|
Dear Animal Compassion Networkers,
 Katherine had been hearing a lot about Pet Harmony, ACN's adoption center and retail store, when she decided to stop in to see what all the buzz is about. I happened to overhear her speaking sweetly to each of our kitties out front. When she stopped to admire one of my favorite cats, I hustled over to tell her why that cat was so special. She replied that she was really only stopping in to see the place, but even if she were looking to adopt, she would only choose one everyone else had passed over.
Like Scooby-Doo sensing a Scooby Snack nearby, I swiveled my head around to look at her and asked if she would mind "just meeting" a special cat in one of our habitats (the one graciously sponsored by Animal Hospital of North Asheville). As I pointed out the tuxedo kitty, I explained that Cowgirl had been rescued from a parking lot by our good friend Jason at The Laughing Seed. She was having a hard time being placed because she still had a little "street" in her attitude. Katherine turned to me with huge eyes and asked, "What did you just say her name is?" When I repeated that her name is Cowgirl, Katherine threw her head back laughing. She then told me that she is actually known to all her friends by the nickname Cowgirl. She then said, "Well, I best get in there and go about meeting the cat who is apparently destined to be mine." A little later, as the two Cowgirls were heading out the door for home, Cowgirl the person turned back and said, "Let me know if you ever find yourself with another cat who can't find a home."
 
Cowgirl Lucinda
About a year later, Lucinda, a quiet 6-year-old kitty, was very upset when her mom developed allergies and had to give her up to ACN. It does take a while for most cats to adjust to a new place, but Lucinda's adjustment never came. Despite the best efforts of our volunteers and staff, Lucinda refused to be petted, played with or sometimes even spoken to. This made it very difficult for her to be placed in a foster home - never mind adopted. When it became clear that she simply wasn't thriving, we took Lucinda to the first of what became a dozen visits to the veterinarian. We ran every test, tried several different treatments for possible ailments, changed her diet, and even brought in an animal communicator. We literally spent over a thousand dollars trying to figure out what was wrong with her, but after the final test came back negative last week, we just had to accept that Lucinda is healthy but very, very unhappy. We had to find a solution for her ASAP.
As Angie Wilt and I discussed our next step, Angie said, "So, really all we need to find is a home willing to give love and comfort to a cat without receiving affection or acknowledgment in return. Someone who is purely interested in helping a cat who needs them." Hearing Angie say those words immediately brought another cat to mind - Cowgirl. And almost in the same thought... hey, didn't Cowgirl say we could call her if we had another cat who needed her? Within a week, Cowgirl was there for Lucinda. As excited as we all were, Lucinda was her usual stoic self just waiting for the indignity of the carrier to be over. But we know something she doesn't know. Since our Cowgirl kitty has been in her new home, she's become a happy, well-adjusted cat. If the two Cowgirls have anything to say about it, Lucinda will too.
Lucinda & her new mom Katherine a.k.a. Cowgirl!
I would be remiss if I told this story and failed to mention ACN's good fortune in having a very special couple who also provide a terrific home to some of our special needs cats. They have taken in everyone from a diabetic cat requiring daily shots to a cat who possesses no bite inhibition to a cat who experienced abuse and needed a place to emotionally rehabilitate. While they wish to do their work out of the limelight, I think it's important for you all to know that these angels exist out there as an inspiration to us all.
I also have more good news to share with you all. I am thrilled to introduce you to Cappy Tosetti, ACN's new part-time Volunteer Coordinator. Cappy comes to us as an experienced professional, but we know her best from her volunteer work as ACN's Pet Food Assistance Program Coordinator. In fact, watch for news about our new Buddy Barrels for area pet food collection and a new event to benefit our Pet Food Assistance Program, Feed Our Furry Friends, an Empty Bowls Project. When the Volunteer Coordinator position opened, we knew Cappy was the go-getter we were looking for.
We have also promoted Angie Wilt from her position as Animal Care Manager to ACN's Director of Operations. We first met Angie as an animal care volunteer worth her weight in gold. When a position in animal care opened up, we immediately offered it to her, confident in her ability and compassion. She quickly proved herself to be invaluable, and soon became our Animal Care Manager, introducing new enrichment programs for our foster animals, updating our adoption matchmaking process, empowering volunteers to get more involved and increasing the number of shelter animals we now save and adopt out by over 25%, without compromising the happiness or well-being of our cats and dogs.
Please see below to learn more about these two dynamic women. Also worth noting, because our volunteers are the lifeblood of Animal Compassion Network, we believe in hiring from our volunteer base whenever possible when a paid position becomes available. This is but one small way we can express our appreciation to those of you who give so much of yourself and take payment in sandpaper kisses and big sloppy smooches. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email Cappy at acnvolunteers@gmail.com.
Yours in rescue,
Eileen Eileen Bouressa, Executive Director
|
Only Cowgirls Stop The Blues... 
