URGENT UPDATE: (This is an update to an alert that Riverfront Cats uncovered and broadcasted in January)
Loews Hotel has hired Critter Control and TODAY set traps on all three properties (Loews Portofino, Loews Royal Pacific, and Hard Rock hotels) to trap the cats and take them to OCAS (Orange County Animal Services where they will be killed.
FACT: Traps were set today on all three properties by Critter Control.
FACT: Critter Control of Orlando specializes in removal wildlife animals, not feral cats! (we do not know yet if Critter Control is properly licensed to trap cats). http://orlando.crittercontrol.com/
FACT: Loews NEVER consulted with animal experts. Loews never returned the phone calls, emails, letters of animal authorities such as Alley Cat Allies.
FACT: Loews stated reasons associated with wildlife animals which are very different from free-roaming cats.
FACT: "Feral cat" does not mean it's aggressive. On the contrary, they are skiddish of strangers. These cats are more outdoor pets. They have a home, shelter, know the caretakers and have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated and dewormed. Feral in this sense means they do not adapt to indoors and boundaries of walls.
FACT: Loews and City of Orlando have never had a reported case of disease or injury related to a well- managed cat colony that were all sterilized and rabies vaccinated.
FACT: Loews faces much higher risk by allowing domesticated pets inside the property with close contact to children and other guests. Just this past January one dog of a guest, attacked and KILLED the dog of another guest at the Royal Pacific.
FACT: The leader of this effort to help the cats, his employer and the community, was a bellman, George Ricci, who felt compelled to leave his job in order to protect the cats and mostly to educate the public about this cause. The general public has little to no knowledge about free-roaming cats. There are many misconceptions.
FACT: Employees cared for the cats on their own time and money! This was a free service employees provided to their employer.
FACT: The CEO, Jonathon Tisch, promotes good citizenship, yet is threatening employees with their jobs for following a proven model embraced by animal welfare organizations, businesses, and communities across the United States including Disney! The practice is called TNRM. Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage.
Please call the hotel and ask to speak with manager (407- 503-1234). Let him or her know you have a complaint. Don't give specifics to phone taker. Just demand to speak to manager and ask:
1. Why didn't management consult with any animal experts? Animal Control specializes in removing dead animals, not the "congregation and habits of wildlife animals" .
2. Why didn't management return any communications from animal and cat authorities like Alley Cat Allies?
3. Does he/she know distinction between an opossum and free-roaming cat?
4. Why are they abandoning something that worked? If Disney has done it for many years, why can't Loews? There is higher risk of harm and injury from domesticated pets inside hotel. Or higher risk of someone slipping on floor.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Charlie Brown is ready for Adoption
UPDATE:Charlie Brown was adopted!!!
.png)
Meet Charlie Brown, the newest Riverfront cat that was sadly dumped in the neighborhood.
Charlie clearly had a caretaker as he soon warmed up to the volunteer feeders. But not all outdoor cats are adoptable for indoors. There was only one way to find out. Within a few days, Charlie has adjusted to living indoors. Even more it is believed he may be part American Curl cat. These are cats known for two things.
First their ears. While most have slight curl or curve, they are shorter than most cats. Charlie's ears do not have the curl but are definitely shorter. Even more fascinating, his ears point forward and sideways like antennas when he hears a noise.
Second, American Curls have qualities other than the whimsical ears to make them attractive pets. They are people cats that do not show any of the stereotypical aloofness, and are affectionate without harassing people for attention the way some breeds can. Charlie exhibits this quality. You can easily pick him up and place him on your lap or next to you and he curls up like a baby and welcomes you to pet him.
Feel free to change his name. Other ideas for names include "Detroit" because he's a soft purring engine when you pet him nonstop. Or "Jiminy Cricket" because his ears move like antennas of an insect.
Charlie is neutered, tested negative to feline Aids and leukemia and received both rabies and other shots. All medical paperwork available upon adoption.
His current foster family is moving out of the country and would love to keep him as they fell in love with Charlie and his personality and ears... but he would have to be quarantined for months! So if you adopt him in next three weeks, the fee is only $35. After April 23, the fee is $75.
