For the friends of the Independent Cat Society, a no-kill cat shelter

Summer 2013 #138

The Rainbow Bridge Garden

One Year Later

I
t's been a year since the opening of our beautiful Rainbow Bridge Garden. The garden was the realization of a long-held dream, made possible by partnering with Purdue University North Central and a lot of community support. Our hopes that the Rainbow Bridge Garden would be a place to find peace and comfort were more than realized, but what none of us expected was how unique, meaningful, and touching the inscriptions would be. People worked hard to make their brick just right, some obsessing for weeks or even months over the wording. Many struggled to find some way to include a lifetime of well-loved pets, not wanting to leave a single friend out. We are often asked if the Rainbow Bridge Garden is limited to cats. On the contrary we have several species honored in the garden, even animal-loving humans. One such is a gentleman described as Cat Dad and Grandpa. We think this is a great way to be remembered. Every brick in the garden tells a story or sends a message. Some are humorous, like Dr. Maureen Fehrs' choice to remember one of her horses: Chance/Never met food/he didn't like. According to Dr. Fehrs, Chance was insulin resistant and therefore had dietary restrictions. However, he loved to eat and potato chips were his favorite! Certain bricks suggest an interesting story behind the words. For example: Regis Devoted Companion Comfort Giver Forever Missed Love in Fur

A look at the Rainbow Bridge Garden

Some of you may remember reading about Regis in a Mewsletter several years ago. Regis was an elegant and handsome long-haired pure white cat whose patrician appearance belied his humble origins as an FIV+ stray. He was adopted for a while, but was returned because he shed. Regis was well-known for his laid-back and affectionate personality, but in spite of this, he remained at the shelter, only because it's much harder to find home for cats who are FIV+. After many years at ICS, he began volunteering as a therapy cat who assisted in a psychologist's office once a week. Dr. Regis had unconditional love for everyone he encountered and lifted many a mood during his career. Maybe due to good karma, or maybe it was just finally time for his luck to change, but one day a wonderful lady came in, met Regis, and that was it! Regis retired from the medical profession and spent his last years with her and her other cat as part of a very happy family. When she heard about the garden, she welcomed the opportunity to memorialize Regis and wrote those beautiful words. To all who remembered and loved him, those words were perfect. A close-up of bricks, large and small Continued on Page 4...

Do you have a story or someone to remember?

Bricks are still available for order. A 4x8 engraved brick is $75, with three lines of 15 characters each. An 8x8 engraved brick is $125 and has five lines of 15 character. All proceeds from the bricks go to the Building Fund to help us get closer to our dream of a new shelter. Order forms can be found on our website or picked up at the shelter. NOTE: spaces and punctuation count as characters.

Adoptable Cats, Upcoming Events, and more inside!

Calendar of Events
Published for the friends of the Independent Cat Society, Inc. PO Box 735, Westville, IN 46391 (219) 785-4936 Web: www.catsociety.org Email: shelter@catsociety.org Also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/indcatsociety The Independent Cat Society, Inc., founded in 1977, is a non-profit, nokill cat shelter on US Rt 6 at the Porter/LaPorte County Line Road in Westville, Indiana. Our mission is to promote the welfare of all animals, especially cats, by reducing pet overpopulation, educating the public, preventing cruelties to animals, promoting responsible pet ownership, and working for more humane legislation. Adoption hours: Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Others by appointment. Please call (219) 785-4936. About our Adoption Fees Include: Spay/neuter, vet exam, feline leukemia and FIV test; ageappropriate vaccinations; parasite treatment; tattoo ID/microchip; 30 Day No-Cost Pet Insurance; and free post-adoption participating vet visit. Please check our website or shelter for monthly adoption specials! Board of Directors: President: Anastasia Trekles Vice-President: Tina Sleppy Recording Secretary: Judy Dean Corresponding Secretary: Carol Albrecht Treasurer: Natalie Cebulski Board Members: Gail Frieden Joan Hildebrand Paulette Gonzalez Judy Lindmark

July
Bark in the Park
July 13, 9am - 3pm
At Thomas Centennial Park, Chesterton, Indiana

ICS Annual Book Sale

July 19, 10am - 6pm July 20, 10am - 3pm Bring your donations: July 18 12pm - 5pm
At the Chesterton American Legion Hall 798 Wabash, Chesterton Indiana

