ICS Newsletter Winter 2018

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

Winter 2018 #156

Meet the 2018 Sweethearts!

Charlotte

This sweet girl is sure to put a twinkle in your eye and a smile in your heart.Her little paws are crossed that you will vote for her!

Marsh-a-Mellow

Talk about a beautiful distraction! This fancy feline knows how to stand out. Want to give her something to purr about? Your votes will do the trick!

Gomez and Morticia

Who needs Romeo and Juliet when you have these two? There is nothing creepy or kooky about this cute pair. They would love to earn your votes!

Noodles and Allene

Nothing is sweeter than these two! If their looks don’t steal your heart, their purr-sonalities are sure to! Can they count on your votes?

Thomas

You’ll be “head over tails” in love with this guy.

He hopes to win your heart and your votes!

Josh

Lovable, huggable, squeezable, unbelievable!

That’s the best way to describe this big hunk!

You can’t go wrong voting for him!

Skye

Cute as a Bunny...with a tail to match! Skye “Hops” she’ll get your vote!

Tulip

This pretty kitty is paws-a-tively adorable! She hopes to capture your heart and enough votes to win the Sweetheart title.

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

March March 3 Sweetheart Day Valparaiso Moose Lodge, 108 Indiana Ave. The winner of the 2018 Contest will be determined today!

Join us for a wonderful day of crafts, food, fun, and your favorite ICS kitties

April April 21

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.

Earth Day 9:00am - 2:00pm Porter County Expo Center, Valparaiso

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

Adoption hours: Friday, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm 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.

April 28 Be Kind to Animals 10:00am - 4:00pm Porter County Expo Center, Valparaiso

June June 8-10 Aunt Kitty’s Trash and Treasure Yard Sale!

9:00am - 3:00pm each day Donations accepted Friday - housewares, holiday items, shoes, children’s, small furniture and appliances appreciated ICS Shelter, 4061 County Line Road, Westville

July

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

July 14 Bark in the Park 9:00am - 3:00pm Thomas Centennial Park, Chesterton

July 28-29 Eyes on the Pies Summer Open House 10:00am - 4pm Saturday, 1pm - 4pm Sunday ICS Shelter

2

President’s Message Dear friends, 2017 was a great year for ICS: we celebrated our 40th year as a no-kill cat shelter, began making real progress with our plans for a new building and renovations of the current structures, and the best news is that a record 306 cats were adopted!

It was a difficult year as well, since there were so many homeless kittens and cats, bringing our admissions to a record high, but we made it – thanks to all of you, our valued supporters and dedicated volunteers.

2018 is off to a great start! So far in January, we’ve had 28 adoptions, a very successful book sale and a great bunch of Sweetheart Candidates (as shown on the front of this Mewsletter). Our new building plans are also progressing and we hope to have some more news by the next Mewsletter.

We are also excited to announce that we will be revitalizing our TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) Program for feral, community and free-roaming cats this year as well. Led by new ICS volunteers, Jodi Dusek and Bernard Howard, the program will focus not only on helping with spay/neuter of these cats, but also on education about the TNR process and caring for cat colonies. Watch our Mewsletters, website, facebook, and join our dedicated Facebook group called ICS/TNR Project (https://www.facebook.com/ groups/ICSTNRProject/) for more information about the program and how you can become involved.

Don’t forget to vote for your Favorite Sweetheart through March 3rd!

You may submit your votes ($1 = 1 Vote) via PayPal on our Website (www.catsociety.org); by mail to ICS, P.O. Box 735, Westville, IN 46391; or, stop by the shelter and meet the contestants Purrsonally! And join us for the Sweetheart Day event on Saturday, March 3rd from 10 AM—4 PM at the Valparaiso Moose Lodge. The teams are busy preparing some really great things for this year’s event. You don’t want to miss it! As always, donations directly benefit all the kitties of ICS. Fiona and I hope to see you all soon at the shelter and/or at an event. Thank you all for your continued support!

Jocelyn Vereb, ICS Board President with Fiona, ICS “Office Manager” “Cats don’t care what we look like, how much money we make, if we are famous or unknown – they love us no matter what, because we love them. Whatever our age or situation, people relish the unconditional love offered by cats.”

– Pamela Balsley, ICS Supporter

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.

3

Sponsor-A-Cat!

from your Spokescats, Gouda and Parmesan

Our diva Monica is retiring as spokescat for the ICS Sponsor-a-Cat program. From her beloved rocking chair in a luxurious retirement community, our black beauty says she’ll miss telling you about the successes of the Sponsor-a-Cat program. Her spot as spokescat is now tackled by brothers Gouda and Parmesan – our “Cheese Boys.”

Gouda’s first job as co-editor of this column was to interview the two new orange kittens, Buffy and Billy, and welcome them to their shelter room, Disco. The kittens, however, had some questions of their own. “What is that sign on the door that says ‘100% sponsored?’” Buffy mewed timidly.

