Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue
Mewsletter
Summer 2016
TIME TO PAWS AND REFLECT
Our volunteers at Forgotten
Ones Cat Rescue derive a
great deal of gratification from
knowing that their animal advocacy fulfills an important
role in our community. In return, the community itself
plays an important role in the
work we do, and it is this symbiotic relationship that enables FOCR to continue to
grow and be ever more effective.
to home. We are delighted when the local community
supports that function. We recently received a donation from the fundraising efforts of students at Henderson Avenue Public School in Thornhill. As valuable and appreciated as the funds is the knowledge
that the students recognized the importance of our
efforts and wanted to assist us in helping abandoned
animals in their neighbourhood.
In this newsletter we are featuring a few individuals
from our community who contribute to our cause.
Whether it is teaching a yoga class, sewing colourful
catnip toys, selling our holiday cards, or promoting
our organization at a youth theatre, every involvement with us is a way of supporting us and the cats
we help.
International animal rights organizations focus on
global issues, such as wildlife conservation or saving
and protecting animals throughout the world. We admire their efforts, but we believe that our function is
to serve our local district and help the animals closer
~ Laura Wyatt, Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue Director
PET TAILS: Sophia
adopted together. Sadly, Sophie had tested positive
for the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, so most people wanted to adopt Turner but not Sophie.
Finding out that Sophie was FIV+ was not a deterrent for us. We educated ourselves and discovered
FIV+ cats can live long, healthy lives, but they are
often overlooked for adoptions because their condition sounds scary, which is heartbreaking. Sophie
has been very healthy since she joined our family
and requires no more care than Turner. Cats who
are FIV+ can live with non-infected cats provided
they do not seriously fight with each other.
Sophie is truly the light of our lives and brings so
much joy to our family. She has a sweet temperament, and loves sleeping on my lap and getting belly rubs from her “daddy.” Sophie also has a crazy
side and loves to run and play with her toys. We
couldn’t imagine our lives without Sophie and are so
thankful that we did not let her FIV+ status prevent
us from adopting her. ~ Denise & Family
The first day I met Sophie at Pet Valu, she climbed
into my lap to cuddle. The volunteers were amazed,
as she had never snuggled with anyone before. That
was when I knew I was destined to be her “mommy.”
The next day I brought my husband to meet Sophie
and he fell in love with her, too. Sophie was bonded
to a handsome cat, Turner, and the two needed to be
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Edwin (above) enjoyed a rich,
happy life in his florist-shop
home. He was constantly
showered with love, attention,
and treats from staff and suppliers. It simply doesn’t get
any better than that!
Creating a Paws-itive Workplace
A Florist Shop and Office Prove the
Adage Home Is Where the Heart Is
FLOWER-SHOP QUARTET
SUPPORTER
Sandra adopted two cats from
Forgotten Ones and wanted to
help the organization by utilizing her work connections in the
floral industry. Her shop provided gorgeous roses that raised
funds at a Valentine’s Day
event.
In addition to housing beautiful flowers, Toronto Florist Shop has also
been a loving home for several feline staff members. Over the years,
anyone entering the premises has been greeted by Edwin, Dexter,
Jasper, and Brava, the inhabitants of this floral haven. The store’s
owner Sandra describes how the presence of these treasured cats has
enriched the lives of many:
“In April 1999, I had just taken over this florist shop, where I had been
working. After a few months I knew I needed a non-poisonous solution
to a mouse problem. I mentioned to one of my suppliers (who had a
few cats living in his barn) that I was thinking of getting a cat, and by
that weekend he showed up with two adorable and mischievous kittens, Edwin and Dexter. The brothers were quite a handful, but they fit
right in! Unfortunately after 9 short months, Dexter had to be put down
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Summer 2016 Mewsletter
due to health issues. Edwin and I were so lonely that I went back to my
supplier and acquired another cat from him, Edwin’s half-brother Jasper.