August
A Purrfectly Pampurred Day
August 3, 10am - 4pm
At Red Mill County Park, LaPorte, Indiana

Paws in Paradise
August 10, 10am - 3pm
At Robertsdale Little League Complex, Hammond, IN In partnership with our friends at Second Chance 4 Pets Network

September
Popcorn Festival
September 7, 9am - 4pm
In downtown Valparaiso, Indiana

Rolling Stones Tribute Concert at Merrillville High School

September 20, 6pm - 8pm
At Merrillville High School auditorium Merrillville, Indiana

Presidents Message
Its impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more kittens. Cynthia E. Varnado s summer kicks into high gear, we are reminded of many happy and relaxing thoughts gardening, playing outside, going to the beach, enjoying a rest in the shade with a good book. Cats enjoy the summer as well, as they seem to always enjoy stretching out in the warm sunlight.

Summer is also a time when we recognize Dad and all the hard work he does for us each and every day. Several kind donors found great gifts for their moms on Mothers Day by turning them into Kitten Godparents through our hugely successful new program. Why not try the same for Dad and let him name one of our beautiful foster kittens? It costs only $25, and the joy that Dad (and you!) will get from knowing that a tiny new kitten in need got some much-needed help would be the perfect Fathers Day present indeed! And just to prove that dads love kitties too, heres my own special Dad, buddying up with Romeo, one of his three kitties. Dont forget that you can always look up our current list of foster and shelter animals at our website, http://catsociety.org, and dont hesitate to chat with an Adoptions Counselor during our weekend hours about any kitten or cat for adoption, in foster, or maybe youd like to offer your home to a foster kitty of your own! Our cats and kittens most certainly need all of the help, love, and attention they can get. You can, of course, help in lots of other ways. Come see us at the many fairs and festivals going on around the region. Support us at the late summer Rolling Stones tribute concert at Merrillville High School in September. And of course, dont forget to join us during our Some Dads spend Fathers Day cuddling fabulous summer fundraisers, including the with their kids! Annual Book Sale and our newest event, A Purrfectly Pampered Day, with products, food, and more to help you and your pet feel glamorous and special. This event will also mark our first time at Red Mill County Park, providing a lovely summer setting at 0185 Holmesville Road, just around the corner from Purdue University North Central. We truly hope youll come out and see us. Even volunteering a little time each month can make all the difference in the health and happiness of our cats. And while you are relaxing or reading a good book in the shade this summer, consider bringing a new family member into your home to enjoy all that sunshine and good times with you! Contact us through Facebook at http://facebook.com/indcatsociety or through email at shelter@catsociety.org with questions about adoptions or fostering at any time. We would love to hear from you, and we hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful, prosperous summer! Sincerely, Staci Trekles, ICS Board President

Please note: We do not use litter pan liners, newspapers, or pine cleaners like Pine Sol. Thank you!
Office Supplies Stamps Various colored 2-pocket folders, with business card slots Letter-Size Manilla file folders Cleaning Supplies Bleach Laundry soap (prefer unscented) Dryer Sheets Liquid hand soap Dish soap Paper plates Paper towels 30-gallon trash bags Tall Kitchen garbage bags Simple Green cleaner Shaklee Basic G concentrate Medical Supplies Microwaveable heating discs Science Diet AD, ID Wellness grain-free food Building and Grounds 20 x 25 x 5 Aire Bear furnace filters Water softener pellets 16" x 20" x 1" fiberglass furnace filters Replacement filters for Hunter Air Purifier Model #30930 Side door and help with installation Other Dry cat food, kitten and adult, Prefer Diamond Naturals but use other brands for donations to those in need Ground flavors of Fancy Feast and grain-free foods Kuranda Plastic cleanable cat trees Scoopable and clay litters Gift cards to Lowes, Menards, Home Depot, etc. Safeguard SG-36D humane traps Turbo-Tracks Replacement Scratchers Extra Large Litter Scoops Small blankets, rugs, towels Special Services Carpenters, Plumbers, Painters

August 3: Have a Purrfectly Pampurred Day!

