Second Chance: The Cat Shrink

13 Nov Second Chance: The Cat Shrink

My name is Calypso, and I speak for the trees.  Oh wait, that is the Lorax.  Start again…my name is Calypso and I speak for the cats.  Not sure how to speak feline?  The Humane Society of the United States has developed a tool to help you called the Cat Answer Tool.  It’s kind of like having an animal behaviorist in your back pocket!

Here is an excerpt from CAT (Cat Answer Tool):

When your cat starts doing something you don’t like, such as scratching the furniture or peeing outside the litter box, it’s easy to become frustrated. We can help you resolve most cat behavior issues by explaining why your cat may be acting that way and giving you the tools to correct the behavior.  You’ll find out that most common behavior problems can be solved by making your cat feel safe, secure, and stimulated.

The CAT continues with a checklist of steps to help you make sure your cat scratches only where appropriate.  Sounds like too much work?  Or an investment for just a few minutes a day to keep your cat happy and a welcome part of your household?

I am just an itty bitty kitten. My littermate Zeke and I were surrendered by our family who could no longer care for us, although not because we were acting improperly.  Despite that early bump in the road of life, we are both super happy, playful, and interested in exploring the world. Zeke is my big brother and the leader in our adventures.  Like my name, which means “concealing the knowledge or subtle”, I am a little reserved…for now…

It is Mutt & Jeff week so as the smallest pet at Second Chance, I wanted to introduce the largest: Maggie is a lovely and exquisite female Great LabraDane who is one.  Although smaller than a Dane, she is very much of a Dane personality: she can play hard but can also just chillax and be calm.  She will make an excellent pet as she loves all people and dogs.

Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties.  Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs.  View our shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)