“Some people came into
“Most customers enjoyed seeing the cats every time they came in, and
Jasper and Edwin loved being in the spotlight. As very sociable cats,
they lounged on our counters on full display, waiting for belly rubs and
never hiding or shying away.
the store specifically to
“On a particularly cold day in November 2010, I heard crying at the
back door of the shop. When I looked outside I saw a tortie kitten hiding under my vehicle. I put out some food and water for the frozen little
thing, and she immediately started eating. I kept the back door open so
I could keep an eye on her, and of course she drew the attention of the
boys. They were not amused by this new presence, and kept guard at
the door. Well, the little thing just ran past them into my shop and hid
under a table. The three of us were stunned. I decided to stay at the
shop overnight to make sure everyone behaved. I knew this munchkin
had basically moved right in, and I welcomed her instantly, naming her
Brava. She was so nervous I couldn’t even touch her. It was a few
weeks before I could get her to the vet to be spayed and get all her
shots. To this day, I’m the only person she will let pick her up. She is
good with some of my staff and customers, but she likes to sleep all
day in the loft, rarely making public appearances.
Edwin and Jasper even
visit the cats and to
bring treats for them.
recognized the sound of
one particular supplier’s truck in anticipation of treats! ”
~ Sandra
“So the three lived here together for a few years. Brava loved to play
with Jasper, but Edwin wanted nothing to do with her. In June 2013,
Jasper had to be put down due to failing kidneys and liver. My staff and
I all went to the vet to say goodbye and cry our eyes out, and then
went for a drink in Jasper’s honour. When I returned to the shop to finish working, I sat down and cried. Both Edwin and Brava came and sat
with me. It’s amazing how they knew something was wrong.
“For a few years Edwin was king of the castle. He didn’t have to share
the spotlight anymore, but as he got older he mainly slept all day—of
course the locations he chose were on our work tables and countertops! Brava would come out at night and try to play with him, but he
was not interested at all.
“In April this year, I finally had to say goodbye to Edwin, a month shy of
his seventeenth birthday. He had used up all his nine lives in his time
here. We are all convinced that Jasper has been waiting for him, and
we swear we can hear them both some days. I keep looking for Edwin
sleeping in boxes or on the back table.
“So now, it’s just Brava here. She seems to be content with that, but I
think one day, when I’m ready, I would like to rescue another cat. I
miss my three boys every day. All the cats have added so much joy
and companionship to my life at work. They are wonderful little stress
relievers…even if sometimes they are also stress-causers!”
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Brava is the fourth cat that has
enjoyed a workplace paradise as
her home. She is fortunate to
have lots of a comfy spots where
she can curl up in a furry ball of
contentment.
Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue
STRESS BUSTERS
Employees who take their
pets to work have lower
stress levels than those who
don’t have their pets with
them. Pets create a healthier
environment. For example, if
you have had a bad meeting,
petting your cat or taking
your dog for a short walk will
automatically help you refresh yourself and provide a
break to clear your mind.
JOB SHARING
Many of us have been called upon to use creative thinking to resolve
workplace problems. In Kim’s case, she used her creative thinking and
her workplace to resolve a problem—a critter crisis!
Kim learned about three newborn feral kittens when a property owner
contacted her because of her connection with Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue. He was looking for a rescue group that would take them in and,
hopefully, find homes for them. Unfortunately, there were no foster
homes immediately available so, in a stroke of creativity, Kim came up
with an alternative option—a foster office. With the permission of her
manager and the support of her colleagues, she was able to execute
the rescue mission and provide the tiny kittens with a safe and nurturing foster home at her place of work.
For the first eight weeks, the furry “temps” hid in a desk drawer and
came out only during off hours. With the collaboration of her colleagues, Kim devised an action plan and a job-sharing arrangement
was undertaken to socialize the kittens. The coworkers were aware that
feral cats that aren’t socialized with people will not be adopted and that
it would take a commitment on everyone’s part to help these felines.
The first initiative was to entice the kittens to leave the comfort of their
drawer. The coworkers started feeding the kittens less when they fed
them at night, which led them to wander out to look for food during the
day. The office staff bought toys and treats that the kitties simply could
not resist. Soon they started coming around.
Simon’s foster home was very unconventional and very comfortable! He did have a few issues about respecting his coworkers’ work space, but they fur-gave him because he was so cute!
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Within four weeks, kitten Simon came out of his shell (and drawer)
and became super-affectionate. He could always be found on
someone’s lap during the day or lying next to or on top of a computer. Happily, Simon was adopted through the Forgotten Ones adoption program in February and has settled in well with his new family.
