Notes From The President

 Well the summer went quite quickly.  Time seems to be on a fast-forward setting these days.  I was not even allowed the pleasure of the extra hour sleep from the recent time change because it went unnoticed to the cats at my house.  I don't think the people who argue that the time change helps with energy savings took into account the fact that although the clock says it is 6am the cats have been begging for breakfast since 5am, which I dutifully gave them with all the lights turned on from the bedroom to the kitchen.  Of course they will be ready for bed at 6pm when it gets dark but I will still be up (with the lights still on) until much later.  Just when I get them used to the new schedule the time will change again!  Sleep is definitely over-rated and time is obviously a relevant thing.
     The economy has definitely affected us at Sheltering Hands over the last year.  We have seen a noticeable decrease in adoptions and a much higher number of requests to take in housecats- either found already abandoned by their previous owner or from the owners who find they must move and can't take the family pet with them even though they are heartbroken at the thought of leaving another important portion of their life behind.  Due to the current status we find all of our foster homes full and our resources stretched to their limit.  Because we still hope to make a difference for the cats in our area we are focusing more of our energies on spay/neuter programs to help decrease the eventual demand on rescues in general and hopefully save many more lives of cats & kittens.  
The continued support of the public is greatly appreciated.  

Kathleen Fleck

President