Better late than never! ARF August report

Salvadores de Animales · October 6, 2017

Hello everyone.

Well August was a bit better than the past several months when it came to donations vs expenses. Donations totaled $4118.00 and expenses were $2527.00……thank you everyone, we really needed this little boost to replenish our account a bit!

Adoptions were good this month again. 5 dogs and 2 cats found their forever home.

We are hoping to gain more awareness – and thus, more adoptions thru our monthly adoption event that is held at the Boquete library on the first Saturday of each month from 10am-12N. We are just getting started (the first event was held in July) but hopefully it will gain momentum and those looking for a companion animal will know to come see us at this monthly event.

Don’t forget, we also incorporate a bake sale at this event. We have many talented ARF volunteers who bake the most scrumptious cookies, brownies, cinnamon buns, lemon bars, etc., so come on by and grab a treat.

ARF T-Shirts are now available for sale. We have V-neck and crew cut shirts in a variety of colors. They are good quality shirts and wash well. The ARF logo is embroidered so it is very durable. Cost is $15.00. Contact us at arf.boquete@gmail.com for details.

Emergency preparedness for your pets: With all of the crazy weather incidents that have been going on, please remember to have a plan for your furry family members as well. Panama does not experience hurricanes, but we do endure earthquakes as well as mudslides in the rainy season. Here’s a link that might give you some ideas on how to prepare: http://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/disaster-preparedness-tips-to-keep-pets-safe

The thunderstorms here can also be quite distressing for animals. Try to provide a secure and insulated/quite place for them to retreat to. One of my dogs runs for her life to her hiding place at the first “scent” of rain. Thunder is a traumatizing experience for her. I bought her a thunder shirt, which helps but she always needs that “safe” place to go which happens to be in the second bathroom in the shower where I have set up with a comfortable bed for her. The thunder shirts are also available for cats.

Lately we have had a couple of adoptions fall thru. It is always important to remember that animals have very distinct personalities just as we do. We realize some adoptions may not always be the right fit, but we try in earnest to ensure that the animals will easily adjust to their new environment and it is a good match. Admittedly, we can sometimes be too critical and quick to scrutinize a potential adoptee but please realize that we spend a lot of time, love and money in getting our rescues to the point where there can be considered adoptable. We want the very best situation possible for both the animal and new owner.

Here is a link on our website to help guide you when you are considering opening your home to a new pet: http://www.arf-boquete.com/choosing-your-pet.html

Reminder-The Focus of ARF:

ARF does not rehome animals. Again this week we have had many requests for help from people moving that have chosen not to take their animals with them.

We offer suggestions on where to post the animal on social media but we cannot take on this responsibility. We understand that there may be circumstances beyond the owners control where it is not possible to take their animals, but please make every effort to take them with you. They consider you their family.

Our resources are very limited, and although we have an incredible group of volunteers including some great fosters, our primary focus is on those animals that are homeless, neglected and need medical attention – we are not in the position to help those looking to find homes for animals they chose to leave behind when moving away. We reserve our very limited foster space for our rescues.

This also brings up another point for pet owners to consider - what would happen to your animals if you should unexpectedly pass away? Do you have friends or family that you have spoken to about arrangements for your animal(s).

Another installment in the Cat Lady of Jaramillo story.

The shelter that was built doesn't look like much but it was constructed of donated recycled materials and it serves its purpose.

Here is the update from Gabriela, the Cat Lady’s niece:

"Since the last update we have achieved great things. 12 more cats were spayed between July and August giving a total of 28 cats spayed to date. Eight (8) cats were adopted, four of them at ARF events.

In August Ray built a cozy cat shelter outside my aunt`s house, giving them a place to live other than my aunt’s small kitchen. This makes my aunt very pleased. Dario was the first to inspect and approve of the new shelter. Then the other cats followed and are comfortably sleeping in their new space. During the day they rest on top of the shelter.

Carlos and I are currently fostering the last 2 kittens. ARF continues donating cat food for my aunt’s cats and helping us with vet visits, medicine, kitten food and litter.

We are getting close to the finish line. We would like to say a special thanks to ARF for all the help we have received from them. Honorable mention is given to Dra. Chely who has been very supportive to our cause and of course a huge thanks to Kirsten and Ray for their commitment to our cats and good vibes."

Featured dog:

Say hello to Mani. She looks and behaves like, at least part, Weimaraner. Though still a pup, she will grow into an aristocratic young lady with the right owner.

Mani needs an active owner who will exercise with her regularly. Couch potatoes will likely drive her to be bored and destructive. Like most high strung Weimaraners, she likes to go for runs and most any athletic activity to burn off her energy. Long hikes and agility training are probably right up her alley! She is a mischievous girl who likes to steal things like shoes. Mani has a loud bark, but will stop when you tell her to. She does not like being alone or being bored. She is afraid of strange noises like the microwave, but doesn’t seem bothered by thunder. Mani enjoys chewing on plastic bottles and cardboard. She is learning how to behave around other dogs and enjoys playing gently. Mani is smart and will respond well to further training.

If you have plenty of time and energy to spare for this beautiful girl, she will be a loyal partner who will reward you with her companionship.

Featured cat:

XieXie (pronounced ShayShay and means "thank you" in Chinese) - If you are looking for a true companion kitty, XieXie is your guy. He is very interactive. Loves to hang out with you. Follows you like a puppy. And, he is gorgeous! His coat is a silky gray and white. And, his eyes are green rimmed with black.

XieXie gets along well with other cats, and dogs. He is confident and curious. He is a great escape artist so he needs to go to a home with secure windows and doors. XieXie is about 1 1/2 years old. He has tested negative for feline leukemia and FIV. He is vaccinated and neutered.

ARF is a small non-profit animal organization dedicated to the rescue, care, foster and adoption of the unwanted and neglected animals in Boquete and the surrounding areas. Please visit our website at http://www.arf-boquete.com/ if you are interested in adopting an animal. You can also help with the financial support of these animals by clicking here http://www.arf-boquete.com/donate.html 100% of our donations go to the animals.

Our email address is arf.boquete@gmail.com

Please visit and “like” our Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/ARF-Adopt-Rescue-Foster-Boquete-Panama-260616740779036/

YouTube: Adopt Rescue Foster ARF Boquete Panama

Also, please visit our sister site Pets Want Homes if you are interested in adopting an animal on http://www.petswanthomes.com/