To meet Charlie Brown, please send email to riverfrontcats@yahoo.com
.png)
Charlie clearly had a caretaker as he soon warmed up to the volunteer feeders. But not all outdoor cats are adoptable for indoors. There was only one way to find out. Within a few days, Charlie has adjusted to living indoors. Even more it is believed he may be part American Curl cat. These are cats known for two things.
First their ears. While most have slight curl or curve, they are shorter than most cats. Charlie's ears do not have the curl but are definitely shorter. Even more fascinating, his ears point forward and sideways like antennas when he hears a noise.
Second, American Curls have qualities other than the whimsical ears to make them attractive pets. They are people cats that do not show any of the stereotypical aloofness, and are affectionate without harassing people for attention the way some breeds can. Charlie exhibits this quality. You can easily pick him up and place him on your lap or next to you and he curls up like a baby and welcomes you to pet him.
Feel free to change his name. Other ideas for names include "Detroit" because he's a soft purring engine when you pet him nonstop. Or "Jiminy Cricket" because his ears move like antennas of an insect.
Charlie is neutered, tested negative to feline Aids and leukemia and received both rabies and other shots. All medical paperwork available upon adoption.
His current foster family is moving out of the country and would love to keep him as they fell in love with Charlie and his personality and ears... but he would have to be quarantined for months! So if you adopt him in next three weeks, the fee is only $35. After April 23, the fee is $75.
To meet Charlie Brown, please send email to riverfrontcats@yahoo.com
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Carrie Ann Inaba Helps Shelter Cats
She's sexy, eloquent, a celebrity (judge on Dancing with the Stars) and has SIX cats plus a dog! We first heard Carrie Ann Inaba declare she's a cat lady as guest host on Live with Kelly. She's proud of it and went on to educate viewers how rescuing homeless cats changed her life. But now we learn she's doing more! Could Carrie Ann become the celebrity spokesperson for homeless cats? WE HOPE SO!
Today we learned she's the producer of an upcoming web show Crib Cat that will air on Petsami’s YouTube channel, starting in March. The series will feature adoptable shelter cats handpicked by Inaba, who hopes to reduce the overall number of cats in shelters.
In a blog post on ecorazzi,
Inaba has partnered with the Best Friends Animal Society and PETA in the past, and has more animal-friendly ventures on the horizon. In May, she’ll host the Humane Society’s Genesis Awards, which will air on Animal Planet. And when she and Sloan tie the knot later this year, their pets will be part of the ceremony. She says, “They’re so much a part of our family that they have to be involved.”
Click on the link above for the full story.
We look forward to the upcoming show in March and following Carrie Ann's progress in saving felines and also overturning misconceptions about "cat ladies". Here's to a new breed of SEXY CAT LADIES!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Successful TNR Programs
There are a growing number of communities, cities, municipalities that have implemented TNR--Trap, Neuter, Return as a humane solution in addressing and controlling the free-roaming cat population. And in some cases the adjunct "Manage" (TNRM) for managed feral cat colonies. We will keep adding to this list. If you know of any successful programs, please email us at riverfrontcats@yahoo.com
Fairfax County, Virginia USA (January 19, 2012)
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/news-releases/2012/011912trapneuterreturn.htm
Fairfax County, Virginia USA (January 19, 2012)
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/news-releases/2012/011912trapneuterreturn.htm
Disneyland Finds Balance with Cats (posting by Alley Cat Allies)
http://www.alleycat.org/page.aspx?pid=873
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Mainstreaming of a Feral Cat
 |
| Christine Michaels and Deborah Barnes |
You may have seen them in alleys, in your community or even your neighborhood and backyard. Stray or feral cats roaming, lurking, searching for food. What are the images that come to mind? So little is known about feral cats and worse, there are many misperceptions.
Feral cats are not aggressive, they do not charge after people like a wild pack of boars, or are filthy disease-carrying rodents. Quite the opposite. Cats are extremely clean. Feral cats are essentially cats that are not social with humans born from other feral cats or stray cats, normally pet cats that strayed from home or were abandoned by their owners. Innocent creatures that are homeless, voiceless, helpless, through no fault of their own.
To help overturn misconceptions, first we recommend referring to feral cats as "community cats" or "free-roaming cats". Some cats are friendly while living outdoors but not social when they are placed in an indoor environment with boundaries. We encourage readers to watch the three videos in the links below. Deborah Barnes, blogger and author of the Chronicles of Zee & Zoey interviews Christine Michaels, of Riverfront Cats.
