe’s, Menard’s, Home Depot, etc.

Safeguard SG-36D Humane Traps Turbo-Tracks Replacement Scratchers Extra Large Litter Scoops Small Blankets, Rugs, Towels Special Services Artists and craftspersons for events Transportation and hauling vehicles

The cats thank you! Ask us for a receipt for tax-deductible donations.

Sponsor-A-Cat!

from your Spokescat, Corky

Hi, I’m Corky, your ICS spokescat! I’ve got a question for you: How do you feel about declawing? I live in a posh, two-story condo in the hall near the door, so I always hear what’s going on. I often hear counselors ask this question after welcoming visitors to the shelter. Here are some of the common answers: “Oh, for sure, we just got a new leather couch and we don’t want him to ruin it.”

“Right away, before we take the kittens home. We have small children at home and can’t take a chance of having them scratched.”

“I’ve always had my cats declawed. I don’t want to have to pay the vet to trim the cat’s nails every month.”

Then I hear the counselor ask, “Do you know that declawing isn’t like cutting your fingernails?”

Corky, your Spokescat

Many people do not know that declawing is major surgery. It is the painful amputation of each toe, much like removing a person’s finger at the last knuckle – including the tendons and ligaments. As the cat recovers, it is very painful whenever the cat walks or scratches in the litter pan. You see, cats need their claws for balance, to protect them from predators if they should get outside, and to keep them healthy. Declawing causes a gradual weakening of the muscles of the legs, shoulders, and back. Also, surefootedness depends on the cat’s ability to grasp quickly with its claws. A cat without its claws can easily be injured in a fall or even by jumping from a shelf or furniture. In short, a declawed cat is a clubfooted animal, and they must spend the rest of their lives walking awkwardly on the backs of their feet.

That’s why we don’t allow ICS cats to be declawed, no matter what their age.

If you want to learn more about the surgery and the harmful physical and psychological effects it can have on cats, we have information sheets at our shelter and on our website at http://www.catsociety.org. Please stop by and ask us questions! Our adoption counselors as well as our cats, like my friends who need sponsorships below, would love to see you, spend time with you, and talk with you. And don’t forget, sponsorships make great gifts!

Electro

Callie

Molly

Scooter

Electro is a young guy with a ton of energy.

He would love nothing more than to play with you, but when he’s done, he’ll curl right up in your lap. To meet him is to fall in love! Come see him in Disco, and bring a toy!

Who doesn’t love a calico beauty named Callie? She may not be a kitten anymore, but our Callie will still play with the best of them, and she loves a good warm lap, too.

Come see her in Nook and you’ll agree that this older gal deserves a home of her own.

Maybe yours?

may come off as aloof, but she really just wants to be your friend. This beautiful long-haired dilute tortie came to us when her owner passed away, and she’s gone through a lot. If you can show her some kindness, she will no doubt give you her heart!

is a lovely tabby girl who, at six, is nearing middle age. She has been with ICS for several years, but she would love to be able to live out her golden years in a home of her own. Won’t you help this sweet lady achieve her dreams?

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_____________________________________________ 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 Story of Cowboy, One Amazing ICS Kitty

by Dr. Kylene Huler, ICS Adopter and Supporter On June 3, 2014, my life changed forever after Melissa Petrovich, a dear friend of many years and avid cat lover, posted photos on Facebook of Cowboy, a stunningly beautiful black and white psychedelically marked cat. He was a resident at the Independent Cat Society, awaiting the chance to be adopted.

vocalizations are appropriately purposeful. He is otherwise a very quiet cat. He knows the meaning of “NO!” He comes when called by name and he only approaches others when called over. He is non-intrusive and has spot-on instinct for the personal “bubble space” of others. He has no bad habits and is pristinely clean – no spashing of water, food or litter. He allows me to cut his nails and he gets brushed every night. Not one person has ever had an allergic reaction to him. He is able to open the cabinet under the bathroom sink and close the door behind him when he wants to have some time alone, and he knows how to slide the closet door open which is on a track. He loves to lick ice on a plate; he never begs for food while we humans break for lunch.

