AARF Newsletter
Volume 6, Issue 21 June 2006
Dear AARF Members and Friends - the goal of our newsletter is to keep you up to date on events and plans of the foundation. In this issue note the date of our Annual General Meeting, as well as a new topic entitled "Education Corner" in which we will try to give needed information on topics of interest to pet owners. This issue looks at Feline Leukemia. Please don't hesitate to send an email to aarfinfo@aarf.ai if there is any topic you would like to see addressed in this section or any other part of our newsletter.
Thank you, Suzie DonahueTopics in this Issue:
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BINGO NIGHT AT ROY'S - THIS SATURDAY - JUNE 24TH |
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April Membership Drive |
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Animal Welfare Conference in Antigua |
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Annual General Meeting Scheduled |
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AARF Spotlight |
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2006 Adoption Program Update |
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Spare Change Drive |
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Staying in Touch |
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Education Corner |
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Join Us! |
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"Happy Tails" |
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Closing Thoughts |
BINGO NIGHT AT ROY'S - SATURDAY JUNE 24TH!
Althea Turner,
AARF•s• fundraising chairman, has announced our next Bingo Night at Roy•s•
will be held on Saturday June 24th from 7 PM until. Dinner will again
be available with Happy Hour starting at 5:30 and dinner served promptly at 6
PM.
Bingo Tickets
will be $20 US and dinner tickets $15 US. This time all tickets will be available for advanced
purchase at Anguilla Techni Sales in North Hill. For directions please call 497-
2419. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door – on a first
come basis. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate will call or reserved
tickets so make sure you purchase those tickets early!
We will have 25 games with a lot of wonderful and exciting prizes including a weekend in Nevis. We also plan to have some cash prizes and a raffle that includes a round trip for two to San Juan, a Digicel phone package and $100 cash. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase at Anguilla Techni Sales if you are not able to attend the bingo night. Tickets are $2 US each or 3 for $5.00.
So mark those
calendars and plan to pick up those tickets and join us for a fun evening with
proceeds going to help make Anguilla a better place for the animals.
APRIL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE A SUCCESS
Tuesday April 25th at the Anguilla Post Office, Membership Chairman Jackie Pascher organized a membership drive that resulted in 9 new or renewed memberships. Jackie was joined by Althea Turner, Chris Carty and Suzie Donahue who assisted in signing up new members or renewing memberships as well as selling t-shirts and other AARF items and distributing information to the public about AARF's spay/neuter and adoption programs.
Althea, Suzie & Jackie with AARF Membership display
FOUR AARF MEMBERS ATTEND CARIBBEAN ANIMAL WELFARE CONFERENCE IN ANTIGUA
Five
Anguillians representing AARF (Anguilla Animal Rescue Foundation) and the
Department of Agriculture, attended a 3-day animal welfare conference at the
Jolly Beach Resort on Antigua May 15 –18.
Almost
150 attendees from animal welfare groups, veterinarians and government
officials, representing 25 island nations as well as the US, Canada and the
United Kingdom took part in the conference. An outstanding training schedule
assembled by the Pegasus Foundation, the World Society for the Protection of
Animals, Humane Society International, the Bahamas Humane Society, ASPCA and the
Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society included disaster management, responsible
animal welfare, humane education and animal cruelty investigations. Attendees
also had the opportunity to meet animal protection groups from other islands to
discuss shared concerns and exchange ideas.
Those
attending from Anguilla included AARF President Chris Carty, Secretary Suzie
Donahue, Membership Chairman Jackie Pascher and Trustee and Veterinary Assistant
Amy Williams. They were
joined by Mr. Leslie Lewis from the Department of Agriculture, who represented
the government of Anguilla.
Suzie Donahue, Jackie Pascher, Amy Williams, Leslie Lewis and Chris Carty
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SCHEDULED
AARF President Chris Carty has announced that the Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 30 at the Teacher Resource Center. The meeting will begin at 5:30 PM and all AARF members and interested individuals are invited to attend. The slate of officers will be announced to the membership on July 31 - 30 days before the Annual General Meeting as stated in the bylaws of the organization. If you are interested in serving on the board or nominating someone for a position (with their consent) please contact Suzie Donahue at 497-8177 or by email at aarfinfo@aarf.ai. The following positions are open and will be voted on by secret ballot at the AGM.
President Vice President Recording Secretary Treasurer 2 Members at LargeOnly members in good standing (paid dues) will be allowed to vote. Dues may be paid prior to the beginning of the meeting. If you are not sure if your dues are due please contact Jackie Pascher at Jackiep@anguillanet.com If you are not on island, but a member in good standing votes will be accepted by email to aarfinfo@aarf.ai until 5 PM on August 29th.