The first video is a sit down interview that first addresses the current crisis at the Loews hotels in Orlando as management has mandated to end their model TNRM program and "get rid of the cats" on the property. The continuation of the video is a Feral Cat 101. The second part is a live interview following Christine on her routine in feeding the Riverfront Cats in downtown Miami.
Click here for PART 1 (video 1)
Click here for PART 2 (videos 2 and 3)
Thank you for taking the time to learn about these innocent creatures in your community and how you can make a difference.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Loews Hates Their Own Cats--More Links to share your concerns
1. The new "Stop Loews Hotels from Relocating and Traumatizing Harmless Cats" FB community Page. Please be sure to share your comments (be passionate but diplomatic). https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stop-Loews-Hotels-from-relocating-and-traumatizing-harmless-cats/310197372357031
2. The USA Today, picked up the story yesterday, January 17, 2012. You can share your comments at the end of the article via Facebook. http://travel.usatoday.com/hotels/post/2012/01/loews-portofino-bay-hotel--feral-cat-program/604982/1
3. The general Loews Hotel Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/LoewsHotels
4. Loews hotels in Orlando are deleting any comments about the cats on their hotel Facebook page. Instead they created a new FB "notes" page titled FERAL CAT ISSUE where you can offer suggestions for a solution. The ONLY solution is to keep the model program they had of TNR/managed colony. This was organized and paid for by employees. https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150472968696470
5. Universal Studios Florida. They are the landlord that Loews claims is making them "relocate" the cats. If Disney has the same model program for 25 years that has worked with complete success, why can't Universal do the same? https://www.facebook.com/pages/Universal-Studios-Florida/152410744773196
For a complete history of the Loews Hotel cat situation, see the post below or click here.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to make a difference!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Loews Loathes Cats
[Update June 25, 2012: Please sign the latest petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/loews-hotels-stop-trapping-harmless-cats-sending-to-kill-shelter]
[For a chronological listing of all incidents related to Loews Hotel cats, click here]
There's a storm in Orlando that started brewing on Monday and continues pelting more than heavy rain drops. It's literally raining cats and dogs but the outcome is unknown.
Loews Portofino Bay hotel and sister hotel Loews Royal Pacific, both located at Universal Studio in Orlando, Florida, are at the center of this bitter battle.
Known for its slogan "Loews Loves Pets", the once pet-friendly hotel and animal activists are at war. The Portofino and Royal Pacific had also accepted and cared for other pets. In this case feral cats. As is common throughout Florida, feral cats appear at local businesses including hotels, restaurants, any place near a food source and shelter from rain and cold.
For years, employees followed the proven practice of TNR--Trap-Neuter-Return and reduced a large colony of cats down to manageable numbers.
Then suddenly around Christmas, a mandate was gaveled that all cats were to be removed and a pest control company, Steritech was contacted. Little did caretakers know until the traps appeared.
When Riverfront Cats' lead volunteer, Christine, learned about this reversal of a model example of a managed cat colony, she sounded the alarm and reached out to fellow cat bloggers, Dorian Wagner of the Catster, Tamar of I Have Cat and blogger/author Deborah Barnes of The Chronicles of Zee and Zoey. Their readers and followers responded en force and thousands of animal-loving Americans denounced Loews' decision and vowed to boycott the hotel chain.
The pounding of harsh criticism on Loews Facebook page prompted Loews to remove the traps and not take the feral cats to local shelter which means instant death. Feral cats are not adoptable. However, Loews now wants to relocate the cats which is highly risky and could cause more danger, pain, suffering and death. [Update: Loews reversed this decision and continued trapping cats and sending them to local animal shelter where they are euthanized.]
THE HISTORY
Back in 2004, Bellman, George Ricci, noticed some animal traps throughout the property of the Loews Royal Pacific. In one he found bones. The traps had been set to capture feral cats. Shocked that trappers would inhumanely trap an animal to let it starve and suffer a slow, lingering death, George continued searching the grounds and found other traps. Realizing the traps were indeed for cats, George took it upon himself to capture the cats and get them spayed and neutered and returned them to their environment, the only home they knew. This practice is called TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and is encouraged by animal welfare organizations throughout the US including ASPCA, Alley Cat Allies, The Cat Network, animal behaviorists on Animal Planet programs... the list includes hundreds of organizations.
