A Moment to Chill – December Sanctuary Update
Hi Everyone!
I’m sure I’m not telling you anything you didn’t already know by relating that this December has been much colder than usual. It certainly makes for challenges around the sanctuary, from icy trails to frozen gates to wind-blown objects. You volunteers are quite the troopers continuing to share your time with these pets in need. However, huddling inside from the cold can also be a great reminder to take a moment of quiet with your nearest furry friend to reflect on the most important things in life, even in this most hectic time of year in a year that was pretty crazy to begin with.
It was a wild year for the small animal team that only got busier as the temperatures dropped. This was the first full year of operations for our new small animal team. And wow, what a year! So many little critters came in our doors and found their way back out into loving homes. It was hard to keep track. We also built up an amazing team of dedicated volunteers that have accomplished so much for our smallest friends. Everyone has pulled together to get Suzanne’s Place running like a well-oiled machine. So, now’s the perfect time to snuggle up with your favorite bunny, ferret, piggy, chinchilla, rat, mouse, or hamster. Enjoy a moment to look back at this year with pride and reflect on all you’ve accomplished.
The cat team, of course, has always been a well-oiled machine. So much gets accomplished day in and day out, whether it’s socializing terrified kittens, teaching Ralph or Shazam new tricks, or providing the best care to medical challenges like Noelle or Vinny, doing the best for cats is just part of every day. So, the next time that you’re sharing a moment of warmth with your favorite feline friend, remember to take a deep breath and be grateful that we humans and the cats get the chance to be such a big part of each other’s lives in this magical place.
And the epicenter of chaos itself, the dog team. Barks and howls, fetch and tug, running and jumping, life in our dog village can be a whirlwind. But it is also a place of exuberant joy. So, the next time you’re huddling from the cold in the sunroom, the Healing Center, or Laura’s Place with a good canine friend by your side, take a moment to remember every laugh and cheer you’ve gotten to enjoy in this oasis from an often melancholy world.
Pride, Gratitude, and Joy! These and many other gifts can be found in abundance at the sanctuary. In this time of year when the cold slows everything down, take a moment to chill and know how much we appreciate you being a part of our world.
Vinny’s View
BRRR!!! I don’t know how you humans bear with this frigid weather. If it were me, I’d never leave the couch all winter. Though, truthfully, I rarely leave the couch at any time of the year. We’re so grateful that you all pluck up the courage to bundle up and brave the elements to come spend time with us here at the sanctuary. It’s a tough time of year for any of us, whether two or four legged (or three legged. Can’t forget my lovely neighbor Noelle), to keep our spirits up. Spending time together sharing some warmth and a snuggle, and even a little play workout, makes a world of difference. So come on in to join me. You know where to find me!!
And of Course…Adoptions!!
December was an exciting month, especially with some exceptional traffic in and out of the small animal building. Special needs bunnies Nimbus and Willow went home, as did their bunny friend Hunny, ferrets Rocky and Blanco, and hamster Pigeon. In turn, we welcomed in piggies Pinky and Blu, ferrets Frito and Churro, and even a new chinchilla, Viola. The dog team welcomed lovely husky girl Paloma. And the cat team bid farewell to Twix while bringing in Crystal and Gabby. What a month!
Life on the small animal team is constantly showing us that small paws can make a big impact, even in a very short time together. We lost one of our mouse friends, Mochi, this month. While at first glance it can be easy to mice as just one in a crowd, it doesn’t take long for mice like Mochi to show you a big special personality that made her one of a kind. As so often happens with these little ones, she developed an illness that was beyond the abilities of our team and our vet partners to heal. The team will miss her.
Thank you all so much for whatever way you support us and our mission. We couldn’t do it without you.
Jon Phillips
Sanctuary Director