Courageous cats need you

Carolyn Callender

Are you a cat lover interested in finding the perfect pet companion? Check out Adoption Days organized by the Animal Rescue Network and its clinics, where volunteers can answer your questions. Based on your lifestyle and needs, and the needs of the cat, volunteers will recommend cats they think will be a good match for you.

Choosing­ adoption over petshops

Adoption is less costly. The $130 adoption fee includes vaccination and sterilization (both performed pre-adoption) and 30 days of medical care under pet insurance — an affordable alternative to the $250 to $300 required to purchase, sterilize and vaccinate a store-bought pet.

Your adoption fee helps Animal Rescue Network provide food, shelter and medical care to our growing population of animals. Although you’ll only find cats at Adoption Days, dog lovers can contact the Network and meet dogs for adoption.

Adoption Days

• Saturday, May 10, 12pm – 4pm at Natural Animal & Pawtisserie, 4932B Sherbrooke W. Info: 514-488-4729
• Saturday, May 17, 10am – 4pm at
• J.E. Mondou, 10315 Lajeunesse.
• Info: 514-381-4747
• Saturday, May 17, 10am – 3pm at J.E. