as written by Jim Keller, Operations Director

Monkey arrived at Homeward Pet with 5 other kittens in early October of last year. A sweet, little 3-month-old tuxedo, Monkey had the most perfect markings you’ve ever seen. And the sweetest temperament to match.

Monkey received his complete health exam on the day he we took him in, and everything looked great. He was cleared for adoption and made available the same day. And, no surprise, he was adopted just a few days later.

An unfortunate surprise came after just 2 months in his new home.

Monkey suffered a seizure that landed him at the emergency vet. Then, other symptoms appeared. He became a little wobbly on his feet, he was low-energy, he appeared sickly. He was not the bold, athletic, happy kitten they’d adopted. A follow-up visit to his regular vet brought the bad news: Monkey had contracted Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FiP).

A few years ago, this diagnosis would have been a death sentence. There was no treatment for FiP. However, in the last few years, a treatment has been developed. Last year, a pharmacy in New Jersey began compounding the medication. The problem: the treatment is very expensive, and Monkey’s family was not able to afford it. They’d already fallen in love with little Monkey and could commit to palliative care, but not to the treatment.

Wanting to leave no stone unturned, they contacted Homeward Pet. With our Adopter Support and Pet Retention programs working together, a life-saving plan was put into place. Monkey would be surrendered to Homeward Pet for the initial treatment. He’d be placed in the home of an experienced foster family (who’d already had success treating a cat for FiP), and Homeward Pet would take full responsibility for the cost of care, including medication and retesting.

And, once Monkey was on the road to recovery, he’d be returned to the adopting family that loved him so dearly.

Treating FiP requires twice-daily medication for 12 weeks! By the end of week 1, Monkey was already showing signs of improvement. Less wobbly. More active. By week 3, he was running the hallway with the resident cats (FiP is not contagious). By week 5, he owned the place – spending his days playing and sleeping in the company of 4 young cats and a Pug.

At week 6, a recheck of his blood work showed that his health had improved immensely. We were able to gift his adopter with the call they’d been waiting for – Monkey could return home to finish his treatment. Our staff was there to witness the happy reunion between an adopter and the kitten he considered his soul mate.

Homeward Pet is proud to be more than just a shelter. Every pet that comes through our doors receives compassionate care and a second chance at a happy, healthy life. But we don’t stop there. We stand by our adopters, providing resources and support after adoption to help keep pets and families together. From life-saving medical treatments to foster care and pet retention programs, we go the extra mile to ensure no pet is left behind.

These sorts of interventions are not free. They cost. And sometimes they cost a lot! We cannot help these animals without you.

Please make a donation today to help us say yes to the requests for help that come in every single day.

A Note from Susan Trabucchi, Interim Executive Director

Since I arrived in late January, I have received a warm welcome from members of the board, staff, volunteers, donors, community leaders, and countless others who care deeply about Homeward Pet. As a long-time lover of animals, whose household has been dominated by several remarkable dogs, I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me to help guide the organization through a critical moment of leadership transition.

This kind of transition can feel a bit disorienting, so let me assure you that first and foremost, I am here to ensure that our core programs and operations continue to run smoothly. I am also here to help us take a collective step back – a metaphorical deep breath – to consider our strengths, identify opportunities for improvement and growth, and prepare the organization to recruit its next leader and launch an exciting new chapter.

Now in our 35th year, we have made a remarkable difference in the lives of so many animals – and the humans who get to care for them. Every day that I am here, I learn more and more about the distinct and critical services Homeward Pet provides, not just to our local community but also to the larger region.

As I dive deeper into our organization and work, it’s also clear that we have struggled for several years now to meet our annual budget – despite a lean operation. Where we can continue to find efficiencies and savings, we will do so. What we really need, however, is to increase revenue from individual donors, foundations, corporations, collaborations and partnerships. If you have supported us in the past, thank you. If you can continue to support us, thank you in advance. And if you have friends, family, colleagues, and others who might be interested in our work, please let us know how we can help make an introduction!

