By the early 1990's our adoption program had outgrown the capabilities of our foster home system. We opened our shelter in September 1992. The shelter has required significant amounts of financial, physical and emotional energy but has enabled MEOW Inc. to place as many as 400 cats a year into responsible homes.

The field of animal welfare in general and feline welfare in particular is rapidly changing. The spirit of non-destroy is ever increasing in popularity. One of the negative aspects of non-destroy is the increasing incidence of long term confinement for any given animal. Non-destroy shelters have been around long enough for animal welfare workers to recognize quality of life issues associated with long term confinement and come up with solutions to these issues.

In the spring of 2002 MEOW Inc. changed the way we shelter our cats and kittens. Our felines now stay in foster homes and only come to the shelter for designated adoption hours. Our cats now are part of normal homes and routine family life. We are hopeful that this will make them more amenable to the adjustments into a new adoptive home, less likely to develop neurologic/psychologic problems related to the
stress of continual change and that we will know more about the personal needs and characteristics of each cat we serve.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS

* Our colony cat management program allows concerned citizens to feed a healthy group of cats that is highly unlikely to spread disease to other animals or become public health hazards to the human community.

*Our adoption program enables the removal of all adoptable cats from colony situations thus allowing a reduction in colony size. Our pre-adoption veterinary medical protocol which includes FIV and FeLV testing, altering, core vaccinations and appropriate parasite control sets an educational example of responsible pet care as well as increasing the probability of healthy cat/kitten adoptions into new homes.

* Overpopulation -the straightforward tragedy of too many cats and not enough homes- is the greatest killer of cats in the world today. These needless deaths can be prevented simply by altering your animal. The TEAM van here in CT. has contributed major efforts in reducing the feline overpopulation dilemma. MEOW INC. supports and applauds their work. For those individuals who are not able to work with the TEAM van schedule, MEOW INC. continues to offer reduced-cost altering in cooperation with many area veterinarians.

* Rabies, a deadly viral disease of both human and non-human animals, entered CT. more than 10 years ago. Since that time CT. law requires all cats 12 weeks of age and older be vaccinated for rabies. MEOW INC. shares that ongoing community responsibility by offering rabies vaccination clinics in Litchfield and neighboring communities.

HOW YOU CAN HELP


*Our "Noah's Ark" program is based on the belief that two is better than one.........we are talking cats here. Basically this program involves adopting 2 cats. The first cat is adopted to serve your needs and desires for a companion animal. The second cat is adopted as a companion for the first one but we ask that you go a step further and make this adoption because the cat needs you. We have significant numbers of timid cats that are desperate for good homes yet are passed over for the more adoptable friendly ones. These cats make excellent companions for other cats. With time and patience they can also make very good friends for humans.

* You can sponsor a MEOW cat for $20 a month or one of our special needs cats for $30 monthly. You will receive a picture and history sheet about your cats as well as periodic letters. If you would like to be purrsonally introduced, we would be happy to make the arrangements.

* If hands-on cat work appeals to you, we can use help socializing our timid cats. Basic grooming chores also need to be done. We need volunteers willing to learn Soft Paws application then help with Soft Paws clinics that are held periodically at our shelter.

* Our MEOW Mobile program is in its infancy but soon we will need drivers, their cars and time to drive those who are in need to veterinary appointments. A significant number of people....mostly the elderly....can't drive and depend on the assistance of others to get to the necessary care facilities for their pets. MEOW INC. would like to help out. You can help us do just that!

* If none of the above fits into your life and you still want to help, you membership support is deeply appreciated. In fact it is vital to the ongoing health of our organization.

Meow, Inc.
10 Nasser Rd.
Litchfield, CT. 06759
(860) 567-3277