Big Fun in Small Packages - July Sanctuary Update

Hi Everyone!

It’s the big news all over the sanctuary! The little critters are here! It’s been something that we’ve been planning for so long, it’s hard to believe it’s finally happening. So, let’s talk a bit about the why and how of our newest endeavor in the ever growing world of Our Companions.

The Sanctuary’s first small guest – a guinea pig named Luna!

So you may rightly ask, “is there really a big need to rescue rabbits, ferrets, and guinea pigs?” or “do people really rescue rats?” The answer to these, and many more questions, is YES! The stories for many of these little critters can be very similar to the stories we know well for dogs and cats that find themselves in need of a safe harbor in tough times. Maybe it’s a pet parent who finds that the demands of caring for a rat or guinea pig were more than they were prepared for when they acquired their little friend. Or maybe it’s someone who has been a dedicated caretaker for years, but finds themselves encountering life challenges that prevent them from providing a good home for their rabbit or ferret. It is becoming increasingly common knowledge that these critters can make great house pets, with some of them, like guinea pigs, being great pets for younger caretakers. But with that increased popularity inevitably comes increased need when the trials of the world descend. And just as with any dog or cat, these little love muffins deserve a chance to live and thrive in a caring environment until another home can be found for them. And we are happy to begin providing that chance.

Luna coming out of hiding for an offering

As you might imagine, the care of these unique friends means having a unique setup. Suzanne’s Place has been designed for flexibility. Many of the rooms are capable of housing a variety of little ones, depending on what needs arrive to us at any given time. It could be a room full of individual hamster and mouse habitats, or it could be a big guinea pig wonderland. We’re ready for all of it. There are a couple of rooms that are species specific as well. Our rabbit room has low windows for the rabbits to look out of and outside space for supervised outdoor time. And the ferrets have their own isolated wing, since they are predators toward many of the other residents of the cottage. Also, with this new endeavor comes a steep learning curve. We’ll be starting off slow with populating the building as we refine our care procedures and routines. Likewise, we’ll be starting off with a small group of volunteers at the beginning, mostly recruited from our existing dog and cat volunteers, who will help define what a Small Animal Volunteer does. It’s an exciting time of discovery as we make some Our Companions magic happen for these little friends.

The guinea pig habitats before anyone moved in

Thanks to those who purchased items from our Amazon wish list, the closets in Suzanne’s Place are bursting with plenty of supplies for our newest guests

So who is being tasked with this new adventure? Let me introduce our Small Animal Team. Managing the new department is Seth Martin. Seth has been a cat volunteer for years and comes with extensive experience in small animal care, including many years in management at PetSmart, as well as experience in a variety of non profit work. Seth is very excited to be a part of the Our Companions mission and to build up this new program. Working as our full time Small Animal Caregiver is Sara Geriak. Most of you have likely met Sara at one time or another, since she’s been a caregiver with the sanctuary cats for about ten years. Sara looks forward to bringing her years of experience with the sanctuary to the process of caring for these little ones in need.

Rosie’s Roundup

Hi Everyone!

Something is confusing my kitty mind about you humans. I often hear people talk about where they “work” and where they “volunteer” as two different things. Well, from where I’m sitting, in my favorite window seat watching the comings and goings at the sanctuary, what you all do here is definitely work! You may not clean up as much vomit as the paid staff here does (or maybe you do!), but I see the effort you all put in every day working with the sensitive dogs and medically compromised cats, and now the delicate small animals. It’s impressive! And it is oh so necessary! The Our Companions sanctuary could not accomplish anywhere near what it does without all of your hard work. “But I don’t get paid for this” you may say. Au contraire! My snuggles are worth their weight in gold, and I hear much the same about kisses from Missy and purrs from Jaxon. And I think you all deserve raises! Thank you so for all you do and all the ways you care for us!

See you soon!

Rosie

And of Course…Adoptions!!

Adoptions have slowed a little in July, but that a normal yearly trend. We did get to send off tiny dog resident Frankie to join a pack include other chihuahuas. And handsome Ozzie went home as well after being abandoned here just a short couple of months ago. Our cat intake has been a bit “unplanned” to say the least, with the return of Penny and Fleetwood, and yet another case of abandoned kitties with Dunkin, Chai, and Latte being found here on the side of the road last week. Nonetheless, we are super happy to have them all here!