I look forward to meeting you in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, if you have thoughts, suggestions, or ideas as we chart a path forward, please do not hesitate to reach out to me by email or call the shelter and ask for me.

Thank you again for all that you do for Homeward Pet.

With gratitude,

Susan Trabucchi
Interim Executive Director
Homeward Pet Adoption Center

P.S. For a glimpse of some of the fantastic work that our staff and volunteers continue to do, please take a look at our most recent Cuddle Chronicle, quarterly newsletter.

As 2024 draws to a close, we at Homeward Pet are reflecting on the transformative journeys of over 1,500 animals who have found hope and healing here this year. Every story is a testament to the unwavering support from our generous community, ensuring that all animals entrusted to us are given the specialized care and attention they need to thrive. These remarkable stories are made possible by the unwavering support from you—our compassionate community.

Currently, our shelter is overcrowded and nearly at capacity – putting a significant strain on our resources and impacting our ability to welcome more animals into our care.

We need your support to ensure that more animals, like Roxy, are given a second chance.

Roxy’s story is one of incredible resilience. Now 14 years old, Roxy has been in and out of Homeward Pet’s care since 2015, having been adopted four times and returned to us five times.

Her health challenges are complex, suffering from serious GI, dental, and breathing issues that have required continual surgical intervention, prescription food and daily medications to alleviate her discomfort.

Roxy is sweet, affectionate, gives lots of kisses and loves attention, but she prefers it to be on her terms. She is easily overstimulated during play time, often leading to “love bites”. She doesn’t enjoy being picked up. These behavioral quirks, coupled with her medical needs, have made it difficult for Roxy to find a permanent home.

Despite the setbacks, we have remained committed to providing her with the care and attention she needs. When Roxy was last adopted, and we were thrilled to see her finally find a home that was prepared to navigate her health and behavioral challenges.

Unfortunately, after five years, her beloved owner passed away. And not long after, the owner’s spouse faced a significant health decline, and moved into an assisted living facility. With no one able to care for Roxy, her owner’s remaining family considered euthanizing her, uncertain of what else could be done.

Thankfully, Roxy was returned to Homeward Pet, and we greeted her with open arms.

Although Roxy is not currently available for adoption, she is benefiting greatly from our foster program, where she is able to thrive in a safe, supportive, and loving environment, receiving the specialized care that she deserves. Roxy’s journey is a true testament to the power of second chances and we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure she enjoys her senior years.

Your contributions haven’t just changed Roxy’s life; you’ve been instrumental in rewriting her story. We need your help to continue to provide critical care, hope, and a chance at a brighter future for Roxy, and numerous other deserving animals that will come through our doors in the new year. 

This holiday season, our shelter is overcrowded with animals of all backgrounds and needs. We need your help to ensure that we can continue to provide the specialized care these animals need to find their forever homes. With your support, we can continue to be a lifeline for animals who need us, offering them another chance at a brighter future.

Give the gift of hope this holiday season.

Donate today and you will be a part of some incredible transformations and have a lasting impact in the lives of animals in need.

All donations made before Dec. 31st will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000 thanks to an anonymous donor. Make your gift today for twice the impact!

Thank you for being a part of our mission, and for giving animals like Roxy the second (and sometimes third and fourth) chances they deserve.

a Guest Post by Cat Topia

For cats, the right environment and mental engagement are crucial to staying healthy and happy. Just like humans, cats need more than food, water, and shelter—they need mental and physical enrichment to truly thrive. Without proper enrichment, cats can experience boredom, which may lead to serious health issues. Let’s explore ways owners can add extra enrichment into their lives, such as through a catio.

Why Enrichment Matters for Cats

Enrichment for cats is more than entertainment; it’s essential to their well-being. In the wild, cats are natural hunters, driven to explore, hunt, and interact with their environment. Indoor cats, however, don’t have the same outlets to exercise these instincts, leading to potential boredom, stress, and even health issues.