This summer, pamper yourself and your pet at our Purrfectly Pampurred event at Red Mill County Park in LaPorte! Enjoy treats, beauty and health items, raffles, prizes, and much more! Sneak peak: enter the raffle for a 90 minute hot stone massage worth $100 from The Spirit Within Massage and Hypnosis Center! Were looking forward to a fun-filled, carefree day and we hope to see you there!

Feeding outside cats?

Its OK to feed, but dont let them BREED! email us at icstnr@comcast.net for low cost S&N!
3

The cats thank you! Ask us for a receipt for tax-deductible donations.

Lets Talk Litteracy!

hat better place than a book sale to improve your litteracy? Would you like to learn about why cats sometimes refuse to use their litterbox? More importantly, would you like to know what to do about it? Come to the ICS Book Sale on Saturday, July 19th at 11 am and get the scoop on feline potty problems.

A Big 5K Thank You!

e wish to say a special Thank You to all of the wonderful rescues, vendors, runners, dog-walkers, and volunteers, who joined us on April 28 for the 3rd Annual Black Cat Strut!

Special 5K Donors and Sponsors included: Vale Park Animal Hospital Michigan City Animal Hospital All Creature Features Arbor View Animal Hospital Smoochie Pooch Pet Salon and Boutique Hot Spot Cafe Alltech Computers Westville Farm Supply, Inc. Christie Lant D.D.S. Brandts Old Fasioned Emporium Dairy Queen (Westville) Reeves Royal Acres Olga Petryszyn-Remax Dan & Daves Small Engine Repair MVP Holdings LLC Clinilab LLC Black Pearl Bakery Much family fun was had at the Black Cat Strut! Nina G Photography Thanks to all of the awesome runners who came out to support us! Extra Mile Fitness Company Porter County Parks RMC-McDonalds Valpo Parks Engraveables in Valpo Indiana 105 Without you, the Black Cat Strut would not have been successful. We appreciate the time and effort that all of our valued volunteers and supporters put forward in making the 5K a huge hit!

Everyone who attends will be entered into a drawing for a wonderful book on cat behavior called Cat vs. Cat by Pam JohnsonBennett, which has a very informative section on litterbox issues. We promise that talking about cat excretion issues is a lot more interesting than you might think! Speaking of litteracy, if you donate a bag of litter to the shelter between now and the book sale, you will get a coupon good for a FREE book at the sale. The entire month of July we will celebrating Litteracy on Facebook. Watch for a Daily Litteracy tip and ICS's answer to Grumpy Cat, several Crabby Cats who have a lot to say on the subject of litter boxes! Here is a preview:

Rainbow Bridge Garden (continued from page 1)

All horses should be loved by a little girl. Melissa loves you, Ice! Rest in Peace. Melissa Biel, the daughter of volunteers Claudia and Thomas Biel, leased a horse named Glittering Justice, whom everyone called simply "Ice," from Center Ring Stables in Kouts. The owner, Mike Frame, trained Melissa for her 4-H Horse & Pony Project at the Porter County Fair. For the 6-month period leading up to the fair, Melissa spent 12 hours per week training with Ice. After the fair, Melissa continued to take lessons on Ice, and would also spend entire days at Center Ring Stables bumming around with her favorite horse. Tragically, on September 29th, 2011, Ice died in a fire at the stables. The fire, which was caused by the failure of some electrical equipment, burned down the attached hay barn, and Ice succumbed to the smoke. Melissa loved Ice very much, and was devastated when she learned about his death, so she and her family chose to honor Ice with the bricks in the Rainbow Bridge Garden. Many bricks are inspirational or send a message of hope. The inscription God bless my pets. They make my life worth living 4 speaks to how important our animal companions are to so many. Another brick expresses the faith that we can look forward to a reunion on the other side of the bridge: We rest in the roses, wait and play, 'til we can meet again someday. For those who may be grieving, Arbor View Veterinary Hospital inscribed a brick that says: A LOVING CAT CAN MEND A BROKEN HEART We love that sentiment, and hope that someday there will be visitors who come to the garden in sadness, read that brick, and realize that there is someone quite nearby who would love nothing more than the chance to start putting that heart back together. The Rainbow Bridge Garden truly is an illustration that love never dies. As you read the messages in the garden, a palpable sense of the love that each person had and still has for their family member, furry or non-furry, can be felt like a comforting purr or a wagging tail. We hope that you can come and spend some time in the garden very soon and experience it first hand.