The duties of the executive members are as follows:
President:
The President shall preside at all meetings of the
Executive Committee and at all General and Special Meetings of the Society.
He/she shall execute all documents of the Society except documents
related to the property of the Society vested in the Trustees, and shall
exercise general supervision of the affairs of the Society, subject to the
approval of the Executive Committee. Except as otherwise specified, the President appoints all the
chairs of all committees with the approval of the Executive Committee.
He/she shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and shall perform all usual
duties incidental to his/her office.
Vice President: The Vice President shall serve as Chairman of one of the standing committees as appointed by the President and assume all duties and responsibilities of that committee, assist the President in his/her duties and shall act in his/her place upon the President•s• designation and in his/her absence.
Recording Secretary: The Recording Secretary shall prepare the agenda as directed by the President for all meetings of the Society, sending a copy of the agenda to all members at least three (3) days before the meeting. Record, prepare and distribute minutes of all meetings and keep a record of the attendance of members at meetings. Keep an official copy of the constitution and rules with amendments as made from time to time. Secure permission and reserve if needed, a meeting place; and execute all documents dealing with the Friendly Societies Act and other official business as needed.
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall: Receive and be responsible for all the funds of the Society, collect all membership dues and keep a financial account of all funds collected. Keep an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements and present a written report to the Society at the Annual General Meeting. Submit all books of accounts for audit. Account to the Executive Committee on demand. Prepare and propose an annual budget. Review proposals/recommendations fro other committees with regard to financial feasibility and every five years arrange for a revaluation of the assets of the society. Deliver to the newly elected Treasurer all money, vouchers, books and papers of the Society in his/her custody with a supplementary report covering all transactions to date.
Member at Large (2): Members at large will chair one of the standing committees as appointed by the President and assume all duties and responsibilities of that committee.
AARF SPOTLIGHT
President Chris Carty
Chris
was elected the President of AARF in 2005. She also served as Secretary from the
beginning of the foundation until 2003 when she became Vice
President. Chris moved to
Thank you Chris!
2006 ADOPTION PROGRAM UPDATE
Beginning
in November 2005 AARF initiated a new adoption policy that includes a fee of $20
US to adopt an animal from AARF. This small fee includes a free spay or neuter
when the puppy/kitten is old enough for the surgery (between 4 & 6 months),
worming, flea/tick bath and the animals first set of vaccinations. Cats are also
tested for feline aids/leukemia, which is an incurable disease transmitted from
cat to cat and is common here on Anguilla. (See
more about this disease in our section Keeping in Touch below) Dogs are tested for heartworm, a parasite transmitted by
mosquitoes and erlichosis , a blood parasite transmitted by ticks. Both of
these diseases are also common on Anguilla and life threatening.
New
owners are provided with information on the proper care of their pet and
encouraged to call AARF is they need any other assistance.
In
addition, AARF has also developed a surrender form that allows the owner of an
unwanted dog or cat to leave the animal at Morlens at no charge. This permits
the animal to then be put up for adoption. These animals will be accepted free,
but need to be eating on their own which is usually at 6 weeks of age or older.
It is hoped that unwanted dogs and cats will be taken to Morlens instead of
being left to fend for themselves and causing a nuisance in the areas where they
are abandoned.
AARF founded in 2000, is a non-profit organization solely funded by donations from caring animal lovers. Since 2003 when AARF initiated their free spay/neuter program more than 500 dogs and cats here on Anguilla have been sterilized. This program now focuses on animals adopted through AARF. We are pleased to report that so far this year we have successfully found homes for almost 60 puppies/ dogs and kittens/cats on Anguilla. Thank you to all of you that have welcomed these unfortunate animals into your hearts and homes.
SPARE CHANGE DRIVE
Our "Spare Change Drive" is on-going so don't forget to drop those "heavy" coins and that extra cash at one of our locations! We really appreciate your donations! Bob Turner has used his superb carpentry skills to create permanent donation boxes for AARF. Althea, Bob's wife, is our fundraising chairman and you might see her running here and there placing these new eye - catching boxes in our supporting businesses. The donation boxes are located at the following establishments - Vinissimo, Straw Hat, Caribbean Cable Communications, Bartlett•s• Collections, Wallblake Airport, Christine Fleming's Mini-Mart, Ashley's Pet Shop, Best Buy, Anguilla Post Office - Retail Store, Lake's Grocery, Sophie's Hair Design, Morlens Veterinary Clinic, Tropical Flower, Fat Cat, Anguilla Techni Sales, Ace Hardware, Roy's Bayside Restaurant, Rendezvous Bay Hotel, Smokey's at the Cove, Jocahu Caffe, Irie Life and Foods 95.
Thank you Bob for sharing your talents and to all the business's that have agreed to support our cause.