Simon’s two siblings, Abbie and Theodore, are still a work-inprogress, but they continue to flourish. Theo loves treats and will eat
them out of his coworkers' hands. Although he is still a little timid, he
is coming around and shows his affection by rolling around and purring at people’s feet. Theo is a gentle soul with lots of love to give.
Abbie is a demure gal and she isn’t as confident around people as
her brother. Abbie is certainly people-friendly; she just likes to be
given her space. With joyful enthusiasm, this gal will run and chase
treats—what a great workplace perk! Abbie and Theo are inseparable and we hope they will be ready to be adopted as a bonded pair
very shortly.
“It has been a great experience having the cats at work,” said Kim,
“and it has given them the opportunity to be exposed to and socialize with a variety of people. Watching them grow physically is always
fun, but watching their personalities evolve and change, and seeing
them gain confidence, has been very rewarding!”
For a cat or kitten in need, it doesn’t matter if the physical structure
they live in is a shop or an office. It is the love—and treats—that
makes it their home.
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Summer 2016 Mewsletter
“They are adorable and
make my heart smile!”
~ Kim
SUPPORTER
Kim adopted cats from Forgotten
Ones, became a foster parent,
and also helps out at fundraising
events.
Canadian quiz
CANADA DAY is the start of the summer
7. Canada is a bilingual country, but what is the
only officially bilingual province?
a) Quebec
b) New Brunswick
c) Ontario
d) Nova Scotia
holiday season, the perfect time to test your
knowledge about all things Canadian.
1.How many oceans border Canada?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
8. What is Canada’s national sport?
a) Hockey
b) Lacrosse
c) Curling
d) None of the above
e) Both a and b
2. What is the oldest walled city that still exists
north of Mexico?
a) Montreal
b) Halifax
c) Quebec City
d) Vancouver
9. When did “O, Canada” officially become the national anthem?
a) 1880
b) 1920
c) 1950
d) 1980
3. Where does the word Canada come from?
a) Jacques Cartier
b) Samuel de Champlain
c) Jean Nicollet
4. What is the population of Canada?
a) 30 million
b) 23 million
c) 32 million
d) 36 million
10. How many points did Wayne Gretzky score in
his career?
a) 1,876
b) 2,295
c) 2,857
d) 3,204
5. Whose face is on the Canadian hundred-dollar
bill?
a) Wilfred Laurier
b) John A. MacDonald
c) William Lyon Mackenzie King
d) Robert Borden
11. What is the world's tallest free-standing structure?
a) CN Tower
b) Burj Khalifa
c) Empire State Building
d) Ostankino Tower
6. What are the two most multicultural cities in
Canada?
a) Toronto and Montreal
b) Victoria and Toronto
c) Vancouver and Toronto
d) Vancouver and Montreal
12. What major sporting event was held in Canada
in 2010?
a) Summer Olympics
b) Winter Olympics
c) World Cup
d) Commonwealth Games
1. c: 3 Atlantic, Pacific, Artic. 2. c: Quebec City is the only city that has maintained its fortification walls. 3. a:
Jacques Cartier was given directions by Huron-Iroquois Indians for the route to Kanata. 4. d: March 2016 Statistics Canada stated the country's estimated population topped 36 million. 5. d: Robert Borden. 6. C: Vancouver and Toronto. 7. b:
New Brunswick. 8. e Hockey is Canada's national winter sport and lacrosse is Canada's national summer sport. 9. d:
1980 (100 years after it was written). 10. c: 2,857 11. c: Burj Khalifa 12. b: The 2010 Winter Olympics.
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Summer 2016 Mewsletter
SPRING FORWARD
Fundraising for any non-profit organization is the lifeline to long-term
survival. Running a rescue or humane group is expensive and the
adoption fees don’t even come close to covering the cost of veterinary
expenses and countless necessary supplies. This year we have undertaken new events and ventures and, as well as raising money, we
had fun!
DOWNWARD-FACING DOG SUPPORTS CATS
It was a beautiful spring day in April when Forgotten Ones held its first
Yoga Charity Class—and what a success it was! Yoga teacher extraordinaire Ranjith Wijewardhana from Priya Yoga taught an hour-and
-a-half class that ended with the participants feeling rested, relaxed,
and yet totally rejuvenated—how did he do that?