Adoptable Cats
Make one of these fine felines part of your happy home today!
Biddy
is a playful young guy who may look like he has funny eyes, but dont let a little childhood eye infection fool you. Biddy can see just fine, and has no lingering issues. Just come visit him in Freckles and ask him, and hell cuddle up and tell you all about it!

Spidey
is Biddys brother, and is very unique he has a whole bunch of extra toes! Each of his paws has at least one extra toe, and even though that sounds like a lot more claws to clip, he definitely doesnt mind if you do, as long as you play with him when youre through!

Wally
is a gorgeous gray tabby with stunning gold eyes. He is quiet and dignified, and with his handsome demeanor, he would make a perfect addition to any home.

Charlotte
came to the shelter as a stray, dropped off in a carrier in which she had given birth to her newborn kittens eight of them to be exact! on Easter morning of last year. Our Easter miracle mom is as sweet as can be, and she is still waiting for her forever home. Could it be yours?

Christopher
may not always want to come out and say hi when you enter his room, Playpen, but he really does want to meet you! Just give him a pet and show him a little kindness, and youll have his heart forever.

Cutiebatootie
has a name to match his irresistible charm! His sweet, calm purrsonality makes him seem like a shy guy around Kikis, but really, hes just playing it cool. Come meet him, and youll see just what being a cutiebatootie is all about!

A Special Note
From our friends at
Allegius has five Northwest Indiana office locations and over 6,800 shared offices through the CU Service Center network so you can conduct financial transactions where you live, work or travel. *Proud Corporate Sponsor of the Independent Cat Society* Are you happy with your bank or financial institution? Join Allegius Credit Union and enjoy what it should be like when you depend on someone to be your primary financial institution! Once someone joins they become a member and owner of the credit union, and not just a customer or account number. Allegius has been serving Northwest Indiana since 1966 with one basic philosophy people helping people. Members have access to generally higher savings rates, lower loan rates and a full array of financial products and services (or a lower) cost than other area financial institutions such as: VISA Credit Cards with a balance transfer offer of 3.99% APR until March 31, 2014 Refinance your vehicle at Allegius and receive 1% Cash Back Checking Accounts with ID Theft Recovery Services Life, Home and Auto Insurance Products Free Online Banking and E-statements We are here for you! Whether it's for your daughters first car, saving for a dream wedding, refinancing your vehicle loan or starting a retirement nest egg, Allegius wants to be a part of your financial dreams, aspirations and success. So no matter how big or small your dream, whether you're online or at the teller line, Allegius is here to help you and your changing financial needs every step of the way. Allegius membership eligibility is offered through your Independent Cat Society membership!! From this, Allegius is proud to present monthly membership donations to ICS, and we thank them for their support! For more information contact us at 219-787-8049 or 800537-8386, or visit us at http://www.allegius.org. Chesterton Branch - 315 N Broadway Hobart Branch - 2027 E. 37th Ave. Michigan City Branch - 1015 E. Hwy 20 Valparaiso Branch - 175 W. Lincolnway Burns Harbor Office - 244 Allegius Drive

Memorials & Tributes...

6/15/2013

from 3/1/2013 to

In Memory of
Donna Novak from Melvin and Brenda Novak Donna Novak from Treva Collignon Carol Decker from Marcine Todd Dorothy & LeRoy Wienke from Kenneth & Sharon Brooks Annie, Rick & Cheri Arzola's cat, from Patrick Farrell Tom from Nathalie Pennington Abby Gayle, one year gone, from Wayne & Carol Albrecht Her parents Ron and Lena Wyller, from Mary Williams Sydney Vale, from Mr. and Mrs. Larry S. Jarvis Dorothy Maxwell from Mona & Ed Jagoda and Gloria Cooper Gen Enright from Laurie Brown Frank Carravetta from Douglas & Viki Lauerman

In Honor of
Elizabeth Canright's 13th birthday from Jane Canright, Christopher & Megan Dilts His cat Donatella from Abraham Wondergem Karen Flaherty's birthday from Kenneth & Sharon Brooks Eve Gardner, a blessing to all animals, from Dr. Randi L. Olson In Apology - we missed the this announcement in the previous edition: Sharon Brooks for her birthday, from her sister Karen Flaherty If we have omitted anyone, please write or call us so we can include them in the next newsletter.

