Tag Archives: #adoptdontshop

love, success story, Uncategorized, volunteers

Shelter Volunteers are angels in disguise

In today’s blog, I am interviewing a beautiful shelter volunteer named Jennifer. So go find your favorite corner (Norman’s Corner!), curl up with your favorite furry purring friend, and get ready to be a little educated and a lot entertained or was that a little entertained and a lot educated. Well, anyways, enjoy!

Jennifer with her dog Grizzly. She adopted him from El Refugio.

Norman: Hi Jennifer, thanks for agreeing to sit with me. Before we get started, can you please scratch behind my right ear for just a moment, one moment longer, purr

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Jennifer: Norman, Norman, are you asleep?

Norman: Sorry, just needed a little catnap. Okay, first question, who is your favorite cat here at the shelter – hint, hint, starts and ends with an “N”.

Jennifer: Ah, Norman?

Norman: Me? Oh, aren’t you sweet! Who is your second favorite cat – and why? Sorry, it can’t be me again.

Jennifer: Majica is my favorite cat right now. Her back legs are paralyzed but that doesn’t stop her from enjoying life. She scoots around pretty fast for food, to play with toys and other cats and to get love from volunteers.

Mágica

Norman: I was told I have to ask this next question… Who is your favorite Dog at the Shelter now and why?

Jennifer: My favorite dog currently is Lily a lively beagle. She arrived at the shelter with some medical conditions and her puppy that was just recently adopted. She loves to play with her doggie friends, but especially loves humans and receiving their love.

Lilly

Norman: How long have you been volunteering at the El Refugio Shelter?

Jennifer: I have volunteered at El Refugio since around January 17th of this year.

Norman: What time do you start and end your shift?

Jennifer: I start my shift at 8am and finish at 11am.

Norman: What do you do on your shift at El Refugio?

Jennifer:  Responsibilities at the shelter are shared each shift with one or more other volunteers. We feed all the animals, give meds if needed, clean/disinfect all areas where the animals live, walk the dogs, wash all dirty bedding and food bowls and then give lots of love to the animals.

Norman: What do you like the most about volunteering? How about the second most?

Jennifer: I love all animals so helping them in any way I can fills my heart with joy. My second favorite thing is meeting and becoming good friends with so many of the volunteers.

Norman: Who really gets on your cat nerves? Yeah, I probably shouldn’t ask that (tell me later). Let’s see, next question, don’t those dogs outside just drive you crazy? (okay, maybe I shouldn’t ask that either). Oh, here’s a good question, If you could be any type of cat, what would you be?

Jennifer: I think I would like to be a Siamese cat. I had one named Tinker when I was a little girl. She had the neatest personality and was very smart.

Norman: Last question, what does El Refugio need the most? Volunteers, catnip, money, catnip, fosters, catnip?

Jennifer: Catnip of course, but I would say  El Refugio needs all of the above plus more adopters!

Norman: Tell me about a recent adoption success story (I know there are so many).

Jennifer: I’ll tell you in a video. Here is one of my Favorite Success Stories at El Refugio. Here is a little more information on Canela.

Norman: Thank you so much Jennifer for this interview. You have been purrfectly awesome!

Can you believe how lucky Jennifer and the other shelter volunteers are to be spending time with us cats (and dogs too). All kitten aside, the El Refugio volunteers (board members, community outreach, shelter volunteers, adoption coordinators, fosters, social media/marketing, fundraising, spay & neuter volunteers, and many others – ME-OW and WOW) are truly angels in disguise. Please consider joining this amazing team of El Refugio Volunteers.

If you are not able to donate your time, how about becoming An Angel for Animals. Just $25 per month can care for one of us shelter cats for 1 year ME-OW (food, shelter, and preventative medications for fleas, ticks, and parasites). If that is too much from your kitty bank, even just $10 a month can buy a lot of catnip (or regular ole dry kibble). Any and every amount helps an animal (and community) in need.

Until we meet again beautiful humans.

Cheers,

Norman

As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat. Ellen Perry Berkeley

Don’t forget to spay & neuter your cats & dogs.  There can be too much of a good thing!  There’s only so much catnip to go around. 

Cats and wildlife live longer when cats stay indoors. 

FELNE FAVORITE OF THE DAY

Mágica at El Refugio Costa Ballena, Costa Rica

MAGIC HEARTS ARE MAGICALLY PURRFECT FOR YOU!

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cat facts, funny, Uncategorized

Why “M” stands for Tabby, and also for Marvelous, Magnificent, Mesmerizing, Magical, you know where I am going with this…

Did you know that the Tabby Cat is not actually a cat breed but a coat pattern? Well, of course I knew this, BUT, I beg to differ on the point that we aren’t a specific breed. Especially when it comes to the orange tabby cat – ME. Saying we aren’t a cat breed somehow downplays the importance of us Tabbies and the role we play in the feline kingdom. Therefore, I say Tabby is a breed – not just a coat pattern.

