Saving Alley Cats

Some of you may know that Kelsey and myself have been donating some of out free time to Pet Haven (an organization that helps homeless cats and dogs). We had been thinking about becoming a foster parent, or simply adopting one of the homeless cats. I was against it, primarily because we move a lot and don't have much expendable income and also because we have a very sassy overweight and elderly cat named Lily who I didn't think would be very welcoming to a new set of whiskers on her stomping grounds.

Last week (on fathers day), a tiny 5 month old orange tabby, decided to find me while I was taking out the trash. This alley cat ran right into the apartment and into our lives. We posted things on craigslist about a found cat, and checked listings for a lost baby tabby. We also had him scanned for a microchip. No luck...and just like that we have a new cat. Kelsey, nor myself, are ones to turn down a helpless homeless kitty.

Without further ado, please meet Sherlock the cat. "He found us"

Keep a kitty or puppy warm this winter!

**For Minneapolis Area readers-
I volunteer with Pet Haven, and I wrote this blog to post around the internet, because Pet Haven has found many stray and homeless animals that need adoption this winter! Please read on, and come to one of the adoption sites upcoming!**

Do you want to give that special someone a cat or dog, kitty or puppy? Please do so by adopting from Pet Havens' wonderful animals. Pet Haven, a non-profit institution that is based around finding and providing vet care for homeless dogs and cats, and have a number of excellent animals that need warm homes this cold winter.

If you will be receiving a pet as a gift, or giving a pet as a gift this holiday season; please wrap up a food dish, a few toys and present it to the lucky recipient, inviting them to attend an adoption (listed below) right after the holiday to make a selection. Most of the company will be gone, presents are given and there is time to welcome and introduce your new choice in a quieter and calmer setting - lots of time for warm snuggles and new games.

All of the animals that come to Pet Haven are cared for, fed, given medical attention, shots and trimming so that he or she is ready for adoption right away. Even if you are not sure if adopting a pet is on your holiday wish list, you can get a few laughs and licks by attending one of these three free-to-everyone adoption events and meeting the cute little faces that need a home:

Dec. 6 from 11-1pm, At the PetCo in Richfield
Dec. 7, 1-3 p.m. At the PetCo in West St. Paul
Sunday, Dec. 21, 1-3 p.m. At the PetCo in Richfield

The animals would love to see you. We also need your help. Please help our cause by telling other friends and families about adopting these great animals into families this winter. Feel free to copy and paste this entire message on your blog, website, or into an e-mail and send it out to your friends and family. You can go on-line right now and browse some of these cats and dogs, and also look at pictures and read about some of the unique animals on the pethaven dog blog , and the pethaven cat blog .

Let's work together to give all these cats and dogs a place to stay warm and loved this holiday season!

(I will be attending the Friday event listing above and taking some pictures!)

'Meow Off' kitty benefit

Pet Haven
Pet Haven is a non-profit organization in Minnesota that rescues and re-homes cats and dogs, spays and neuters to reduce overpopulation, promotes responsible guardianship through educational programs, and advocates on behalf of companion animals.

Meow Off!
Kelsey and myself have just started volunteering, and the first event I got to go to was a Meow Off! The Meow Off raised money for Pet Haven and showed off 11 cats, of which 4 were up for adoption. The cats were judged, and awarded prizes based on their meowing, and also based on their costume. I wanted to post some pictures of the event, I also plan to make a short video of footage I took during the show, but that will have to wait until I find the time to put it together. The Pet Haven crew was very fun to work with. Kelsey and myself were assigned to decorating the prize bags and putting up spiffy signs. I also was the vote counter, to declare the winners of the Meow Off based on the judges votes. The intensity was almost too much to handle. The cats up for adoption were really amazing. You can see pictures of cats currently up for adoption on Pet Haven's cat and dog blogs.

Volunteering
If you live in Minnesota and want to become a volunteer, there are many options to help out. You can spread information, help on the website, be a dog or cat foster parent, or many other positions. You can find a list of volunteer opportunities here. If you want to help donate money to the program please check their website. I will be posting more about my involvement with Pet Haven in the future.

enjoy the Meow Off pictures!

Winner of the contest competition, cute hat and jersey. 


The cat walk portion of the meow off



A paw for the crowd

This kitty did not much love the outfit, but was a good sport. And took home a prize.

These were the calmest cats in the group. Practically sleeping through the Meow Off! The white one did hiss when one of the oprhan kitties broke free and went running around the Double Tree in St. Louis Park.

If you would like to see more meow off pictures you should see the meow off blog!