OC Spirit -October Sanctuary Update

Hi Everyone!

For this Halloween time update, I’d like to talk about spirit. But not the spooky kind. I’d like to talk about the spirit of generosity, gentleness, compassion, and joy that is all around at the sanctuary. I’ve been doing lots of hiring here recently, and in one of my recent interviews, the candidate mentioned how happy everyone looked as we walked around and the excitement with which I spoke of our work. It was a great reminder for me to appreciate all the smiles and laughs that fill our days here, even the days filled with lots of hard work and worry. I wanted to pass that appreciation on to you all.

A yearly tradition – pumpkins decorated by staff member Deb Fox and volunteer Jane Hewitt

Just a few weeks ago was our annual Sanctuary Birthday Party for volunteers and staff to gather and celebrate this place we all love so much. We’ve been holding this event for many years now. I can remember planning meetings years ago, discussing activities and decorations, and worrying about how we would keep everyone entertained and engaged. I no longer have that worry. Get everyone together with some good food, and you’ve got a party! It’s the highlight of my year both to get to hang out with all of the wonderful people who make the sanctuary such a special place, but also to just hang back and watch everyone have a great time building friendships and sharing the joy of being involved with Our Companions. As I said at the party, the work we do here is hard. Not just now and then, but day in and day out. The physical, mental, and emotional challenges are real, whether it’s holding on to Champ when he’s seen a chipmunk, remembering all of the tips and tricks for being safe with Captain Crunch, or saying goodbye to a beloved resident. And yet, anytime you look around here, it’s all about the smiles and laughs. There is definitely a spirit here that weaves through everything we do. I want to thank you all for being a part of it!

Canine medical manager Krystal and her family chat behind the Feed the Beasts reveal table
Cupcakes featuring our furry guests are a favorite each year thanks to feline staff member Shainna’s vegan baking expertise
Arya insisted on stopping by the party. We aren’t sure if she was more excited to see her friends or the tables full of snacks!
Champion also wanted to stop by for his favorite party trick – shrinking down to the size of a lapdog!
Drumroll please… the cats win again for our annual Feed the Beasts food drive for our guests! Many purrs and licks of gratitude to all who donated!

Rosie’s Roundup

Hi Everyone!

They go together like peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, copy and paste! Of course, I’m speaking of cats and books! The quiet serenity, the air of magic, the slow paced wonder. There’s nothing like spending time with a cat and a book. It’s been a winning combination for witches for centuries! I wanted to highlight a little bit of spirit and magic that has been happening on the cat side of the sanctuary, our own cat volunteer book club, the Kit Wits. As soon as our Cat Team Manager, Heidi, came on board a year ago, it was one of her first objectives. The book club has been up and running for several months now and has read and discussed books such as Sy Montgomery’s The Soul of the Octopus, Farley Mowat’s The Dog Who Wouldn’t Be and Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures They even arranged a personal conference call with Marie J.S. Phillips the author of Khan: A Maine Coon during one of their meetings. They’ve been having a great time, and it just goes to show the kind of human joy to be found at the sanctuary.

See you soon!

Rosie

The OC book club gathers to discuss and socialize

And of Course…Adoptions!!

Minnie’s Mews is almost full! Is great to have so many new feline faces to see each day…as long as I can start to remember all of the names. This month, Dewey, Rudy, Hannah, and Peaches joined the club! We also had the arrival of a special pup named Bella, who we expect to work into the routine quickly.

Welcome, Dewey!
Welcome, Rudy!

Welcome Hannah and Peaches!

Welcome, Bella!

Thank you all so much for whatever way you support us and our mission. We couldn’t do it without you.