Hocus Pocus - October Sanctuary Update - Our Companions Animal Rescue

Hi Everyone!

It’s not unusual to hear some people speak of the sanctuary as a magical place, and sometimes it does feel like what we do has an element of magic to it. We take one thing, say a cat or dog with a medical condition or behavior issue, add some special ingredients, like good medicine or calming aids, say some powerful words such as “yes,” “good job,” and “all done,” and you come out with something new. Abracadabra!!

Well, there’s lots more to it than that, but I’d like to talk to you about some of our most magical “tricks” we’ve been performing here recently.

It can be a rough world out there. Not everyone gets to start off their journey from the best spot, and sometimes there can be some big bumps along the way. Many of the dogs and cats that arrive here have spent some time in survival mode and can struggle to feel safe. When that happens, there is often some magic we can attempt to help them get to a better place. One instance of that recently has been Indie and Sizzle in the cat cottages. They were born in a feral colony and even though they were trapped, given veterinary care, and brought to the sanctuary young, that’s not always a guarantee that they’ll be able to make the adjustment to being house cats. They arrived in a terrified state, having never been indoors or received care from humans before. They started off their time living in Tammy’s tiny office, having a consistent human presence, but not having anyone attempt to handle them uninvited. We added in the ingredients of special treats and play time to help engage their kitten curiosity and change their notions of what a human could be to them. And we always respected their boundaries, never forcing an interaction they weren’t comfortable with. Eventually, they began to make small approaches, which we vigorously rewarded, but never pushed. Little by little, both kittens, but especially Indie, began to crave a relationship with us humans. Now, though Sizzle can still be a bit reluctant, both kittens get regular attention from staff and volunteers, and will soon be able to go home to a brand new life.

This patient process that focuses on the consent of the animal is a cornerstone practice here. Previous successes, like Wynken and Blynken and Keiko, and current challenges, like Maeve and Bagel, all show what magic casting the right spell can accomplish. And it’s not just the cats! On the dog team, it has been a months long project to get Eddy to the point where he can accept new people in his life through a set, focused protocol. Even our shy rat friends, Wanda and Winnie, have begun to interact with our staff and volunteers a bit, especially when the secret ingredient of a tasty treat is involved.

Sizzle & Indie trying out some new enrichment

Eddy working his special intro protocol with new staff Kira

Wanda building confidence, one treat at a time!

Then, there is the magic of modern medicine! It may sound like something out of a superhero movie, but with the careful use of radioactive iodine, hyperthyroidism can be cured in cats. Recently, two of our residents, Samara and Mitzi, received this treatment. They both handled the procedure well and are having good recoveries. They will be checked to make sure the procedures were successful, but in all likelihood, they will be able to live the rest of their lives with no symptoms and no need for the twice daily medications they had been on. And in an extra-special moment of presto-change-o, Samara even went to her forever home a few days ago!!

Scout, as well, has seen the kind of magic good medical care can do. Over his time here, Scout has had not one, not two, but four surgeries. It started shortly after he arrived with a surgery on his ears due to an injury he likely suffered. Then came his ACL knee surgery after some overzealous play. And it kept on coming with a mast cell tumor removal and some dental surgery. Through each stage, Scout only got more joyful and lovable. It’s been amazing to witness the transformative power of precise medical practices, attentive care, and that most magical of all ingredients…reliable funding. It’s all just pieces of the spell we cast here every day.

Samara getting in tip-top shape before shipping off to her new home

Mitzi didn’t mind the R&R after treatments

Scout is no stranger to the “cone of shame” after all of his procedures

Vinny’s View

At this spooky time of year, I’d like to talk a little about ghosts. Any of you who share your home with cats know that all cats can absolutely see ghosts. It’s just a part of what makes us extra special, and we love the way it creeps out our humans. I regularly see ghosts here, but it’s not scary at all. With all of the wonderful work done here over the years by such exceptional people, any spirits inhabiting the area do so with abundant gratitude and joy. This place is totally haunted with love and vibrating with positive energy. Those I see beyond the veil here always share stories of humans going above and beyond to heal and nurture in any way they could, even when circumstances were hard and hope was fleeting. Those who have experienced that care here will always be a part of the atmosphere to help guide and bolster those who continue to arrive today. So the next time some lights flicker or a walkie talkie squawks, just know that it may be a grateful spirit from the past saying “thank you!”

And of Course…Adoptions!!

October was super busy for traffic in and out of the sanctuary, including a surge of adoption activity on the dog team. Bootz, Rosie, and Frodo all went home from the dog side, with super senior Greta moving in to our care. In cats, Yetti, Martini, and long time resident Samara all went home, making room for Dante and Maeve to join the fun. Then, in small animals, ferrets Maz and Lucien, mice Sugar and Peanut, and guinea pig Fluff all went home, while ferrets Cookie and Snow and rats Mimzi and Olive have become part o the crew. What a magical month!!