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Welcome to our July/August newsletter - read on for lots of interesting tidbits from the trust and if you are interested in subscribing please email Cathy at owens@nznet.co.nz. :)

Operation Lucky Update

Some people will know the story from our website about Lucky who was picked up in Otara and was lucky as a car had just straddled him. He was run over but was unharmed. When he was brought into us it was obvious he was blind.

We took him to the vet the next day (Friday 27th May 2011) The vet’s prognosis was that he was indeed blind and we could either put him to sleep or remove his eyes. As he was a six-week old kitten, we opted for the removal of his eyes.

With the age that he is he is able to adapt far easer. i.e. learning to draw on his remaining senses and these will become more acute. We were quoted $500 to remove his eyes. We required $650 to cover his medical expenses, vaccinations, microchip, neutering and the removal of his eyes. We instigated a special fund for Lucky to be known as “Operation Lucky” and donations for that fund were quickly received. So now we can report we have the funds for Lucky’s operation and ongoing care.

“O say what is that thing called light
Which I cannot enjoy?
What are the pleasures of the sight?
Pray tell your poor blind boy”

At this date the swelling of Lucky’s eyes has decreased greatly and we will know what the outcome will be within the month. To watch him a most fascinating as he develops his other senses. He is gaining weight and is a cheeky, typical kitten. A BIG thank you for all who so generously donated to our special boy.

Watch for Lucky’s progress in our newsletters and on the website.
Cathy

Charities Commission Seminar

Cathy attended a seminar instigated by the Charities Commission at Manukau recently.This was a valuable day in which topics covered included marketing charities, leading recruiting and retaining volunteers, and rules and regulations of charities.

What was brought away from this day was the fact that we at Cats in Need Trust confirm that what we are doing and the way we are doing it is good practice. .......................................................

WISHES DO COME TRUE

We unfortunately had a cheque for the cat food dishonoured due to the large vets account this month. This was a worry. The next day a donation appeared which covered the food bill. We breathe (and eat) again.

CARA AND VAN - A TALE OF TWO KITTENS

Cara and Van came to us on the Thursday before Thumbelina took herself to the Rainbow Bridge. They were eight days old and had been left in a caravan that had been taken to a scrap metal yard to be scrapped.

A man at the scrap yard heard a sound and went back to into the caravan, lo and behold - there were two little tabby kittens. Hence the names Cara and Van - Caravan. Perhaps mother had been in the caravan and run off. The fact was, there were these two little babies who needed help. They were brought to us and so the fun began, two hour feeds, cleaning faces and bottoms, tucking up in bed for a sleep, so the story goes (second verse, same as the first)

Today these two little babies had their first vaccination, they are now 13 weeks old and an absolute delight to behold. They will be placed up for adoption in a month (approx beginning of August) and we would love to home the pair together. They have a very special bond and it was proven today at the vets as they were waiting for their injection. A Labrador came into the Surgery and Van stood over Cara to protect her - what a little man! They deserve to stay together.

Christchurch Earthquake

Our thoughts go out to the animal rescue agencies that are helping in Christchurch and surrounding areas. They are unsung heroes of the disaster.

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Announcing the winner of the Spotlight Basket Raffle:

Congratulations to Annette with ticket #39D. Thank you everyone for your support!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats” - Albert Schweitzer