Happy Holidays!

I hope that wherever you are and whatever you celebrate, that you are having a lovely holiday!

The last few days were a blur - the week before Christmas I screened a dozen or so families and finally placed the last two puppies from Luna's litter. I think that they are in fabulous homes!

I also drove to arrange a meeting between dear Maple (pictured above) and a potential adopter. Unfortunately, after a few minutes together we discovered something totally unforeseen - the adopter was REALLY allergic to her! (Running eyes, broke out in hives and welts - yikes!!!)

Obviously that wasn't going to work...

Anyway, as the holiday approached, I tried to get things organized. Every year we go to visit my family, and my hubby's family about 4 hours away for just a couple of days. The dogs come with us, but the cats stay here and have a sitter look in on them. After her latest "incident" I wasn't about to leave Bijoux with a sitter, so she was bundled into a crate and came along on the holiday travels.

She did really well and seems to have totally recovered from her latest troubles. I swear that girl has used up all 9 of her lives and is now borrowing from the other cats! :o)

She seems to like the new pink sweater that she got for Christmas, and all of the kitties got a new climbing post. They seem to like it - they are taking turns being on the top perch and playing "King of the Castle" - pushing each other off!!!

The dogs were very happy with the peanut butter biscuits that their friend Debra sent, a new toy from Andrea and warm winter coats.

Anyway, please give the furry members of your family and extra hug from me today!
Here's hoping that the new year is full of health, compassion and lots of whatever you need!

Shelly and crew

Oh that Bijoux!!!

She must insist on doing everything her own way...

So - yesterday she was back to the specialist for a re-check, scoping and to (hopefully) have her feeding tube removed. Supposed to be in by 9 and out by early afternoon. (At least that was the plan....)

Everything seemed to go well in the morning - everything looked well healed, her esophagus was relatively clean and the tube was removed without incident. Pheeeww!

I hung around for awhile to make sure she was fully recovered from the anesthetic before taking her home...

They asked if I could wait another hour or so because she wasn't coming around as well as she might...

So I waited...

After two hours they said that she was breathing a bit oddly and could I possibly leave her overnight for observation. There was no sense of urgency, the vet just felt that she was a bit "off" and being Bijoux perhaps she should stay.

Thankfully I did leave her - about an hour after I left she stopped breathing. They revived her, gave her some sedative and put her on oxygen. Apparently it isn't uncommon for cats to have laryngeal spasm when they have surgery- but normally it would happen within minutes of having the breathing tube removed.

Not 6 hours later!!!!

Sooooo - here I am waiting to hear if she can come home today. The good thing is that the staff seem to love her at this clinic and were perfectly happy to keep her overnight.

She does keep everyone hopping though!!!

Please cross your fingers that she is okay later today and can come home...

The Holidays Are Coming - Make A Difference In Their Life and Yours!

I hope that all is well on your part of the planet! The weather where I am is cold and winter seems to be in full swing - blech!

I can't help but think about all the poor animals outdoors - wishing for a warm indoor home and people to love them. One of our directors has been helping a feral cat colony in her neighbourhood and I think it is going to be a long, cold, hard time for them this winter.

As I write this, I am fostering three 10 week old pups (including charming Dexter pictured above) and 4 cats - plus I have my own crew to hug! Of course we have both dogs and cats in other foster homes too - more than 20 lovely creatures looking for new homes at the moment.

Although giving a living creature as a gift is never recommended, when it comes to adopting for yourself, sometimes this time of year is perfect. If you are home for quiet holidays on your own, perhaps a new friend is exactly what both of you need?

What about sweet, Maple? Or the handsome duo of Tigger and Tiki? Or sweet and unassuming Lily and Veruca? Or darling Ted? We have all ages, colours and personalities - probably someone that would be a perfect match for you!

If you aren't in a position to adopt right now - how about sponsoring? Monthly donors are especially helpful...

To see the wonderful creatures that are looking for homes,please visit www.ProjectJessie.ca

Not sure what to give the animal lover in your family or circle of friends this holiday season? Opening a dog or cat rescue package will warm the heart of anyone who cares about animals.

For only $35.00 a cat or $50.00 a dog, we will send your loved one, friend or co-worker a personalized Holiday Rescue Package with your special message.

The Holiday Rescue Package includes:
- A photograph of a rescued dog or cat
- A “Certificate of Rescue” in their name
- 3 Holiday gift tags
- A Personalized Christmas card
- Project Jessie Program brochure

To order a HOLIDAY RESCUE PACKAGE,please access our secure online server through the website or phone Jacqui at 416-462-9541 x22

However you are able to help, we ALWAYS appreciate it very much!!!
Thank you!!!
And Happy Holidays!
Shelly