As I am a neurologist and care for patients of all ages and with just about every known neurologic ailment, I had contemplated getting an office cat to help diffuse stress and provide comfort to some select patients – mainly anxious children with special needs, adults with mental handicaps, or elderly who live alone and have lost beloved pets or Cowboy and his happy owner, Dr. loved ones,

During a workday at the office, he is available to see patients at their request. Many patients request him. When he sees special needs patients, he will lie beside them as they sit on the exam table and he will make himself completely limp so as to calm the patients and diffuse the anxiety while they are petting him. Many of these patients have never petted a cat before Cowboy and Bentley meeting Cowboy, and they now ask for him. He otherwise lies on the floor in a state of complete relaxation for many patients who find his mere presence calming. This has assisted in decreasing stress related elevated blood pressures. He recognizes all follow-up patients who have met him before. He has helped desensitize a feline phobic patient to the point where she now holds and cuddles Cowboy in her arms. He has also provided comfort to those who have lost their beloved cats and are still grieving. Overall, he functions in the capacity of a neurotherapy cat for the purposes of my office.

Kylene Huler

I therefore contacted Melissa to see if Cowboy would make a good office cat. I was looking for a very “Zen” cat with a calm demeanor.

Aside from being captivated by his beautiful markings and clear crystalline blue-green eyes, I was thrilled to learn that Melissa thought that Cowboy had the “ideal personality” to function in an office. I took a chance, filled out an adoption application, and awaited the acquisition of Cowboy on 6-20-14, when Melissa delivered Cowboy to my office in the late afternoon. There was an immediate bond, as Cowboy remained calm and acted as though he had always resided at the office. He marched down the hall and went straight to the bathroom and found the litter box, and helped himself to it, and indulged in the food and water. He played with his new toys, tried out his bed, explored the surroundings, and responded to direct interactive play with me. He exuded confidence, calmness and warmth, which affirmed that this was “meant to be.”

After Melissa left, I spent my first evening with Cowboy alone . While I was typing some reports on patients, I suddenly heard Cowboy in the hallway, emphatically saying, “HELLO! HELLO! HI! “ I jumped straight up and spied on him in the hallway. The words were so clear that I was truly startled. He stopped “talking” when he saw me. I surmised he was missing his shelter mates. Nonetheless, I captured his “talking” episodes on video and shared them with my staff and Melissa, as I thought that I would be labeled as a “psycho” without proof of this. Thereafter, he began Cowboy waits for ice learning about one new word per week, until he developed a vocabulary consisting of several other words, like “HELP!,” “HELP ME!,” “ WOW,” “OW” (his word for ice, which he asks for when he puts his head against the freezer door), “REEEER” (when he comes to get me so I can clean his box at 10AM and 6PM and one more time in the later evening), and “OUT,” when he wants to exit a room as he stands on his hind legs and grabs the lever door knob. He does not cry at random or “speak” at random. Pretty much all of his

Cowboy loves all people. He has never scratched or bitten anybody, nor have I ever seen him hiss. I have never seen him get upset. He plays with his numerous toys in the hall while I work after hours, and he “checks” on me and gives me some affection before resuming his playtime. He is very much a cat with a routine and purpose. He loves the patients during the day and looks forward to his playtime after the last patient leaves. He also has been reunited for play dates with his “best friend, “ Bentley, who was a shelter mate of his at ICS and was adopted by a friend of mine. Cowboy is truly a brillliant, magical “Zen” cat, who is a soulmate with an incredible gift of being able to adapt to any situation easily. I am eternally grateful to have the privilege of having Cowboy as my pet and for having him as an important part of my professional life, as he brings so much joy to me and to so many people whose lives he touches. As well, he has also inspired others to adopt cats.

Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at ICS for their dedication and devotion to the beautiful cats who are awaiting adoption.

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ICS 2015 Board of Directors ICS would like to thank everyone who “got out the vote” in our November Board of Directors Election. This year, our board will continue their hard work to improve the shelter and find forever homes for the cats and kittens that find sanctuary with us.

Members at large Joan Hildebrand Jason Petrovich Please visit our website at http://www. catsociety.org to review a full report of our accomplishments for 2014, and our goals for 2015. We look forward to continuing to serve our cats, our membership, and our community!

This year, ICS welcomes both new friends and longtime volunteers to the board: President

Anastasia Trekles Treasurer

Natalie Cebulski

Jupiter looks forward to another great year – maybe one where he will get adopted!