STAYING IN TOUCH
Ningee:
For those of you that often ask about Ningee and how she is doing in Boston, unfortunately she passed away at Angel Memorial Animal Hospital. In case you don't remember, Ningee was adopted "through default " by Kevin about 18 months ago when her original caretaker Kim returned to Anguilla to take her to her home on the Cape and found out she tested positive for feline leukemia. Since Kim already had two cats and the disease is very contagious, she convinced her boss Kevin to adopt her! Ningee went to live in the luxury of a high-rise condo overlooking the Charles River in Boston and was given the very best of care. April 26th, Kevin returned from work and found Ningee was unable to walk so he rushed her to the ER where he was told that the feline leukemia had damaged her brain and lungs. Ningee was a wonderful cat and gave so much to so many of us that cared for her through her short life. She will always live in our hearts. Thank you Kevin for being her angel and allowing her to know the meaning of a loving forever home!
Kevin & Ningee
EDUCATION CORNER
What
is feline leukemia virus?
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), a retrovirus, so named because of the way it
behaves within infected cells. All retroviruses, including feline
immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), produce an
enzyme, reverse transcriptase, which permits them to insert copies of their own
genetic material into that of the cells they have infected. Although related,
FeLV and FIV differ in many ways and although many of the diseases caused by
FeLV and FIV are similar, the specific ways in which they are caused differs.
How common is the infection?
FeLV-infected cats are found worldwide, but the prevalence of infection varies greatly depending on their age, health, environment, and lifestyle. It is however common in the Caribbean where most cats live outside and are easily exposed to the disease.
How is FeLV spread?
Cats persistently infected with FeLV serve as sources of infection. Virus is shed in very high quantities in saliva and nasal secretions, but also in urine, feces, and milk from infected cats. Cat-to-cat transfer of virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and (though rarely) through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. FeLV doesn't survive long outside a cat's body—probably less than a few hours under normal household conditions.
What cats are at greatest risk of infection?
Cats at greatest risk of infection are those that may be exposed to infected cats, either via prolonged close contact or through bite wounds. Such cats include:
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Cats living with infected cats or with cats of unknown infection status
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Cats allowed outdoors unsupervised, where they may be bitten by an infected cat
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Kittens born to infected mothers
What does FeLV do to a cat?
Feline leukemia virus adversely affects the cat's body in many ways. It is the most common cause of cancer in cats, it may cause various blood disorders, and it may lead to a state of immune deficiency that hinders the cat's ability to protect itself against other infections. The same bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi that may be found in the everyday environment—where they usually do not affect healthy animals—can cause severe illness in those with weakened immune systems. These secondary infections are responsible for many of the diseases associated with FeLV.
What are the signs of disease caused by FeLV?
During the early stages of infection, it is common for cats to exhibit no signs of disease at all. However, over time—weeks, months, or even years—the cat's health may progressively deteriorate or be characterized by recurrent illness interspersed with periods of relative health. Signs can include:
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Loss of appetite
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Slow but progressive weight loss, followed by severe wasting late in the disease process
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Poor coat condition
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Enlarged lymph nodes
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Persistent fever
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Pale gums and other mucus membranes
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Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis)
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Infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract
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Persistent diarrhea
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Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders
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A variety of eye conditions
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In unspayed female cats, abortion of kittens or other reproductive failures
How is infection diagnosed?
Two types of FeLV blood tests are in common use. Both detect a protein component of the virus as it circulates in the bloodstream. Each testing method has strengths and weaknesses, both tests must be performed—and perhaps repeated—to clarify a cat's true infection status.
How can I keep my cat from becoming infected?
The only sure way to protect cats is to prevent their exposure to FeLV-infected cats.
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Keep cats indoors, away from potentially infected cats that might bite them. If you do allow your cats outdoor access, provide supervision or place them in a secure enclosure to prevent wandering and fighting.
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Adopt only infection-free cats into households with uninfected cats.
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House infection-free cats separately from infected cats, and don't allow infected cats to share food and water bowls or litter boxes with uninfected cats.
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Consider FeLV vaccination of uninfected cats. (FeLV vaccination of infected cats is not beneficial.) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of vaccination with your veterinarian. FeLV vaccines are widely available, but since not all vaccinated cats will be protected, preventing exposure remains important even for vaccinated pets.
I just discovered that one of my cats has FeLV, yet I have other cats as well. What should I do?
Unfortunately, many FeLV-infected cats are not diagnosed until after they have lived with other cats. In such cases, all other cats in the household should be tested for FeLV. Ideally, infected and non-infected cats should then be separated to eliminate the potential for FeLV transmission.
How long can I expect my FeLV-infected cat to live?