“It means that every cat in our room has a sponsor who pledges a monetary donation during the year to support the needs of all the cats in the shelter. Even if they can’t bring a cat into their home, these generous donors can still have a special shelter cat to call their own,” Gouda explained. “Your sponsor might come to visit you if they live close enough. Sometimes they bring presents to be shared with your roommates. Some come and take pictures of us. And even if they can’t come to visit, they still get a picture and a story about their kitty sent to them. It’s pretty neat!”

“I can’t wait to be sponsored!” Billy and Buffy exclaimed!

Do you want to be a sponsor to new arrivals like Billy and Buffy? If so, please fill out the coupon at the bottom of this page. The pictures below show some of our kitties waiting for a sponsor of their own. “Maybe you could be the one to help another room earn a 100% sponsored sign,” Parmesan said happily, concluding the Cheese Boys’ first column as spokescats.

Monica thinks they are doing a fine job, but it certainly does take two spokescats to replace her!

Billy and Buffy

Viola

Christopher

Cecily

Carly

Rooney

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 Price of Ownership

by “Ollie” and his human, Viktoria Voller, Board President, Humane Society of Northwest Indiana Hello Ollie,

Crating a cat during the night may lead to the cat feeling lonely and punished. It is not a healthy or kind thing to do to a cat that is just being a cat. This will likely cause other problems such as more pentup energy during the day and higher stress levels which could lead to illnesses and disease. I’m just saying….! Please print my letter so that Yvette Cat and her pet parent know that there is another option to help Norton Cat adapt.

My name is Drifter Cat and I am a rescued, adopted cat from a local shelter. I live with a few other cats, one dog and my mom, who is big into cat welfare, health and behavior.

I have a couple of comments about our neighbor, Yvette Cat, who says her pet parent is upset that her roomate Norton Cat keeps late hours and wakes up their pet parents in the middle of the night with all the noise he makes while playing.

“Purrfectly” Yours, Drifter Cat Dear Drifter Cat, You just wrote my column and sure, I will print your comments because they are right on point. I agree that crating a cat at night is a little like herding a cat. However, using a crate for a cat is just one tool to get his behavior tuned around and it could work…..or not. But your idea is a great alternative and I think it should be tried first. I admit that I am feeling sorry for Norton Cat’s owner who is sleep deprived. Humans who are sleep deprived get a little crazy and are not nice to be around for any pet, and that includes dogs.

Yvette told me that their pet parent tried to crate Norton Cat at night. My pet parent and I agree that crating any cat for any purpose won’t solve any of the nighttime problems and may cause other behavior issues. And I wouldn’t want to see Norton Cat lose his home or be placed in a shelter because he is behaving badly. Not to mention that crating a cat at night is quite a big deal because it just isn’t natural in a home environment.

Cats are the most active during dusk and dawn when their prey is also most active. You can’t program, a cat to not be active during these times. What you can do is this-get a laser light or a wand toy and play with the cat for a good 20 minutes before going to bed.

After playing, feed the cat something very good like canned food.

These two activities simulate a hunt, chase and finally eating their prey, and what they do after is take a good nap!

Establishing a routine like you suggest just might be the cure to the kitty nighttime blues. Thank you for sharing and I hope Yvette, Norton, and their humans can all live happily ever after!

Best, Ollie

Update: The ICS TNR Project What is TNR? It stands for Trap, Neuter, and Release, and it is a program here at ICS for spaying and neutering feral, freeroaming, and community cats.

TNR programs are increasing their efforts all over the region and the country, in an effort to help ensure that free-roaming cat populations are safe and protected, while also preventing overpopulation. This program, along with caregiving, allows these cats to humanely live out their lives in an environment they know and have adapted to.

Learn more about TNR programs in general, and how you can be a part of the solution as well by visiting some of these websites: • • • •

A majority of these cats would not transition well into a home atmosphere, but with an experienced caregiver, shelter, food, water, and continued care there is no reason why these cats cannot lead good lives.

We are excited to be revitalizing a program that has already been in progress with our organization. Sterilizing the population of these cats and maintaining care is the key to for these cats to live out their lives humanely.If you want to learn more or become directly involved, join our Facebook Page, ICS/TNR Project (https://www.facebook. com/groups/ICSTNRProject/), or email us at icstnr2018@gmail.com.

Jodi Dusek & Bernard Howard Project Leaders 5

Alley Cat Allies, https://www.alleycat.org Humane Society of the United States, http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/maps/feral-cats.html Alley Cat Rescue, http://www.saveacat.org/indiana.html Purrfect Friends Cat Rescue, http://www.purrfectfriendscatrescue.org/feral.html

Memorials & Tributes In memory of Bailey and Suki, from Judith Blanchette

November 2017 - January 2018

In memory of Pinky, Spoody, and Boogie Man, 11-28-17, my bottle fed babies, from Tina Kleppe

In memory of James Jasperson, from Mary Prescott In memory of Dennis Guse, from Michael Denker

In memory of Bootsy, from Loree McKinney

In loving memory of our girls who have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge: Krisan, Heather, Shana, Emily, Shelby, and Chloe, from Kathy and Tom Heath

In memory of Dr. William Brennan, from Tom and Elizabeth Grosser In memory of Jason Petrick, from Kimberly Petrick

