Holiday Message
Feral Cat Update
CFC United Way
Events/Fundraisers
Adoption Information
Purina Labels
Heinz Pet Products Symbols
Special Thanks

A Holiday Message

Season's greetings from SADSAC! This time of year brings many treats for humans and pets alike. While most of us are trying to watch what we eat, our furry friends are not necessarily as choosy. Here are some of the things we need to keep out of paws' reach: holly, mistletoe, poinsettia, cyclamen, azalea, amaryllis, chocolate, alcohol, tinsel, garland, string, ornaments and, of course, most human medicines such as Advil and Tylenol.

So what if Rover actually finds his way into the cabinet, or Tiger makes it to the top of the Christmas tree? You can call the National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. There is a charge for this call, but if your pet has consumed any of these things, or maybe something else, it is important that you find out what to do right away. The NAPCC may advise you to call the clinic to seek medical attention for your pet. Have the ingredients available, if possible, the estimated amount consumed, the approximate amount of time since the item was eaten, and some general information about your pet such as age, weight, breed, medical problems, etc.

To those of you who have donated food, money, towels, treats, and other items to SADSAC, we truly appreciate your efforts. Without you, we would not be able to continue saving lives. We wish you a healthy, happy, and furry holiday season!

Feral Cat Update

For those of you who don't know what SADSAC is about, we are a small non-profit animal rescue group. We are struggling with a high feral cat population easily topping the one hundred mark. In recent news pages, I have been keeping readers up-to-date on some of my trials and tribulations in the capture, spaying, neutering, releasing, and sometimes taming of this unfortunate colony.

I am pleased to report that Rho, my favorite feral kitty, has settled in nicely. He has filled out and his coat just sparkles. He was instrumental in teaching another rescue, Belle, her kitty etiquette. Belle had this incorrigible habit of pounding repeatedly on any and every feline within paws' reach. You see, Rho is quite experienced in raising youngsters, since he grew up in a colony of over one hundred and has obviously had quite a few litters of his own. He taught Belle that no matter what she dished out, he could take it. Never losing his patience, he occasionally put her in her place. Try as she might to intimidate, control, and downright dominate him, he calmly stood his ground and ruled with a velvet paw. Belle has since been adopted, and I know he misses her. (I did, however, notice the other kitties having a going away celebration.) "Little Rho" currently resides with me, that is until we figure out exactly why she only weighs 4 pounds and is almost as big as her daddy (who weighs about 12 pounds at the moment). "Rho Junior" seems to have decided that I just might be someone he would like to get to know. After all, those Pounce treats sure are mighty tasty. I expect to be catching him any day now.

And just when I begin to feel as though I am making some progress, a neighbor came to me and complained that she wasn't going to be able to take all these cats spraying in her yard much longer. I quickly replied that they are cold, hungry, and have nowhere else to go. Her face changed for a moment, but I just don't know how much longer the neighborhood is going to "put up with" these cats. Good, safe outdoor homes are urgently needed for these feral kitties to keep them safe from the neighbors, cars, and animal control. If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact me as soon as possible.

Sherry Meier, President SADSAC

CFC United Way

There has been a tremendous response to our request for help via the CFC. We thank all of you who have designated us as your charity! For those of you who would like to assist us this way, our CFC number is 7768. These funds will help us to spay, neuter, and save as many lives as possible in the future.

Events/Fundraisers:

We will be running a concession stand at up-coming horse shows at Cedar Run Horse Center on Spriggs Rd. Feb. 11 and Feb. 17, 2001, starting at 8:00 AM. Additional dates will be available soon on our new calendar, and we've also included directions for your convenience. Admission to the shows is free.

We are still microchipping at Independent Hill Veterinary Clinic. Please call (703) 791-2083 to make an appointment.

Adoption Information

Due to increasing time constraints, our adoption days will be held twice a month, generally on the 2nd and 4th Saturday, from 11AM to 2PM at Independent Hill Veterinary Clinic, 13444 Dumfries Road (Woodbine Shopping Center on Route 234), Manassas, VA. However, major holidays may interfere with this schedule. For your convenience, we now have a calendar, and we'll post dates regularly there. If you need more information, call Sherry at (703) 221-0324.

Save Those Purina Labels!

Check your dog and cat food bags for weight circles from Purina Proplan and CNM Rx diets for donation to SADSAC. You can drop them off at the clinic any time. Just tell the receptionist to give them to Sherry. We thank you in advance.

Heinz Pet Product Symbols

We hope soon to begin participating in the Homeless Homer Program sponsored by Heinz Pet Products. Please watch for Homeless Homer or Morris the Cat symbols on these products:

After you've clipped the symbols, sort them into like "denominations", and when you have ten of the same symbol, staple them together--it's that simple! Like the Purina weight circles, these may be dropped off at the clinic for Sherry. Thank you!

Special Thanks To:

And so many, may more--for all your help with funds, fundraisers, kitty transportation, adoptions, vet care, food, litter, supplies and support. You are the ones that make it work. From all of our paws to all of yours, than you. We wish you a happy and safe holiday season!