Date: Fri 10-Jul-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SUZANN

Quick Words:

animal-shelters

Full Text:

Area Animal Shelters Overflowing With Pets In Need Of Homes

(with cuts)

BY SUZANNA NYBERG

A Damoclean sword hangs over the heads of more than 160 cats and dogs in this

area. Three local shelters, Animals in Distress [AID] in Wilton, Pet Animals

Welfare Society [PAWS] in Norwalk, and New Leash on Life in Bethel, have

recently rescued these animals from negligent owners and are desperately

seeking permanent or foster homes for them as their shelters are already

strained beyond capacity.

They also need food, bowls, leashes, collars, carriers and monetary donations

to help defray food, medical, and boarding costs. All donations are tax

deductible.

In Wilton, Carol Nemeth of AID is trying to relocate 4 domesticated and 25

barn cats, including kittens and pregnant cats, and 2 dachshunds, all left

homeless after their owner died without leaving provisions in her will.

Ms Nemeth has already found homes for the woman's two cows, but is especially

worried about the barn cats. Barn cats are particularly difficult to place

because they are not domesticated and avoid human contact; they live in barns

and chase mice. Ms Nemeth is looking for barn or stable space and would be

willing to work with someone who could make such a space a kitty home.

"A cat needs to be confined to a barn until he is acclimated," she said. "Once

he considers the place his home, he no longer needs to be confined. During the

winter he needs hay for warmth."

The temporary administrator for the Wilton woman's estate, Norwalk Attorney

Robert Slavitt, is also actively seeking someone who has a barn and can take

these animals. "I have no intention of euthanizing the cats," he said. "We're

going to place them."

All cats will receive their shots and be spayed or neutered before adoption;

there is no adoption fee. Interested people may call Ms Nemeth at

203/847-3784.

Recently, when a Norwalk man was evicted from his apartment, the stray cats he

had accumulated had no place to go. The cages at the PAWS shelter in Norwalk

were already filled when the eviction occurred, and according to Director

Noreen Mola, the facility cannot contract and budget for more than 12 cat

cages. "When a situation like this arises, we are really very limited," she

said.

PAWS volunteer Ilona Jenks said that all of these cats are friendly, healthy,

and adoptable. They range from long hair, short hair, tabby and

orange-colored, and vary in age from six months to five years. "These cats

have been tested for feline leukemia and have had all their shots," Ms Jenks

said. "And they are going to be spayed or neutered."

PAWS does a thorough screening of anyone interested in adopting their animals,

including veterinarian and employment references. The fee for adoption is $55

to cover medical and boarding expenses. People who cannot adopt a cat, but

would like to help, may foster one until a permanent home can be found. Anyone

who can help may call PAWS at 203/854-1798.

Volunteers at animal rescue shelters believe that situations like these, which

force the state to euthanize more than 10,000 cats and dogs a year, are too

common and could be prevented. "Here are three people who allowed their pets

to multiply without considering the consequences or their future," said PAWS

volunteer, Allison Allen. "There are too many homeless pets already - we all

need to spay or neuter our pets and make sure that they are provided for after

we are gone."

Making Provisions

People also must able to provide for the animals they acquire. Two weeks ago,

New Leash on Life, a Bethel-based group, took complete responsibility for more

than 100 dogs and cats rescued from a Hamden home in a cruelty case. Since the

group does not have its own kennel, Bob Mickolyzck, the owner of Snowflake

Boarding Kennel in Milford, has generously agreed to board them until they are

adopted. The animals, varying in age, include 45 cats and 57 dogs -- pointers,

hounds, cocker spaniels, llasas, rottweilers, shepherd mixes, beagle mixes, a

bassett hound, and even puppies. "The dogs are very loving and affectionate as

are the adult cats," said Colette Griffin, president and founder of New Leash.

"These are wonderful, healthy animals who deserve a good home."

Volunteers show the animals every evening at Snowflake from 5 pm to 6 pm and

on Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm. Also, the rescue organization will hold an

adoption fair at July 25 and 26 at Snowflake. New Leash does a thorough

screening of prospective owners, including vet references and a home visit.

Those interested may call 203/944-0171.