In 2007 David Bartek became the new General Manager. Ostensibly Bartek did not support the program but let employees continue trapping and feeding cats at their expense. And so they did. Wages of a bellman funded the entire effort at the Royal Pacific.
Then in 2008 George Ricci transferred to the Loews Portofino and again came across another colony of cats multiplying at exponential rates. Learning what he was doing to help these homeless, harmless cats, other employees came forward to help. What started out at 40 cats are currently down to 8 cats. The effort was a great success! The engineering department also built custom made Italian-themed cat mansion feeding stations to compliment the Portofino Italian theme. The houses sit far off the brick path for guests that lead to different pools.
In the small world of Universal Studio hotels, other hotel employees reached out to George and his team for help with their colony of feral cats that also was exploding with litters of kittens. George and his team realized it was time to make a formal presentation to formally implement a uniform program for neighboring hotels. They were very excited. And then everything backfired.
David Bartek had been promoted to Director of Operations in 2011 for all three hotels, the Portofino, Royal Pacific and Hard Rock hotel. Upon learning about the managed colonies, he mandated no more cats on the property.
Stunned by this edict, employees wanted to learn why? According to one source, "he never wanted to listen to facts, to proven practice, he didn't want to listen at all. His exact words were 'this issue is not open for discussion'". Later Bartek claimed it was the decision of the landlord, Universal Studio. There is no confirmation of this statement on our part, however a recent Orlando Sentinel article did reference them.
What animal-loving customers and experts wish to share:
1. TNR/managed colonies are the best proven humane practice to reduce the number of strays in a given area. This practice is advocated by hundreds of animal welfare groups across the country.
2. If cats are removed, the vacuum effect takes place. Other stray cats will move in and multiply. What will Loews do with 50 cats next year? An unspayed/neutered cat pair leads to 5,000 cats in 7 years. Another horrifying statistic: half of all stray kittens suffer and die before age 8 weeks. People don't see it, but it happens everyday. By removing the current colony, Loews is inviting more strays and more cats to multiply and suffer.
Removing cats from an area is a futile effort—one that cannot succeed. [Alley Cat Allies]
3. The word "feral" has many misperceptions. Feral cats do not charge after or attack people. Mostly they are afraid of humans. Feral means they are not entirely social with humans. The degree of socialization varies. Some cats can be petted. Some can be petted and picked up in your arms. Some fear the human hand and can not be petted but will allow your hand to feed it, inches away from its face. Some will not adjust to boundaries of four walls and go stir crazy without the freedom to run and climb.
4. The cats receive rabies vaccination when they get spayed/neutered and are ear-tipped. This means the tip of their left ear (our right when facing them) is sliced off during surgery/anasthesia as universal sign a cat is sterilized.
5. Disney has had successful TNR program for 25 years. “We view them as partners. It’s kind of a symbiotic relationship with them". If Loews permits inhouse animals to come into contact with hotel guests, then there is no harm with feral cats on property with acres of land not visible to guests. There has never been a single reported incident with a hotel guest and outdoor cat.
6. The cats all have names and know their names. At the Loews Portofino, there is Bonnie & Clyde, Houdini, Morris, Scruffy, Oreo, Bernie and Billie. Each has their own personality and unique traits and habits. They ARE outdoor Loews pets.
Loews has never answered the following questions to date:
1. What will they do next year when new strays come onto the property and multiply? There is no cat sanctuary that takes in unlimited feral cats each year. There is likely to be approximately 40-50 cats in one year.
2. What is the risk to hotel guests? According to who? What? If Loews allows other animals to come into the hotels with guests, that poses greater risk, why not allow feral cats to stay?
3. It is confirmed that two Siberian Huskey dogs (guests of the Loews Royal Pacific hotel) killed the small dog of another guest on MONDAY, January 16, 2012. Why is Loews more concerned with stray cats that have never posed any harm to employees or guests when this tragedy happens?
4. Does this signal Loews' abandonment of slogan "Loews Loves Pets" and discontinue the ability for guests to bring their pets?
On Saturday, January 14, 2012 the following article appeared in the Orlando Sentinel.
NEXT STEPS:
Loyal customers, animal-lovers, and locals continue to fight for the cats to stay.