When Ranjith was initially asked if he would donate his time to support
a Forgotten Ones fundraiser, he enthusiastically responded: “I am so
pleased that you offered this opportunity for me to teach yoga and to
help animals. This is a beautiful way for me to give back.”
The Spring Stretch Yoga
Class was the first fundraiser
of the year and raised $500.
The event was so well-received that participants immediately wanted
to sign up for the next yoga class, which we are planning for the fall.
Thanks to everyone who came out to support this fundraiser, and to
Ranjith for making stretching, posing, and balancing so enjoyable!
SUPPORTER
Vicki (left) and Janice (right) supported a great cause and their own wellbeing by attended FOCR’s yoga class, which was taught by Ranjith (centre).
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Janice and her husband Barry
adopted cats from Forgotten
Ones and then became a foster
parents.
THE CAT IN THE HAT GIVES BACK!
Forgotten Ones participated in another unique event this spring in collaboration with Broadway North Youth Theatre. The educational musical theatre company, which was founded by musical director and soprano Shoshana Friedman and artistic director and actress Laura Halley, offers programs for kids aged five to nineteen. Broadway North
brings high-quality singing, acting, and dance instruction to children in
York Region. Each program culminates in fully staged and costumed
musical theatre productions.
Shoshona (above) provided a space
in the lobby of Theatre Aurora for
Forgotten Ones to promote the organization and to raise money for
the Seussical, the Mewsical kittens.
This year’s program was Seussical, the Musical, and the narrator of
the play is the Dr. Seuss character the Cat in the Hat. The feline connection was the perfect tie-in for a fundraising opportunity for Forgotten Ones. To support the donation appeal, three kittens were named
after the lead roles in the musical: Mayzie, Horton, and Jojo.
Shoshana was familiar with the important contribution that Forgotten
Ones makes to the community, as she had previously volunteered
with the organization and had adopted two cats, Janie and Katniss,
from them.
“I was acquainted first-hand with the fantastic work Forgotten Ones
does”, explained Shosana, “and Broadway North wanted to give back
to the community with our Young Performers’ performances of Seussical, the Musical. I couldn't think of a more appropriate charity to partner with than Forgotten Ones. The feline connection was a little tip of
our hat to the Cat in the Hat, and we hoped it would help to raise
some money and a lot of awareness of this wonderfully compassionate organization.”
Thanks to Shoshona and Laura for providing such a fun and whimsical
event, and for donating a portion of your ticket sales—in total $500.00
was raised!
Mayzie
Horton
JoJo
To pay tribute to the Broadway North fundraising event, three kittens were named after Seussical characters. The donations received helped to pay the veterinary costs for Mayzie, Horton, and Jojo.
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PURR-ADISE PLACE ADOPTION CENTRE
Cats that have been surrendered to shelters or rescued
from homelessness often
suffer from high stress levels, which can result in increased behavioural problems that reduce the cat’s
chance of being adopted.
The picture above was taken
the first day the cats and kittens moved into the Tru Pet
store. They all were very relaxed and comfortable,
which means our efforts to
create a stress-reduced environment were successful!
This spring we were pleased to open Purr-adise Place Adoption Centre, a
joint venture with Tru Pet. Michael Taggart, the owner of the independent
pet store in Richmond Hill, wanted to house a small cat adoption centre in
his store and was looking for a local cat rescue group with whom he could
partner. When he approached Laura Wyatt with the offer, her answer was
an emphatic yes! The chances of a rescued animal being adopted greatly
increases the more it is seen by the public, and the store-front location
Michael was providing would put the cats in full view of the community.
Many cats that we rescue have already been through very stressful situations, which can cause them to be timid and unsocial, and even to hiss or
scratch. Such behavior is absolutely understandable, but it definitely reduces the animals’ chance of being adopted. Making sure the small space
had maximum comfort and safety for the cats, as well as functionality, required a great deal of planning.