Recording Secretary

Judy Dean

The Rainbow Bridge 2014 marked the unfortunate passing of some of our most beloved shelter residents, including many who had been previously featured in the Mewsletter over the years. As we look back on the year and think about cats like JJ (pictured here to the left), Chloe, Guillermo, Emery, Reiko, Toddles, Beauty, Chase, Blackjack, Miley, Temple, Daisy, Minnow, and many others, we remember fondly the things that made them special.

Dear Monte, Grief is what it is. There are no simple answers to questions about experiencing grief and no words that I can write for the “Ask Ollie” column that can take away the sting and hurt you feel right now.

When you love something or someone more than yourself you can experience profound loss when they are gone. The color of grief is different for each living thing that grieves.

Humans know that if they are lucky and live long enough, they and all living things will get old and die because that is the design.

Through loving and losing someone, humans learn to understand better the experience of death and in that process may even lose some of their own fear of death. It is what it is.

The following article came to us from a wonderful writer who volunteered her time to compose this brief insight into the grieving JJ, as captured by photographer process for our dear friends who Rachel Doll Hall have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Ask Ollie is an advice column that has appeared in the Post-Tribune.

The writer is “Ollie,” a snarky Shih Tzu, with help from Viktoria Voller, his woman-human. You can contact Ollie and Vikoria at any time by emailing us at shelter@catsociety.org.

Helen Keller wrote, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose,” and that goes for pets too. Gink is gone and can’t be replaced, but your love for her and the joy you shared is very much a part of you.

Through those feelings, she lives again in you.

Death is necessary for new life to appear both for our humans and for us. The grieving process can’t be rushed nor put on a timetable.

But season follows season and you’ll soon find joy again in sharing a bright and sunny life with those who are still here with you. One day, you will stand on your driveway in the warm sun and see the first robin of the season flitter by busy building a nest for her baby birds. Then there will be new things to explore amongst the blooming daffodils in the warm gardens. Perhaps that pretty white cat will walk by and see you standing there in the sun and you’ll spring back to life. All this will happen in your own time.

Dear Ollie, My woman-human (mom) is typing this as I speak since I don’t have opposable thumbs. I’m a three year old grey domestic short haired cat named Monterey, or Monte for short. Right now, I’m in deep mourning. You see, my girlfriend used to live across the street from me, she was a 14 year old Siamese cat named Gink and I loved her a lot. But she passed away December 23, 2014. Now, mom has talked to me about what exactly this passing away means, It means that Gink crossed the rainbow bridge to the other side (my mom belongs to a rescue group and that’s what they call it). I’m so sad Ollie! I cry all the time and stand in my driveway just looking for her.

Next door, there’s a new white cat in residence. She’s really quite cute, but no girl can replace my Gink. How long will I mourn, Ollie?

This hurts so much.

Monte 6

Memorials & Tributes...

October-December 2014

In memory of Raymond Napiwocki, from Deanna Kronland In memory of Taz and Sammy from Alan and Linda Miller In memory of Bailey and Suki, from Judith Blanchette In memory of my mother, Bernice Hazi, from Denise Munsch In memory of Jake (my sunshine), gone but not forgotten, from Brenda Palla

In memory of Brenda Lee and Teddy, from Leroy and Sylvia Charbonneau

In memory of Olivia, from Roxanne Myers In memory of Temple, from Dr. and Mrs. Howard Peters

In memory of Donna Miller Novak, from David and Carol Parry

In memory of Buster Brown, Princess, Angel, and Misty, from Donald and Rosemary Fanning

In memory of Melvin Novak, from Melanie Szabb In memory of Guinevere, Goliath, Muffet, and Shalom, from G. David Stoneburner

In memory of Nicole, Natasha, Ming Lee, and Mistilee, from Wayne and Carol Albrecht

In memory of Deanna Schult, from Bob Schult and Andrean Gipson, & Rich and Sandy Van Voorhis

In memory of Thomas Kennedy, from Val Borchert, Faith Kennedy, and Roger & Constance Mays