To follow this continuing battle, check Riverfront Cats Facebook page.
Animal activitists are encouraged to share their concerns on the Facebook of Universal Studios Florida and continue pressuring Loews on their Facebook page as well.
We hope Loews and Universal Studio will sit down and listen to experts to understand TNR is the best solution for everyone and the cats.
FOR COMPLETE HISTORY & CHRONICLES, CLICK HERE.
 |
| Oreo lives at Loews Portofino Bay hotel |
[For a chronological listing of all incidents related to Loews Hotel cats, click here]
There's a storm in Orlando that started brewing on Monday and continues pelting more than heavy rain drops. It's literally raining cats and dogs but the outcome is unknown.
Loews Portofino Bay hotel and sister hotel Loews Royal Pacific, both located at Universal Studio in Orlando, Florida, are at the center of this bitter battle.
Known for its slogan "Loews Loves Pets", the once pet-friendly hotel and animal activists are at war. The Portofino and Royal Pacific had also accepted and cared for other pets. In this case feral cats. As is common throughout Florida, feral cats appear at local businesses including hotels, restaurants, any place near a food source and shelter from rain and cold.
For years, employees followed the proven practice of TNR--Trap-Neuter-Return and reduced a large colony of cats down to manageable numbers.
Then suddenly around Christmas, a mandate was gaveled that all cats were to be removed and a pest control company, Steritech was contacted. Little did caretakers know until the traps appeared.
When Riverfront Cats' lead volunteer, Christine, learned about this reversal of a model example of a managed cat colony, she sounded the alarm and reached out to fellow cat bloggers, Dorian Wagner of the Catster, Tamar of I Have Cat and blogger/author Deborah Barnes of The Chronicles of Zee and Zoey. Their readers and followers responded en force and thousands of animal-loving Americans denounced Loews' decision and vowed to boycott the hotel chain.
The pounding of harsh criticism on Loews Facebook page prompted Loews to remove the traps and not take the feral cats to local shelter which means instant death. Feral cats are not adoptable. However, Loews now wants to relocate the cats which is highly risky and could cause more danger, pain, suffering and death. [Update: Loews reversed this decision and continued trapping cats and sending them to local animal shelter where they are euthanized.]
THE HISTORY
Back in 2004, Bellman, George Ricci, noticed some animal traps throughout the property of the Loews Royal Pacific. In one he found bones. The traps had been set to capture feral cats. Shocked that trappers would inhumanely trap an animal to let it starve and suffer a slow, lingering death, George continued searching the grounds and found other traps. Realizing the traps were indeed for cats, George took it upon himself to capture the cats and get them spayed and neutered and returned them to their environment, the only home they knew. This practice is called TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and is encouraged by animal welfare organizations throughout the US including ASPCA, Alley Cat Allies, The Cat Network, animal behaviorists on Animal Planet programs... the list includes hundreds of organizations.
In 2007 David Bartek became the new General Manager. Ostensibly Bartek did not support the program but let employees continue trapping and feeding cats at their expense. And so they did. Wages of a bellman funded the entire effort at the Royal Pacific.
Then in 2008 George Ricci transferred to the Loews Portofino and again came across another colony of cats multiplying at exponential rates. Learning what he was doing to help these homeless, harmless cats, other employees came forward to help. What started out at 40 cats are currently down to 8 cats. The effort was a great success! The engineering department also built custom made Italian-themed cat mansion feeding stations to compliment the Portofino Italian theme. The houses sit far off the brick path for guests that lead to different pools.
In the small world of Universal Studio hotels, other hotel employees reached out to George and his team for help with their colony of feral cats that also was exploding with litters of kittens. George and his team realized it was time to make a formal presentation to formally implement a uniform program for neighboring hotels. They were very excited. And then everything backfired.
David Bartek had been promoted to Director of Operations in 2011 for all three hotels, the Portofino, Royal Pacific and Hard Rock hotel. Upon learning about the managed colonies, he mandated no more cats on the property.
Stunned by this edict, employees wanted to learn why? According to one source, "he never wanted to listen to facts, to proven practice, he didn't want to listen at all. His exact words were 'this issue is not open for discussion'". Later Bartek claimed it was the decision of the landlord, Universal Studio. There is no confirmation of this statement on our part, however a recent Orlando Sentinel article did reference them.
