Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Now For Some Kittens

Can't post about cats and not show kittens! These guys were just 3 days old. Yes, they are all HART cats, and happily they have all been adopted.

An FIV PSA

In addition to raising money for HART, I would like to spread a bit of knowledge. Here is a video that was done a couple of years ago about FIV. Happily, most of the cats in the video have since been adopted. Unfortunately many more have come into the shelter to take their place. Also, there is a vaccine available to prevent your cat from getting FIV. Be warned though - if you vaccinate your cat for FIV, keep a record of the vaccination because your cat will test positive from then on.

Why should you donate to HART?

You may be wondering why you should donate to HART and not another shelter, perhaps one closer to you. The truth is, you should donate to your local shelter. Shelters do a lot, without much funding, and are very important in their communities. I've lost track of the number of people who have come into HART, heartbroken because they lost their house and couldn't take their cats with them to an apartment, or out of state. Others simply can no longer afford to take care of their cats. There are so many different stories out there, but they all result in more cats brought to the shelter.


HART is entirely run by volunteers. There is not a single person paid to be there, helping the cats. That includes the Board of Directors. Every penny that HART raises or is donated to HART goes directly to the care of the cats. Currently there are about 150 cats in the shelter, and more in foster homes. All of these cats are under HART's care.


I am passionate about helping HART, and I hope that you will share some of that passion, if not with HART then with your local shelter. Animals need our help.

Why am I doing this?

I've been a volunteer at HART for several years and have watched with a sad heart the toll that the economy has taken on pet owners and all of the shelters, not just HART. Traditional fundraising methods bring in some money, but just not enough. I wanted to do something, in a big way to help the shelter. I have serious doubts I will come anywhere close to my goal, but every penny helps and nothing is lost by trying.  I also strongly believe that the Internet can be a wonderful way to spread word about our wonderful kitties and (hopefully, fingers crossed!) increase our adoption rate.

What is HART of Maine?

HART of Maine is a non-profit, no-kill, open concept shelter and adoption center for cats. In short, they are really, really awesome. You can read more about the shelter and see the cats here: HART of Maine