While there are many different colors and types of Tabby cats, let’s first discuss the most intelligent Tabby cat – the Orange Tabby (of course!)- ME. You will have to wait for a future blog post where I will spotlight the other types of less desirable Tabby cats (I’m kidding of course!).

Interesting Fact #1: Did you know every orange cat is a tabby, but not every tabby is an orange cat. Very interesting indeed!

Interesting Fact #2: Almost every tabby has distinctive markings above their eyes – the M. Look at ME – see the M above my eyes?

I know, I know, I am a handsome devil aren’t I. Oh, and did I mention the M stands for Marvelous, Magnificent, Mesmerizing, Magical….

Interesting Fact #3: There are many historical suggestions as to where the M above my head comes from, some suggest Mohammed, Mary, Mau, or just plain old Genes. Wow – Me-OW!

Interesting Fact #4: There are more male orange tabby cats than female – approximately 4 to 1. Interestingly, there are 4 of us male tabby cats at El Refugio now and 1 female tabby cat. Very interesting!

Interesting Fact #5: You might find this next fact hard to believe – Orange tabbies tend to talk a lot! I truly think all of this online research is on to something!!

Orange Tabbies at El Refugio Animal Shelter
Check out this short video on how NOT to take a picture of 5 Orange Tabby Cats
Taking Pictures with 5 Taby Cats – Oh My!

Now, go adopt yourself an Orange Tabby Cat. You will be marveled, magnified, mesmerized, and magically full of life and love from one of us PURRfectly beautiful cats. Until we meet again dear humans.

Cheers,

Norman

“In my head, the sky is blue, the grass is green and cats are orange.” – Jim Davis (Creator of Garfield)

Don’t forget to spay & neuter your cats & dogs.  There can be too much of a good thing!  There’s only so much catnip to go around. 

Cats and wildlife live longer when cats stay indoors. 

FELNE FAVORITE OF THE DAY

Alicia at El Refugio Costa Ballena, Costa Rica

Nurturing Old Soul

Hi, I’m Alicia.  I am a young adult female. I am a very UNIQUE Tabby because I am orange and I am female. I am the color of sunshine with a heart full of love. I am waiting for you. xo Alicia

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cat facts, funny, Uncategorized

All about FUN, and a few fun facts!

This blog post is dedicated to the funny in all of us cats, especially us shelter cats. When I want a belly laugh, all I need to do is just look around at my fellow shelter cats. Whether it is Panda playing in the cat swing,

or ME Norman stealing a kiss from one of our beautiful volunteers while also checking out her nosepad (more on that later),

OR Jacob leaping to (and missing of course – haha) one of the cat trees in the shelter.

There is always something (some cat) to laugh at (I mean, laugh with). Of course I am laughing with them, not at them (at least that is what I will swear by if you ask me in front of any of them!).

Oh, and now to the facts I promised. Here are five amazing facts about us cats – plan to be amazed and amused!

  1. Every cat’s nosepad is unique, like a fingerprint.
Yes, Keylor, I know you have a very unique nosepad!

2. Cats can run 3mph faster than Usain Bolt! A domestic cat can run about 30 miles per hour; Usain Bolt averages 27 miles per hour. MEOW that is amazing!

3. Cats have more bones in their bodies than humans. Humans have 206 bones while cats have an average of 244 in their body. About 20 of these bones are in their tails for flexibility. Well, that is purrty spectacular!

Bandit is VERY flexible – must be because of all those bones. I thought it was because she practiced yoga!

4. Kittens grow when they are asleep! Their bodies release a growth hormone only when they are sleeping. So, that’s why we sleep so much! Well, actually it’s only why kittens sleep so much. The rest of us are just catnapping.

Alicia taking a catnap.

5. A cat’s MEOW is reserved to communicating with humans. Kittens do vocalize to their mamas but as adults they save the MEOWs for You humans. Aren’t you lucky. And, you didn’t think us cats could talk!

There are soooooo many more amazing facts about us cats, but I don’t want to bore you with too much purrfection today. Until we meet again dear humans.

Cheers,

Norman

“I’m not over-weight, I’m under-tall. – Garfield”

Don’t forget to spay & neuter your cats & dogs.  There can be too much of a good thing!  There’s only so much catnip to go around. 

Cats and wildlife live longer when cats stay indoors. 

FELNE FAVORITE OF THE DAY

Bryan at El Refugio, Costa Ballena, Costa Rica

Hi, I’m Bryan. I was found in a trash can and saved by El Refugio. I clean up pretty nice, don’t I? I am waiting for you. xoxo Bryan

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family, health benefits, life lessons, love, Uncategorized

Just call me Professor Norman!