What animal-loving customers and experts wish to share:
1. TNR/managed colonies are the best proven humane practice to reduce the number of strays in a given area. This practice is advocated by hundreds of animal welfare groups across the country.
2. If cats are removed, the vacuum effect takes place. Other stray cats will move in and multiply. What will Loews do with 50 cats next year? An unspayed/neutered cat pair leads to 5,000 cats in 7 years. Another horrifying statistic: half of all stray kittens suffer and die before age 8 weeks. People don't see it, but it happens everyday. By removing the current colony, Loews is inviting more strays and more cats to multiply and suffer.
Removing cats from an area is a futile effort—one that cannot succeed. [Alley Cat Allies]
3. The word "feral" has many misperceptions. Feral cats do not charge after or attack people. Mostly they are afraid of humans. Feral means they are not entirely social with humans. The degree of socialization varies. Some cats can be petted. Some can be petted and picked up in your arms. Some fear the human hand and can not be petted but will allow your hand to feed it, inches away from its face. Some will not adjust to boundaries of four walls and go stir crazy without the freedom to run and climb.
4. The cats receive rabies vaccination when they get spayed/neutered and are ear-tipped. This means the tip of their left ear (our right when facing them) is sliced off during surgery/anasthesia as universal sign a cat is sterilized.
5. Disney has had successful TNR program for 25 years. “We view them as partners. It’s kind of a symbiotic relationship with them". If Loews permits inhouse animals to come into contact with hotel guests, then there is no harm with feral cats on property with acres of land not visible to guests. There has never been a single reported incident with a hotel guest and outdoor cat.
6. The cats all have names and know their names. At the Loews Portofino, there is Bonnie & Clyde, Houdini, Morris, Scruffy, Oreo, Bernie and Billie. Each has their own personality and unique traits and habits. They ARE outdoor Loews pets.
 |
| Gracie at feeding station |
Loews has never answered the following questions to date:
1. What will they do next year when new strays come onto the property and multiply? There is no cat sanctuary that takes in unlimited feral cats each year. There is likely to be approximately 40-50 cats in one year.
2. What is the risk to hotel guests? According to who? What? If Loews allows other animals to come into the hotels with guests, that poses greater risk, why not allow feral cats to stay?
3. It is confirmed that two Siberian Huskey dogs (guests of the Loews Royal Pacific hotel) killed the small dog of another guest on MONDAY, January 16, 2012. Why is Loews more concerned with stray cats that have never posed any harm to employees or guests when this tragedy happens?
4. Does this signal Loews' abandonment of slogan "Loews Loves Pets" and discontinue the ability for guests to bring their pets?
On Saturday, January 14, 2012 the following article appeared in the Orlando Sentinel.
NEXT STEPS:
Loyal customers, animal-lovers, and locals continue to fight for the cats to stay.
To follow this continuing battle, check Riverfront Cats Facebook page.
Animal activitists are encouraged to share their concerns on the Facebook of Universal Studios Florida and continue pressuring Loews on their Facebook page as well.
We hope Loews and Universal Studio will sit down and listen to experts to understand TNR is the best solution for everyone and the cats.
FOR COMPLETE HISTORY & CHRONICLES, CLICK HERE.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Woman Leaves $13 Million to her Black Cat
Our Monday morning just got brighter with this great story.
Little did anyone know that a quiet, humble old woman, Maria Assunta of Italy was worth $13 million and upon her death, she bequeathed her entire worth and estate to her pet cat, Tomasso.
The story gets better. This is no pedigree cat purchased for top dollar. Tommaso is actually a stray, black cat rescued from the streets of Rome. Tomasso's fortune will be managed by Maria's long-time nurse, Stefania.
Now some might say this is a waste of money. But if you think about it for a moment, the nurse and cat were the two constants in her life providing comfort and love. Neither knew Maria was wealthy. They loved her unconditionally, the greatest gift of all.
Tommaso is now ranked number 3 in the list of wealthy pets.
Tell us what you think? Would you leave money to your pet? Or donate to animal welfare organization? Or both?
Click on "Comment" below.
To read the complete story on ABC News, click here!