Think of it like this: if you could never access the outdoors—no sun on your face, no sounds of nature, and no fresh scents of changing seasons—you’d likely feel restless, even anxious. Similarly, without engagement, your cat can become mentally and physically stifled. Providing enrichment, then, allows them the chance to engage in natural behaviors, reducing the negative effects of a restricted lifestyle and promoting both mental and physical health.

Behavioral Issues from Lack of Enrichment

Without sufficient enrichment, cats can develop a range of behavioral issues, including:

• Destructive Behavior: Cats may scratch furniture, knock objects over, or chew on things they shouldn’t. Often, these behaviors result from a need to release pent-up energy or relieve stress.
• Aggression: Frustrated or anxious cats may become more aggressive toward other pets or people, sometimes reacting unpredictably to what they perceive as threats.
• Excessive Vocalization: Bored cats may meow excessively to get attention, often as a way to express their dissatisfaction.
• Lethargy or Obesity: Without enough stimulation, cats may become lazy and inactive, which can lead to weight gain and related health issues like diabetes and arthritis.
• Depression and Anxiety: Like people, cats can experience depression or anxiety if they’re not given enough mental stimulation. They may withdraw, avoid interaction, or develop behaviors like over-grooming.

Providing regular, engaging activities helps prevent these issues, making for a happier and healthier pet.

Types of Enrichment for Cats

1. Physical Enrichment: Encourage exercise through toys that mimic hunting (like feather wands) and create spaces for climbing and exploration with cat trees or shelves. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and relieves stress.
2. Mental Stimulation: Toys that challenge a cat’s mind, such as puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys, can be fantastic tools. Rotating toys and introducing new ones also help maintain interest.
3. Sensory Enrichment: Cats benefit from diverse sensory experiences. Interactive toys that make noise or have different textures can add variety. A simple window perch or bird feeder outside a window can provide hours of entertainment, as cats love watching wildlife.
4. Social Interaction: While cats are often thought of as solitary, many enjoy interaction with humans or other pets. Setting aside time to play, groom, and cuddle with your cat can satisfy their need for companionship.
5. Environmental Enrichment: Adding scratching posts, cardboard boxes, and hiding spots around the home can create an environment that caters to a cat’s natural instincts. Rearranging these occasionally can give your cat a sense of novelty in their surroundings.

The Catio: A Perfect Solution for Enrichment

A catio (an enclosed, outdoor cat patio) is one of the most effective ways to provide both physical and sensory enrichment. For indoor cats, a catio offers a safe way to experience the outdoors, complete with fresh air, sunlight, and a variety of sights and smells. Here’s how a catio contributes to enrichment:

• Exercise and Exploration: With safe outdoor access, cats can move more freely and get additional exercise by jumping up ramps, running through enclosed tunnels, chasing fallen leaves blowing in the wind, and exploring their environment—all within the safety of their space.
• Natural Stimuli: A catio provides sights like birds and squirrels, scents from plants and soil, and sounds of the outdoors—all of which engage a cat’s senses and keep their minds active.
• Reduced Anxiety: Access to a catio can alleviate stress by giving cats a safe space to retreat to when they feel the need to recharge.

Ways Owners Can Add Enrichment at Home

If a catio isn’t feasible, there are still plenty of ways to enrich your cat’s life:

• Create a “window world”: Set up a bird feeder outside a window and create a comfy perch inside so your cat can watch.
• Rotate Toys: Switch out toys regularly to keep things fresh and engaging for your cat.
• Engage in Interactive Play Daily: Spend a few minutes each day playing with your cat to mimic hunting behaviors.
• Use Puzzle Feeders: Make mealtime more engaging by using puzzle feeders to give them a satisfying challenge during meals.
• Consider a Companion: If your cat is social, introducing another cat (with proper introductions) can provide both physical and social enrichment.

Why Enrichment is Crucial For a Happier Healthier Life

By providing adequate enrichment, cat owners can help prevent a range of behavioral and health issues, giving their cats a happier and more balanced life. From a simple scratching post to a full catio, there are enrichment solutions for every space and budget. Remember, a well-enriched cat is a happy cat, and with some creativity, you can create a stimulating environment that keeps your feline friend active, engaged, and content.