In my last blog post I ended the post with some tantalizing catnip about how us cats can teach your children important life skills.

Class is now in session! Take out your notepad and your favorite writing paw (I mean pen), and let’s get started with “Life Lessons According to ME.”

Besides the many health benefits from having cats in your family (fewer allergies and less stress and anxiety I’ll cover just a few of the other many benefits for your children when adopting a cat:

  • Responsibility. Sharing some of the daily tasks associated with us cats can teach your child responsibility. Daily tasks such as FEEDING (my top priority), litter box cleaning (someone’s gotta do it and I can’t), and brushing our coat (especially if its a hairless cat – lol!) teach a child responsibility.
  • Empathy. A cat can teach your child about empathy. By your child simply petting a cat, listening to our purrs, noticing the positive reactions when stroking our ears, or rubbing our belly, these simple gestures can all teach your child how to respect and tune in to another being’s needs.
  • Love and Companionship. Cats will shower your child with unconditional love. With this overflowing cat love, your child will learn to also love others unconditionally, while also giving your child companionship (especially if he is an only child). Cats will help children combat loneliness.
  • Save a life!!! Adopting a cat, especially from an animal shelter, can teach your child the amazing awesomeness of saving a life. Now, that my beautiful humans, is a life lesson that keeps on giving.

So, my sweet mamas and papas out there, let me lighten your workload just a little, by adopting one of us cats. We will help teach your children some amazing life lessons, did I say FREE OF CHARGE!

Cheers,

Norman

“A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands. Garfield”

Don’t forget to spay & neuter your cats & dogs.  There can be too much of a good thing!  There’s only so much catnip to go around. 

Cats and wildlife live longer when cats stay indoors. 

FELNE FAVORITE OF THE DAY

Jorge at El Refugio Costa Ballena, Costa Rica

Jorge

SURFING FOR YOU! Hi, my name is JORGE.  I am a young adult male. I was found at the beach and brought to El Refugio. I get along with other cats. But, I am past the kitten stage, so less playing with kittens and more spoiling my human.  Can I spoil you??  I am waiting for you at El Refugio. xo Jorge

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family, funny, health benefits, Uncategorized

Listen up – another great reason to adopt a cat – fewer allergies for your kids!

I am not surprised at all to hear this, but I thought I should share this amazing news with you. Especially if YOU have not yet adopted a shelter cat.

Numerous studies reveal that children that have lived with pets (cats and/or dogs) in their first two years of life were 77% less likely to develop various types of allergies. Not only pet allergies, but also dust mites, ragweed, and grass allergies. Wow! Wait, before you go on, read those last two sentences again. I’ll wait for you here (sounds of paw pads tapping the keypad over and over again…………………………………………………………………………………………………..).

Also, these studies go against the long-held belief that children exposed to pets could develop allergies later in life. These studies show this long-held belief just isn’t true. What great news this is for parents, their children, and of course us cats!

Exposing children to us cats will not only help PREVENT allergies, but so much more! While I have been boasting about all the health benefits from adopting a cat (prevent heart disease and stroke & purring medicine), I haven’t even touched on the many emotional and mental benefits, as well TEACHING moments received when you adopt one of us cats: Responsibility, Empathy, Companionship, and of course Fun! Sounds like the best gift you could give your children (and yourself) is a CAT!!!

Please stay tuned to my upcoming blog posts where I will share with you the many benefits for your family when adopting one of us amazing purrfect adorable hilarious awesome cats. Until then my beautiful humans, until then.

Cheers,

Norman

“If people were meant to pop out of bed, we’d all sleep in toasters. – Garfield”

Don’t forget to spay & neuter your cats & dogs.  There can be too much of a good thing!  There’s only so much catnip to go around. 

Cats and wildlife live longer when cats stay indoors. 

FELNE FAVORITE OF THE DAY

Kendra, young female cat at El Refugio, Costa Ballena, Costa Rica

Kendra is Kissable

Hi, my name Is KENDRA.  I am a very young cat.  I love to play with other cats and humans. I promise to bring you joy and fun (and kisses!) everyday.  Will you play with me? 

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funny, health benefits, love, Uncategorized

I’ll get you a date!! (if you are a man, that is)

Just call me matchmaker, cupid, or my favorite the Love cat – Meow!

Research finds that men who adopt cats (especially shelter cats) are more attractive than men who own dogs. I’m not kitten around here. This is purrty amazing information. Here are some of the reasons:

  1. NO Commitment Issues – men who adopt us cats understand that cats can live longer than dogs – sometimes up to 20 years. This shows us that a man is making a commitment to take care of another living being for a pretty long time – very sexy indeed!
  2. Spirit of INDEPENDENCE – us cats are known for our independence. We don’t have to be with you, we choose to be with you. We aren’t clingy, we are affectionate. We like our space, but also want to share yours. Thus, men with cats appreciate someone with a spirit of independence.
  3. LOVE. When a man adopts one of us rescue cats, it shows us he is accepting, loving, and purrly amazing to save a cat’s life. It gives the world hope. It gives me hope. Can you hear my purring right now? (remember the benefits of purring?) It is making me very sleeply. Wait, while I rest my furry head down for just one minute.