We love black cats and will be planning our annual Black Cat gala to elevate and spotlight the black cat. Sadly they are the most euthanized pet in the US. But to us, they are special. Black cats are very intelligent and beautiful. Their shiny black coats contrasting their gold or green eyes is mystical, magical and stunning.
We welcome any type of donation to help us overturn misperceptions of black cats and in feeding and caring for these abandoned creatures.
Little did anyone know that a quiet, humble old woman, Maria Assunta of Italy was worth $13 million and upon her death, she bequeathed her entire worth and estate to her pet cat, Tomasso.
 |
| Tomasso |
The story gets better. This is no pedigree cat purchased for top dollar. Tommaso is actually a stray, black cat rescued from the streets of Rome. Tomasso's fortune will be managed by Maria's long-time nurse, Stefania.
Now some might say this is a waste of money. But if you think about it for a moment, the nurse and cat were the two constants in her life providing comfort and love. Neither knew Maria was wealthy. They loved her unconditionally, the greatest gift of all.
Tommaso is now ranked number 3 in the list of wealthy pets.
Tell us what you think? Would you leave money to your pet? Or donate to animal welfare organization? Or both?
Click on "Comment" below.
To read the complete story on ABC News, click here!
We love black cats and will be planning our annual Black Cat gala to elevate and spotlight the black cat. Sadly they are the most euthanized pet in the US. But to us, they are special. Black cats are very intelligent and beautiful. Their shiny black coats contrasting their gold or green eyes is mystical, magical and stunning.
We welcome any type of donation to help us overturn misperceptions of black cats and in feeding and caring for these abandoned creatures.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Art Zoo at Art Basel
 |
| My favorite artwork, of course |
On Saturday I had the opportunity to attend Art Zoo--an Art Basel event that incorporated animal rescue theme, benefitting Paws4You rescue an organization dedicated to saving pets from euthanasia at the overcrowded local shelter.
All pets were invited to the event, I even kissed a pig! Did I like it? Read on!
Below is Katia. Isn't she stunning? She was dumped on the streets, wandering. Thankfully a guardian angel intercepted and saved her.
 |
| Katia is a Borzoi, a Russian wolfhound |
 |
| Katia with owner, Michelle Headley |
 |
| Anastasia the Great paints Katia |
 |
| David Nesslein and Annie Davis with Coco & Chanel |
 |
| Paintings in the Pool |
 |
| Elkie displays body paint artwork |
 |
| Elkie escapes the cage to show off beagle for adoption |
 |
| Love this painting |
A jewelry vendor also displayed unique pieces that a portion of sales went to Paws4You rescue. Naturally I did my Christmas shopping right there and treated myself to a special necklace. What a great idea.
I met many adoptable dogs, adult and puppies, small and large, that were distinctly unique!
Ok I didn't really kiss a pig but we did rub noses! Is that a kiss in animal behavior?
 |
| This is a nano or micro pig. They weigh up to 35 pounds. |
The owner is a married couple with children, and three dogs. It was the father who wanted the pig as a pet for the longest time. The pig is an indoor pet and he uses the dog's wee wee pad. My sister will train her pig to use the litter box. I wonder which is better. One thing I learned, pigs urinate while they drink water. I wonder if sis knows this. Also, those pads don't hide the odor of feces once they go to relieve themselves that roll around like bowling balls run amok outside the bowling lane. She wishes they trained the pig to use litter box.
Art Zoo was a memorable inaugural event to admire animal themed artwork, help promote adoptable dogs, do some Christmas shopping, and mingle with like-minded animal lovers.
Thinking of getting a purebred dog or cat? Don't buy while shelter pets die. 25% of pets at shelters are purebred!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The Gift they Never Forget
We live in downtown Miami, a vibrant city brimming with jobs, culture, restaurants, and activity. Many residents enjoy the convenience to walk to/from work, the grocery store and boutique stores, the myriad restaurants, the buzzing Sunday open market, and to concerts and sports events.
One evening I went for a jog on the path less traveled, the side of town you're told not to go after dark--one street over from our new condo. As I slow to a walk, I take the time to look around. Do I notice the homeless men and women, sitting, laying, sprawled on the sidewalks? Do I look the other way? Do I notice the homeless men feeding the homeless cats? Yes, take a walk around our condo after sundown, and you will see both the homeless men and homeless cats come out of hiding, one feeding the other. The homeless feeding the voiceless, the helpless. I look up and I see our new, shiny, glistening building contrasting the dark streets. Observing this contrast sends waves of emotions coursing through my body. What is wrong with this picture?