In memory of Gayle Polakowski, from Mark, Nicole, and Calleigh Bolde

In memory of all my fur balls, from Maxine Hamann

In memory of Rosie and Co-Co, from Marilynn Glinski

In memory of Maddie and Cody, from Sharon Jokantas

In memory of of my cat Muffy, who died on 9-23-14, from Jane Fenske

In memory of the Stuber family, from Loretta J. Stuber

In memory of Nelson, from David and June Tompskins

In memory of JoBeth Madsen Cruz, from Kirsten Collins

In memory of Michael E. Masters, from William and Wendy Masters In loving memory of our girls who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge Krisan, Heather, Shana, Emily, and Chloe, from Kathleen Heath In memory of Cynthia Lynn Harper, from Kathleen Heath and James and Lois Simon In memory of Mrs. Lupner, from Laurie Sendera In memory of Edward Krzyston, you will be missed, from Charlene Kirschsieper In memory of Eugene Kirschsieper - he loved his fur boys Lucky and Sammy, from Charlene Kirschsieper

In honor of Jocelyn and Larry Vereb, from Linda Romano

In memory of Edward Kingma, from Roger and Joyce Penny

In honor of Blaze, from D.G. and A.M. Hill

In memory of Cleo, Booger, Ruppee, and Ellie, from Carol Duncan

In honor of all of the black cats of ICS, from Richard and Karen DePirro

In memory of Boo Boo, 19.6 years, little kitty named by ICS, from Cynthia Murray

In honor of Lori Young, from Charles and Joann Morrison

In memory of Frank Gucciardo, from Joan Gucciardo

In honor of Sterling, from David and Karen Kovalow-St. John

In memory of Gerold (Jerry) Schoof, from Florence Schoof

In honor of Mrs. Yvette Note, from Holly McCain

In memory of Noel Kindt, from Patricia Kindt

In honor of Holly McCain, from Yvette Noe

In memory of Robert Adams, from Christine Craig

In honor of Bailey, from Tina Perez

In memory of all my ICS cats, from Barbara Caruso In memory of my Frankie from Debra Jett

In honor of Pam Vasquez on her birthday, from Dennis and Marie Callahan

In memory of Samson and Delilah from Harold Trusty

In honor of Molly, from Evelyn Hutton

In honor of Willia, from Elaine Furth

In honor of Paul Hecht and Heather Fielding, from Alcee Hecht

In memory of Belle, from Lynda Fowler

In honor of Pay Massette on her 89th birthday 11-18, from Nicholas and Sharon Priester

In memory of Nicky, our wonderful white male Persian, from Timothy and Sharon Fizer

In honor of Kathy Heath, from Marian Heath

In memory of Mr. Ray Totten, from Judith Dean

In honor of all the kitties in our lives, from Laura Menacher

In memory of Arthur Utroske, from Evelyn Bechinski

In honor of Mary Marszalek

In memory of Delores Lesmeister, from Richard Young

In honor of Kipper Cat, now 19, from ICS, from Jean Marthaler

In memory of Abby, a.k.a. August, from Dimitri and Vickie Kermelis

In honor of our new cat Felix, from Gene and Elaine Bruszewski

In memory of Alexa, Tar Baby, & Dusty, our ICS companions, and Piglet, our little woods panther, from Gary and Beverly Overmyer

In honor of Jody Nelson’s birthday, from Peggy Anderson

In memory of Gene Kirschsieper, from Donald and Mary Jean Reid

In honor of Mickey, an extraordinary cat, from Deb Nugent

In memory of my parents who have passed, Ted and Dee Russ, from Diane Carpenter

In honor of Elaine Chilton’s December birthday, from Ted Perzanowski

In honor of Kira, adopted from ICS 12/22/2009, from Sivana Heller

In honor of Jim Granzow, who inspires me to always hold all animals in the highest regard and volunteer whenever possible, from Lisa Gutierrez

In memory of Richard Dykstra, from David Moline In memory of Nicky, from Albert Vargas

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

http://catsociety.org

• Sweetheart Contest!

All month long in February

@IndCatSociety

• The One Adoption Event

February 13-15, ICS Shelter

facebook.com/ indcatsociety

• SweetheartDay and Final Day for Voting

March 7, Moose Lodge, Valparaiso

• Spring into Action Volunteer Fair

March 7, Crown Point High School, Crown Point

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 give cats their medications. ______ 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.

______

$10 Senior

______ I will distribute flyers for fundraisers.

­­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