In memory of Marion Loftus, from Marcine Todd

In memory of P.J., from Lois McGoughran

In memory of Walter Witt, from Mary Witt

In memory of Elvis and Mr. Lucky, from Pat Duff

In memory of Ebony, Maggie, and Sophie, from Susan Cassler

In memory of Sally, a sweet dog friend, from Jeanette Eason

In memory of Grace, from Audrey and Greg Mitchell

In memory of Zoe and Abby, from Dimitri and Vickie Kermelis In memory of Marvin and Violet Forsythe, from Pamela Vrablic

In memory of Betty O. and Jonah, the beautiful tuxedo cat, from J.F. Bishop

In memory of Schnapps and Pumpkin, from Lloyd Chapman

In memory of Grace CRK, from Donna and John Oglesby

In memory of Flame, from Janice Ladewski

In memory of Freeway, from Donna Frey

In memory of Azurbajan and Bjork, from Louise Vale

In memory of Joan M. Gucciardo, from James and Juliann Petrites

In memory of Boo Boo, from Cynthia Murray

In honor of Cate Amador – merry Christmas and happy new year! from Natalie Lukich

In memory of Harley, from Barbara Caruso

In honor of Holly McCain, from Yvette Noe

In memory of Sam, from Patricia Annen

In honor of Yvette Noe, from Holly McCain

In memory of Lucky, Tasha, and Trixie, from Thomas and Dara Perry

In honor of our sweet cat, Mr. Paul, from Stuart and Sherry Irvin

In memory of our cat Sasha, from Jim and Pam Seneczko

In honor of Diana and Bill Foster, Cate and Vince Amador, and Paulette Gonzalez, from Sivana Heller

In memory of P.J. and Harriett, from Chuck and Joann Morrison In memory of David L. Steuer, from Debbie Macki

In honor and memory of all my past and present cats and kittens, from Barbara Berg

In memory of Rudi and Gisela Rath, from James and Hilde Lanie In memory of Boots, from Laura Menacher In memory of Princess, Misty, Angel, and Little Rosie, from Donald and Rosemary Fanning In memory of O’Malley, from John Milton In memory of Louis and Bernice Hazi, from Denise Musch

The ICS 2019 Calendar!

6

Building Campaign Progress As many of you know, ICS is moving forward with a multi-phase plan to construct an addition to the current shelter building, remodel the existing buildings, and eventually expand further to increase the amount of healthy and supportive living area for our cats.

As our Building Committee continues to work on plans for ongoing fundraising as well as the various phases of construction, we are happy to be able to show progress for our efforts thus far!

This spring, two students from Purdue University Northwest will be joining ICS in writing grants, developing fundraising materials, and doing research.

In addition, Justin’s Tree Service of Chesterton came by to help clear some of the old trees from our property in order to make way for the eventual new construction. We are grateful to Justin’s for their prompt and efficient service!

Our friends at Justin’s cleared a number of trees, all in one day!

Come by and visit us to see the new and improved grounds!

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 Charity Gift Certificates CNA Foundation Discover Financial Services Exxon Mobil Foundation JC Penney Change for the Better Campaign State Employee’ Community Campaign Truist United Way of Greater LaPorte County

Local 2nd Chance Games, Movies and Music, Portage American Community Bank, Munster Ashby’s Cards and Gifts, Chesterton Aurelio’s Pizza, LaPorte Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, Michigan City BoyConn Printing, Valparaiso Cat Trees by Max, Hebron Chesterton Feed & Garden, Chesterton Chicagoland Popcorn, Merrillville City’s Pure Ice, LaPorte DeVries Tire Company, Michigan City Eley-Graham Financial Advisory Services, Merrillville Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service, Valparaiso Jake’s Feed & Garden, Valparaiso Justin’s Tree Service, Chesterton KarahTess Clothing & Lettering, LaPorte Kuraray, Merrillville Moose Lodge – 1357, Valparaiso Northwest Indiana Eye and Laser, Valparaiso Ogden Dunes Women’s Club, Ogden Dunes Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, Crown Point St. Stanislaus School, Michigan City 2nd Chance Games Movies & Music, Portage Westville Elementary School, “You Can Make A Difference Club”, Westville

Other AmazonSmile progra, Disney Event Wines - Benefit Wines fidelity Charitable Gift Fund (Eldred) GoodShop Health and Hospitality Corp of Marion Co Network for Good Racing Capital Cat Fanatics, Indianapolis Saddle and Spurs 4H Club Wells Fargo Advisors 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 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.

7

Independent Cat Society PO Box 735 Westville, IN 46391

Non-Profit Organization US Postage

PAID

Valparaiso, IN Permit No. 134

Upcoming Events • Sweetheart Contest Time!

http://catsociety.org

Beginning in January

• Sweetheart Day

@IndCatSociety

March 3, Valparaiso Moose Lodge

• Earth Day

April 21, Porter County Expo Center

facebook.com/ INCatSociety

• Be Kind to Animals

April 28, Porter County Expo Center

• Aunt Kitty’s Trash and Treasure Sale

June 8-10, ICS Shelter

• Bark in the Park

July 14, Thomas Centennial Park, Chesterton

• Eyes on the Pies Summer Open House

July 28-29, ICS Shelter

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