One of the greatest advantages of the Tru Pet cat enclosure is that it is
cage free. The second is the big bright window—cats thrive when they
have an interesting view for stimulation and natural light. To maximize the
cats’ enjoyment of the view, cubbies were placed on the wall so they
could watch the outdoor activities from a high level. The other benefit of
the elevated perch is that it satisfies a cat’s natural instinct to climb, jump,
and nap from a height where it can survey its realm. We also ensured that
the cats had safe hideaways and retreats for those times when they don’t
want to interact with other cats or the public.
We are delighted with the positive response we have received from the
community and volunteers and, most importantly, how content and welladjusted the cats and kittens are when they spend time in Purr-adise
Place.
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Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue
FOCR BULLETIN BOARD
SUMMER EVENTS
RHCPA FUNDRAISER: July 23 & August 13, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Local Vocals Give Back Bazaar will take place in the courtyard of the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Forgotten Ones is
one of three charities that is being featured at the event.
COOL KITTY ADOPT-ATHON: July 23 & 21. Pet Smart, 1700 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill Tel:
(905) 787-8740
PETSMART ELGIN MILLS ADOPTION CENTRE: PetSmart, 1700 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill
Tel: (905) 787-8740. Cats available for adoption will be featured during the months of July and September.
TRU PET: 10520 Yonge St, Richmond Hill Tel: (905) 508-1112. Cats available for adoption will be featured
year round.
FOSTER HOME URGENTLY NEEDED
Auric, Lisl, and Vesper are three beautiful, fun, affectionate cats in desperate need of a foster home. They
have tested positive for the Feline Leukemia virus, and
this has made it very, very challenging for us to find a
home for them due to the fears that surrounds their
health and longevity.
We can offer no lifespan guarantee for any cat, particularly senior cats or cats with medical conditions. However, we can promise you that Auric, Lisl, and Vesper
will provide wonderful companionship.
If you can open up your home and your heart to these
sweet animals, you are sure to find it a marvelous experience. FOCR pays for veterinary care—you provide
the love! They must be in a home with no other pets.
For more information about our foster program, please
contact us at: [email protected]
Established in 2000
Forgotten Ones
Cat Rescue
Donations can be made through our website: www.forgottenones.ca or
mail a cheque to Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue, P.O. Box 32203, Harding Postal
Station, 250 Harding Blvd West, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 9S3.
Tax receipts for $20 or more will be issued.
Registered Charity #85159 8417 RR0001
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CAT-IVATING PHOTOS
OPHELIA AND JOSEPHINE—The Purr-fect Sisters
It has been seven years since Josephine & Ophelia approved
our adoption application and allowed us to become their benefactors. We had been volunteering for Forgotten Ones at the
time and had taken a shine to these two lovable scoundrels.
Josephine is the resident busybody and regal monarch, presiding over her domain with disdain for anyone who dares come
between her and her greatest love—chicken!
Ophelia is a champion of sunbathing and our loyal puppycat, in
need of daily fusses and ample kneading opportunities. Her
vice is cereal milk.
We cannot imagine our lives without them, and they continue to
bring us infinite enjoyment by simply being themselves, as cats
will do. ~ Kelly and Matt
ZOIE—A Fabulous Feline Friend
Zoie and I found each other in February of this year, and she
quickly adapted to her new home. Although she is still a bit shy,
Zoie is very playful and affectionate.
Zoie's personality is really coming out now that she's comfortable in her forever home, and she is becoming more vocal. She
ends up sleeping on my bed each night, although she starts off
somewhere else in my condo, playing and getting into mischief.
Zoie is my reason to get home from work on time, and she
makes it fun to stay in on a Friday night.
This happy, healthy cat is a wonderful companion and I'm grateful for your help in bringing us together.
~ Neil
BENTLEY AND ALFREDO—A Priceless Pair
We adopted our two boys February 14, 2010, from Forgotten
Ones. You had called them Grady and Gomer but we renamed
them Bentley and Alfredo.
We almost lost Alfredo last month due to a urinary tract blockage. We were lucky that he was showing us he was in trouble
and we rushed him to the emergency vet. Between the emergency clinic and our veterinarian, it cost $3100. Without a
shadow of a doubt, Alfredo is worth every penny. Although he
has to be on a prescription diet for the rest of his life, Alfredo is
doing well now.
We felt the need to make a donation to your organization because without you, I wouldn't have my boys.
~ Rhonda and Tony
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