Corporate Sponsors and Partners

We would like to take a moment to recognize our valuable corporate sponsors. Without their help, many of our events and activities would not be possible. We hope that you will support their businesses as they have supported ICS. AJ Canopy Rental and Sales Allegius Credit Union Arbor View Animal Hospital Aurelios Pizza (LaPorte, IN) Bissell Foundation Brandts Supply Indiana 105 Michigan City Animal Hospital McAfee Animal Hospital Smoochie Pooch Pet Salon and Boutique Vale Park Animal Hospital

Heartfelt Thanks...
We thank Johnson Excavating, BP Fabric of America, and Allegius Credit Union for their generous donations. Thanks to AJs Tents for their generous support. Special thanks to all Corporate Donors for the 35th Anniversary Gala Silent Auction, including Ace Hardware Valparaiso, Arbor View Animal Hospital, Aurelios LaPorte, Being Creative 4 You, Betty White, Bissell Foundation, Blue Chip Casino, Blue Moon Dance Studio, Brandt's Supply, Clint Henry of Oak Partners, Dr. Joel Korczak, DDS, Dr. Lovera Wolf Miller, Dichroic Jewelry, Four Winds Casino, Great Hair Days, Green Mountain Coffee, HotSpot Cafe, Jackson Galaxy, Kings Lane, Maple City Animal Hospital, Menards, Michelle Jusko at Great Hair Days, New Prairie Animal Hospital, Old Town Banquet Center, Paula Dean, Pfeiffer's Pies, Pyrrha Jewelry, Stepping Out in Style, Terry Abner Salon, The Spirit Within, and Vale Park Animal Hospital. We thank the John W. Anderson Foundation for their generous grant. John W. Anderson has been a supporter for many years and we cant thank you enough. Many thanks to another long-time supporter, the Unity Foundation, for their wonderful grant to help keep people and their pets together. 6

Master Mousers:
...looking for work!!
Will work for food and shelter Will rid your property of vermin Will come with a tipped ear Will NOT sit on your lap Will NOT scratch your furniture Will NOT provide you with kittens
Feral and free-roaming cats are really the perfect employees... you feed them on a schedule, provide them shelter for the winter, and they in turn keep your barn or outbuilding vermin-free while providing aesthetic appeal for your yard!

Dudley by Maria Maroney

Please contact our Employment Agents at icstnr@comcast.net or call the shelter and ask about barn cats

Sponsor-A-Cat!

from your Spokescat, Corky

If youd like to help ICS by sponsoring one of Corkys friends, please fill out the slip below and mail it back to the shelter, or drop it off in person and choose your special cat.

i, Im Corky, the spokescat for our Sponsor-a-Cat program. You can usually find me waiting in Disco, hoping someone will leave the door open just a crack for just a second so I can pop into the hall to see whats going on. One day, Nellie escaped with me. As we were being gently returned to where we belonged, she noticed a sign on the door that said, One hundred percent sponsored. I explained to my little black and white friend that the award on our door means that every cat in Disco has a sponsor. What does that mean? she meowed. Whats a sponsor? Do they take you to that forever home Im always hearing about? No, but its the next best thing, I told her. You have a special person or even a group of people who send money to ICS every month to take care of all the cats who live here. When someone sponsors you, it makes you feel special and things are better while

youre waiting for a forever home. Your sponsor can come and visit and play with you and your roomates, and often they bring toys for you to share. Nellie was intrigued. So, who can sponsor a cat from one of the rooms that isnt 100 percent already? Well, many of our sponsors have one or more cats in their homes, but dont have any room for more. But theres always room in a an animal lovers heart for another cat. And it isnt always just one person who sponsors one cat. Scout troops or 4-H groups, retirement homes, churches, senior or youth groups, school classes, and college students away from home who miss their pets can have a special cat close by. Many people sponsor a cat for a friend or relative for a holiday or birthday gift. Office workers can get together and sponsor a special cat. The possibilities are endless!

