Scott Barnstable is an eagle scout who really deserves his wings!
With all the activity that goes on at Tree House, it is hard for us to keep up with some of the regular maintenance on our house, so you can imagine our surprise and delight when this nice, hard-working young man wanted to help us out as part of his Eagle Scout Leadership Project. Scott was here bright and early one morning to paint our weather-beaten back porch. When he finished with that, he spent several afternoons h anding out our wish list at an area shopping center and asking people to buy and donate some of the items on the list. We were amazed when Scott and his parents came with a van load of cat and dog food, treats, toys, paper towels, batteries, office supplies and more!
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Humane Investigators
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Last November, Tree House sent a group of employees to a seminar sponsored by the Illinois Department of Agriculture where they took a test to become Approved Humane Investigators. Applicants must be sponsored by a licensed humane organization, and have personal and professional references. Tree House now has three Approved Humane Investigators who can inspect people’s homes, document their findings, and even begin legal action against animal abusers. Our Investigation Team consists of Ollie Davidson (Adoptions Supervisor), Jenny Schlueter (Director of Development), and Kathy Ellsworth (Clinic Technician). All three of these people contribute different viewpoints and experiences which will keep the investigation team objective, well rounded, and grounded in their purpose as Humane Investigators. On rare occasions, Tree House gets a phone call or notice of some kind that an adopted cat may not be treated as specified in the Adoption Contract. In these instances, a member of the Investigation Team can follow up on this information in a formal, lega l m anner that will keep the best interest of the cat in mind. Usually, incidences like these may require no more than some simple documentation and /or educational counseling for the adopters on what is required for the proper care of their cat. In the rare case that an Investigator needs to inspect the home or take further legal action, we now have the Team and the tools to do so. Congratulations to the new Approved Humane Investigation Team!
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Tree House Donors are the BEST!!!!!
After our recent fire-related crisis, we were overwhelmed by offers of help and by an unprecedented outpouring of support from our friends. Many people expressed their hope that the cats and staff would quickly recover from the disruption, related their own stories of similar situations in their lives, and expressed sincere regrets that they could not donate more. We were so touched by your generosity and kind hearts. Many, many donors gave more than they had ever given. We know that everyone has their own personal financial challenges, their own pet expenses – yet, when our shelter was in need, our extended family “stepped up” to help. We could not provide care for our cats if it were not for you. We could not provide the community programs were it not for you. We would not even exist were it not for you! We truly appreciate our donors – THANK YOU ALL!
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Tree House at the South Pole
Eivind Jensen is a cat-lover and a researcher who travels to the South Pole occasionally to study neutrinos, a subatomic particle that can be found in very clean water. On his last trip there, he donned a Tree House sweatshirt and had a photo taken with a poster board illustration of the shelter next to the South Pole geographica l marker. So Tree House has been represented at the South Pole! That’s what we call far flung advertising! Thanks Eivind!
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Half brothers and sisters in the same litter!
The kittens in one litter may look totally different from each other – why? The reason is that the kittens may have different fathers! When the female is in heat, she may have relations with many males. It’s often possible that the kittens are even conceived at different times and the mom cat may deliver some on one day and others a few days later! Even kitties fathered by the same male may look different, but if they look like a totally different kind of cat, they may be just that! |
Cat Haikus |
The food in my bowl
Is old, and more to the point
Contains no tuna. |
So you want to play.
Will I claw at dancing string?
Your ankle's closer.
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There's no dignity
In being sick -- which is why
I don't tell you where. |
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