HART's 2023 Journey of Providing Support & Transforming Lives
Can you believe that since the beginning of the year, HART has taken in 282 cats and kittens, and we’ve found homes for 371 of the felines within our care? This achievement is no small feat, considering that not only do we shelter these innocent animals, but we also get them ready for adoption by spaying or neutering and microchipping them before they make their way to their forever homes. In addition, depending on the health of the cats when they enter our shelter, we provide much-needed medical care, which can be pretty costly.
Read on for a few stories that exemplify the vital work that HART does
As we close out the year, we want to update you on some wonderful kitties that you may remember hearing about. These stories demonstrate the direct impact of your generous support.
Stork’s Story
This Spring, we shared the story of Stork, a lovely, 5-year-old, short-haired calico who has been under HART's care since 2021, both within a foster home, due to her medical condition, as well as at the shelter. When she first arrived, Stork had dry skin, a poor coat, and tended to have episodes of wobbling and falling over, followed by intense ear-scratching. Our Medical Team determined that the root of the problem was severe food allergies that caused her to have ear infections and produce excessive wax. Although her condition had improved somewhat with treatment, her symptoms persisted.
We were committed to making her life better and as comfortable as possible, so in June, we opted to have her ear canals surgically removed, an expensive procedure costing over $2,200.We appealed to our community to help us defray the cost, and happily, you came through. And, we are pleased to report that Stork is doing great! She is much more content and balanced, looks adorable with her wonky ears, and, most importantly, is comfortable. Stork is looking for her forever home where she can receive endless belly rubs - could that be with you?
Reece’s Story
Last Fall, we brought you the story of Shy Angel, Reece, an enchanting, now 8-year-old girl who spent a couple of years as a stray in the Sebago area until she strolled into the home of some very kind people. They were happy to help her but quickly discovered Reece did not like other cats. And, having their own cats, they decided to bring her to HART.
Upon arrival at our shelter, it became abundantly clear that, although she was not accepting of other felines, Reece was head over heels for people! She would revel in their attention and the soothing strokes of a good brush--in just a few weeks, her dull and faded coat transformed into luxuriously soft and glossy fur.
Our Medical Team started Reece on medication to help her cope with her bad feelings toward other kitties and help her be more at ease in the shelter environment. In addition, as a participant in our Shy Angels program, our dedicated volunteers worked with Reece, providing her with valuable one-on-one time with humans at the shelter, and her transformation was remarkable.
Ultimately, one of our volunteers, Caroline, fell deeply in love with Reece and chose to foster her, granting her the solitude she needed as the sole cat in the house. And this past Spring, that house became Reece's permanent, loving home! Caroline joyfully reports that Reece is flourishing in her new environment.
Recce's favorite pastimes include indulging in long naps, occasionally taking brief breaks to dine, and engaging in playful activities with peacock feathers. She has a penchant for snuggling close, either in laps or beside her human companions, constantly yearning to be by their side. Welcoming Reece into their home has been an absolute delight, and it's safe to say that Reece has found true happiness in her new forever home.
Three Tiny Kittens Get A Second Chance
In November of last year, we came to our community with an urgent call for help. Three 8-week-old kittens, Oreo, Cookie, and Macaroon (now Gronk, Tuukka, and Danica), were surrendered to HART infested with fleas and, as a result, developed a condition known as flea anemia. Even a small number of fleas on a kitten can lead to anemia, and a severe infestation poses significant risks, potentially causing a severe drop in red blood cell count, organ failure, and even death. The kittens were undernourished and significantly undersized for their age, weighing barely one pound each and displaying extreme weakness. Swift action was imperative to provide them with the necessary care.
Fortunately, our partners at Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care came to our aid, admitting this trio for urgent treatment and blood transfusions. We also reached out to our community for financial assistance, and your incredible generosity made it all possible.
As a result, the kittens got their life-saving transfusions, and we were able to further support their recovery in their HART foster home by administering iron supplements and providing them with a carefully crafted blend of formula and high-calorie kitten food.
Happily, all three of these cuties were adopted together! Now a little over one year old, their adopter reports that Danica is a sweet girl who loves to be scritched and cuddled. She is very outgoing and loves chasing flies that might sneak in. Gronk is a big happy-go-lucky boy who likes to sprawl on people and couches. He is outgoing and lives up to his name. Tuukka is a little more reserved, especially if he doesn't know you, but once he warms up, he is very affectionate and loves to rub all over you and will demand attention.
As we head into the last quarter of 2023, we are asking our community to help us keep this good work going. HART receives no public funding, and relies solely on the support of individual donors to help us rescue and provide shelter and essential care for hundreds of cats and kittens every year.