Corky, your Spokescat

We can pick a cat for you, or if you prefer, you can tell us what kind of cat youd like young or old, male or female, gray, black, calico, tabby, or tortie. Once you find your sponsor cat, youll get a 4x6 picture of your cat and a story telling you how the kitty came to live at the shelter. Below are a few cats who need sponsors and adopters! Come visit some of these charmers. It will make everyones day brighter. They are all ready to go to their forever homes, and are eagerly waiting to meet you. Theres something special about each and every one!

Tofu
is a sweet little girl who lived in Kikis room with her sister Tahini. But, Tahini got a sponsor, then got adopted. Tofu hopes shell have the same luck!

Jaxson
is a handsome lad with a gorgeous, fluffy coat and tail that just wont quit. He lost his long-time home due to illness of his adopter, and would love a human companion again.

Shirley
is a beautiful classic tabby. Her lovely eyes will draw you in, but her sweet purrsonality will have you wanting to play with her all day long!

Divinity
and her sister Satina are both missing their tails! No, nothing bad happened, they are just gorgeous black Manx mixes who could tell lots of tails about their roomates in Kikis room.

Bunny
came to live in Sing-Sing on Easter Sunday as a stray. She is as cute as a bunny, but without the long ears! Come meet her and youll be entranced by her charm.

Smudgie
is as cute as they get with the black smudge across his face. He loves to play with toys and with other cats, and will quickly make his way into your heart the moment you meet him.

I want to Sponsor-A-Cat from the Independent Cat Society

I have enclosed a check for: __________ $180 for one year of Sponsor-A-Cat __________ $10 for the first month of Sponsor-A-Cat. I pledge to send $10 each month to Sponsor-A-Cat __________ $15 for the first month of Sponsor-A-Cat. I pledge to send $15 each month to Sponsor-A-Cat __________ I pledge to send the amount that fits my budget and feels right to Sponsor-A-Cat each month Please mark SAC on your envelope and check memo. The sponsor will receive a photo and biography of his or her Sponsor-A-Cat. Name of sponsor_____________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City______________________________________ State_______ ZIP__________ Telephone _______________________________________ Month of sponsors birthday____________________________________ email address______________________________________________ Clip and mail to: Independent Cat Society, Inc., PO Box 735, Westville, IN 46391

Independent Cat Society PO Box 735 Westville, IN 46391

Non-Profit Organization US Postage

PAID
Valparaiso, IN Permit No. 134

Dont miss these events!

Bark in the Park
July 13 Thomas Centennial Park, Chesterton, Indiana

Twitter: @IndCatSociety facebook.com/ indcatsociety http://catsociety.org

ICS Annual Book Sale

July 19 - 20 Chesterton American Legion Hall, Chesterton, Indiana

A Purrfectly Pampered Day

August 3 Red Mill County Park, LaPorte, Indiana

Paws in Paradise
August 10 Robertsdale Little League Complex, Hammond, Indiana

Homeless Animal Day

August 17 Countryside Park, Portage, Indiana

Popcorn Festival
September 7 Downtown Valparaiso, Indiana

Rolling Stones Tribute Concert

September 20 Merrillville High School, Merrillville, Indiana

If youd like to receive the Mewsletter via email, let us know at mewsletter@hotmail.com.

Can you help the Independent Cat Society cats?

Become a Member!
Annual Dues: ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ $1000 Corporation $500 Life $100 Gold Star $50 Family $25 Individual $10 Student $10 Senior

Donate or Volunteer!
______ I am donating $______ for the care of the cats and kittens. ______ I am donating $______ to the building fund. ______ I am donating $______ to the TNR/Assisted Spay & Neuter Fund. ______ I will help groom cats at the shelter. ______ I will help give cats their medications. ______ I will help at fundraising events. ______ I will be a foster parent. ______ I will donate my cat-themed artwork or crafts for fundraising events. ______ I will bake for fundraising events. ______ I will make adoption follow-up telephone calls. ______ I will help cats get good homes by becoming an adoption counselor. ______ I will help take care of the grounds and maintain the shelter. ______ I will distribute flyers for fundraisers.

Name______________________________________ Address_____________________ City______________ State_______ ZIP__________ ____This is a new address. ____ Do not send a thank you note. Phone____________________ email__________________________________ Clip and send to: Independent Cat Society, Inc., PO Box 735, Westville, IN 46391