It hits me. My work has only begun. Feeding the Riverfront cats is not enough. My calling is to get to the root of the problem and educate the masses to reverse the trend of homeless animals and the suffering and cruelty. Stray cats are often misjudged, misperceived, prejudice surrounds them and those of us who feed them. I am proudly a Cat Lady!
This Christmas as you feast at holiday parties and spend on gifts that will be returned or forgotten next year, will you remember those around you, within feet of your home ? Won't you consider offering a little time or token item (food or cash donation) to a homeless pet that IS eternally grateful and never forgets? Here are EIGHT simple or low cost ways you can help.
Note: (A number of organizations feed the homeless people daily in downtown). There are no organizations feeding homeless pets, only individual volunteers.
1.) Spay or neuter your own pets. Estimates are that 100,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters in the tri-county area annually, at significant cost to taxpayers. You can do your part to end pet overpopulation with a routine surgery for your dog or cat. Non-profit, low cost spay and neuter clinics like the ones run by The Cat Network or Planned Pethood actually make fixing your pet more affordable than caring for a litter of puppies or kittens.
2.) Donate needed pet items. Beds, cages, collars, leashes, cat litter, dog and cat toys, treats, food, blankets, sheets and towels all make life easier and nicer for shelter pets especially at the Miami Dade County Shelter. They are overrun this year with homeless pets and are grateful for your donations. Here at Riverfront cats, we need someone to build small cat houses with ceiling, floor and four columns. No side walls as these will be placed in bushes where cats need visibility and various escape routes from predators.
3.) Donate money or gift certificates. Donations of any amount help greatly. Even giving up those large caramel mocha lattes for a week and donating the cash will help to save lives --not to mention calories!. Here at Riverfront cats we gladly accept financial donations (you can use your credit card or PayPal) or gift cards from Publix and PayPal! (The condo association offers no assistance. All food for cats is provided solely by two volunteers).
4.) Start a "Friends Of" club for downtown Miami homeless pets or any rescue of your choice. There's power in numbers. Your office, church or hobby group can have a yard sale or gather donations of money or needed items to help homeless animals this holiday season.
5.) Don't buy while shelter pets die. Opt to adopt instead of purchasing a pet when you decide to add a four-legged family member to your household. Shelter pets have been pre-checked by a veterinarian, received vaccinations and if they are old enough are spayed/neutered before you bring them home, saving you money and time. Have an affinity for a certain breed? Twenty-five percent of all pets in shelters are purebred dogs or cats!!! Can't or don't want to adopt but still love pets? Sponsor a dog or cat at your local shelter. At Riverfront cats we have 21 cats--choose one you would like to sponsor. We promise to send you monthly updates. Romeo actually sits and walks on command. Is Gabriel angelic like his name or mischevious? The vivacious, flirtatious Tabitha is too much woman for the male cats...
6.) Use your online presence to help animals in need. All that time spent on social media can do more than keep you in touch with old and new pals, it can make you a better friend to animals in need. Re-post notices about sweet, friendly indoor cats tragically dumped in the streets awaiting adoption. Or news about cat that was injured from hit and run speed demon driver and needs medical care. It happens in our backyard. Add a banner to your webpage to help publicize your neighborhood cause. Use Twitter to tweet about adoptable the adoptable cats.
7.) Take a walk and be a hero. Volunteer cat feeders help to keep our cats from roaming and searching for food while minimizing their chances of being hit by cars. It also helps to socialize the cats, even the feral ones. Some are converts. Where they once stayed a distance and hissed, now they do a happy dance and rub against you wanting affection.
8.) Volunteer your talent. Everyone, from graphic artists to journalists to stay-at-home moms to carpenters or college students has a talent that can be utilized by Riverfront Cats to help these outdoor animals. If you don't know what you can do, contact us and we let you know! For example, we could certainly use a very simple open-air cat house with roof and floor to hide in the bushes where the cats reside and to protect them from heavy rains. They have to remain hidden from predators (have you seen those giant rats across the street? They're larger than some cats!) and new stray cats that come along. Nothing fancy but if you're good with hammer and nails and some wood--you're a hero!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)