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Okay, where were we?

Oh yes, why a man with a cat is sexy. Well, honestly because cats are sexy, but I digress. I’ve been stalking (I mean browsing) this celebrity webpage with my paw for the last couple of minutes (ok, hours). Celebrity Catnip, beauties that love us cats – ME-OW.

But, if celebrities aren’t your catnip, take a look at these historical men and their lovely words about us cats:

  • Sigmund Freud  “Time spent with cats is never wasted.”
  • Albert Schweitzer “There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.”
  • Charles Dickens  “What greater gift than the love of a cat?”
  • Leonardo Da Vinci “The cat is nature’s masterpiece.”

So, yes, if you are a man and you own a rescue dog, well, that is pretty darn amazing too. But, if you really want to up your game (dating game that is), rescue a cat too. While you are semi-attractive now, you will be MUCH more purrfectly attractive after adopting one of us shelter cats.

Cheers,

Norman

“Housework. No one notices when you do it. But everyone notices it when you don’t. – Garfield”

Don’t forget to spay & neuter your cats & dogs.  There can be too much of a good thing!  There’s only so much catnip to go around. 

Cats and wildlife live longer when cats stay indoors. 

FELNE FAVORITE OF THE DAY

Mickey at El Refugio animal shelter in Costa Ballena, Costa Rica.

Hi, I’m Mickey. I am a young male tuxedo cat. I’m all dressed up and waiting for you at El Refugio in Costa Ballena, Costa Rica.

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health benefits, Uncategorized

Why YOU Should Own a Cat!

by Norman the Cat

First things first, I don’t like the word “own” but for all practical human purposes, this word will be used.  But, I am telling you now, I don’t like it, with a triple loud MEOW MEOW MEOW.  We don’t own each other, we  nurture each other.  Any who, here is one very important reason why you should bring one of us amazing shelter cats home with you – YOU WILL LIVE LONGER!  Now, rumor has it, I have nine lives, but you my dear human friend only have one life I hear, so listen up to this very important blog post! 

You will live longer with a cat.  Did you know that owning a cat lowers your risk of heart disease?  I’m serious, there actually are studies that show I will save your life!!  A US National Library of Medicine 2009 article says that there is a decreased risk for death due to heart attacks and all cardiovascular diseases (including strokes) among persons with cats. Wow, now I knew all along that I had amazing super powers but to have it in writing, well, that confirms it all! 

Now, if I didn’t convince you to run down to the nearest animal shelter to find your furry cat friend, read on. This next study confirms that owning a cat can reduce your risk of a stoke by a third!! 

Did you know the World Health Organization said in 2016, “Of the 56.9 million deaths worldwide in 2016, more than half (54%) were due to the top 10 causes, of those causes, Ischaemic heart disease and stroke are the world’s biggest killers, accounting for a combined 15.2 million deaths in 2016. These diseases have remained the leading causes of death globally in the last 15 years.”  Double MEOW MEOW!!  I hope I didn’t scare you into a heart attack or stroke with that last bit of information, but don’t worry, here’s some tantalizing catnip for you, please read on. 

An article by The Telegraph shows that a cat can actually reduce your risk of a stroke.  Even, just the simple act of petting your cat can lower the stress-related hormones in your blood, thus lowering the stress and anxiety in your body and in your life. Can I say it again – double MEOW MEOW!!

So, my human friends, take HEART (and stroke) of these very important research articles and go get yourself a cat at your nearest animal shelter.If you are in the Costa Ballena area of Costa Rica, please stop by the El Refugio shelter.  You will live longer, and you will save not only your life, but a well deserved cat’s life too!

Now, its time for my catnap before dinner. So, stay tuned for my next blog post where I will continue to share with you even more health benefits of owning a furry feline friend.

Cheers,

Norman the Cat

“If you want to look thinner, hang around people fatter than you. – Garfield”

Don’t forget to spay & neuter your cats & dogs.  There can be too much of a good thing!  There’s only so much catnip to go around. 

Cats and wildlife live longer when cats stay indoors. 

FELNE FAVORITE OF THE DAY

Havy at El Refugio Animal Shelter in Costa Ballena, Costa Rica

Havy is Heartsome

Hi, my name is Havy. I am a female cat and I love to give kisses and cuddles. I get along with other cats and even dogs. Come find me at El Refugio in Costa Ballena, Costa Rica. I’ll be waiting for you with open paws.

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