It is impossible to accurately predict the life expectancy of a cat infected with FeLV. With appropriate care and under ideal conditions, infected cats can remain in apparent good health for many months, although most succumb to a FeLV-related disease within two or three years after becoming infected. If your cat has already experienced one or more severe illnesses as a result of FeLV infection, or if persistent fever, weight loss, or cancer is present, a much shorter survival time can be expected.
Can people become infected with FeLV?
Epidemiological and laboratory studies have failed to provide evidence that FeLV can be transmitted from infected cats to humans. Regardless, FeLV-infected cats may carry other diseases. At greatest risk of infection are elderly or immunosuppressed people (e.g., those with AIDS, or receiving immunosuppressive medications such as chemotherapy), infants, and unborn children. It is recommended that pregnant women, people with suppressed immune systems, the very young, and the very old avoid contact with FeLV-infected cats.
Prepared by the Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Morlens Veterinary Clinic caries FeLV vaccine to protect your cat from being infected and also tests for the disease. Call the clinic at 497-4600 if you would like more information.
JOIN US!!
The Anguilla Animal Rescue Foundation (AARF) always needs members and joining us isn't expensive and very rewarding! Memberships are vital to the life of the organization and all fees go directly to support AARF programs including animal care, free spay/neuter clinics and education.
Membership dues are:
Student (Under age 18) $10.00 EC / $4.00 US
Regular $25.00 EC /$10.00US
Senior (65 and over) $10.00EC/ $4.00US
Family $ 40.00 EC/$15.00 US
Corporate $300.00 EC /$12.00US.
Lifetime memberships
(one time fee) $500.00EC / $186.00US.
We are always looking for new members to support AARF fundraising events, assist at Morlens Veterinary Clinic or to help us with our on-going spay and neuter project. If you would like more information on AARF please visit our website at www.aarf.ai, send us an email at aarfinfo@aarf.ai or call Amy at 497- 4600 or Suzie at 497-8177.
If you are interested in becoming a member you can obtain a membership form via our Membership page. Or you can get one at
Morlens
Completed membership forms may be sent to:
AARF
HAPPY TAILS
Ezra Jane Walter
Mary
and Tim Walter from Ohio adopted Ezra Jane in December 2003 when she was about 7
weeks old.
Mary
describes the adoption process as follows:
“Before we came to Anguilla, I had checked the AARF website and loving animals decided if I could, I would change the life of just one kitten! As soon as we arrived in Anguilla my first thought was to find Morlens Veterinary Clinic where AARF keeps animals they have that need forever homes. We flew in on a Saturday, so Monday morning my husband and I set out to find the clinic (we stayed at the Great House) When we arrived we met Amy, who told us of an adult female someone was fostering, but thinking of our own cats back home we quickly decided that was not a good idea! Amy then brought out Ezra called Kelly then! She was so tiny and climbed around my neck chewing on my ears and purring. After 30 minutes of holding her, my husband had to pry her off and I knew then she was mine! We returned on Thursday to see her again and she seemed to know she had been spoken! Amy got together her necessary paperwork and vaccinations. I didn't sleep well or think of much more than when I would hold her again. We were leaving Saturday afternoon so we picked her up that morning and borrowed a carrier, which she did not like at all.
On our journey home Ezra Jane was very verbal only sleeping for brief periods. The people sitting around us were not very pleased with her constant chatter. I kept my hand in her carrier almost the entire trip, rubbing her belly trying to keep her quiet. The second leg of our trip from Miami to Cleveland was better. We had a stewardess that loved cats and would stop by to check on Ezra. She told me to let her pop her head out, but “don't let go”. Customs in Miami could have cared less and didn’t ask for any of our paperwork I actually had to offer her documents and explain that I had a cat. We arrived in Cleveland to temperatures of about 20 degrees with ice and snow. Ezra seemed a bit cold so I carried her under my coat; she had no undercoat and would sleep on a heating pad for the remainder of the cold weather. Our kids couldn't believe what we had brought home from our vacation! Every time I think of Anguilla all I have to do is pick up my girl Ezra Jane and it all comes back - what a beautiful place!”
As you can see from her current picture it is obvious that Ezra is doing very well! Mary reports that she is still a talker and sleeps above her head on her pillow every night. She is also an excellent hunter and often brings her catch in to be admired! She has three feline friends, Ernie, Ted and Snickers and five canine friends Hund, Lady, Beemer, Max and Bert. She gets along well with most of them!
Thank you Mary and Tim for giving Ezra a wonderful forever home!
Closing Thoughts:
A Dog's Purpose - from a 4 year old
Being a
veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year old Irish Wolfhound named
Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane were
all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we
couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia
procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be
good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though
Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family
surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time,
that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker
slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition
without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about
the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been
listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned
me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good
life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The
four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they
don't have to stay as long."
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest
to God.