Beth’s Blog

If you follow my social media, you know that I hate declawing. (Ouch!) Can you imagine taking a trusting kitten like Sam and chopping off his little toes at the first joint? Just thinking about it gives me the shivers. But basically, that is what declawing is. The medical term is onychectomy, but no matter what you call it, it’s inhumane, unnecessary, and just plain cruel.

It’s finally summer, with a capital S! We’ve already had a severe heatwave, the roses are in full bloom, the beaches are crowded, and I agree with my resident kitties, Helen Rose and Miss Petunia: there’s nothing sweeter than a relaxing “airing-out” on a summer afternoon! My cats are among the lucky ones, and so am I. We live in comfort with air conditioning and clean, fresh water. But of course, I’m always thinking about those less fortunate. Homeless animals struggle terribly in the sweltering heat, but there are ways we can make a lifesaving difference for the stray cats in our community.

Because June is National Adopt a Cat Month, I’m devoting this entire blog to cats — not kittens, but adult cats — and why they make the best, most appreciative, charming, funny, and loving pets in the world. So, get ready to meet some fantastic felines who are waiting for homes, now and forever!

Kitten season seems to arrive earlier and earlier every year…or maybe it never ends. Right now, I am swamped. I have mamas and kittens in Manhattan, Palm Beach, and on Long Island. And most of these mamas are kittens themselves! My kitten rooms are full, my spare baths are full, and I even have one feral mama, Missy, and her four little calicos living in a cozy shed for the next 7 to 8 weeks.

And too many dogs, too. But for now, I’m thinking about cats, mainly because of a tragedy that occurred in Medford, Long Island, on March 31. That morning, around 7:00, a fire broke out at Happy Cat Sanctuary, where as many as 300 cats lived with owner and founder Chris Arsenault. About 150 cats perished, along with Chris, who died trying to save as many as he could.

For most of us, our pets never live long enough. We treasure our time with them and are grateful beyond words when they live long healthy lives. Then there are cruel people like those who dumped Gabby and Romeo at a Florida shelter, not to have them rehomed but to be euthanized! After 10 years. Why? Because “they got too old.” Just thinking about this makes my blood boil.

February is “Responsible Pet Owners Month,” but I’m not having it! The word “owners” is wrong. Ownership involves property, and we don’t own pets any more than we own people! We care for them, love them, and respect them, but we do not own them. So, I hereby declare February as “Responsible Pet Parents Month” because, as adoptive parents, pet parents are responsible for the well-being and happiness of the beings they love — no matter what!

You ask the right questions, review the application over and over, check all the references — you do everything you can think of. Yet, even after years of experience and countless success stories, it still happens. When an adoption goes wrong, you feel angry and heartsick, but you must try again — and hope again — because their lives depend on it. Thus, the story of Apollo and Hercules.

Whatever you celebrate this month — Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, or Winter Solstice — December is pure magic. The lights on the trees, the light from the stars, and the candlelight — it all feels precious during the darkest month of the year. Memories feel precious, too, especially the memories of all my sweet 2024 fosters. I wish I could list each one, but believe me, they’re all in my heart. Here are just a few of the bright little lights from 2024.

When I saw this picture of Mango, I imagined him patiently waiting for that phone to ring with the best news possible: a new family to love him, a new lap to snuggle on, and a fresh start for his golden years. Mango’s story and his tender amber eyes spoke to me. A senior kitty whose life has seen too many dramatic twists and turns, Mango could be the poster boy for senior pet adoption. And since November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, here is his saga.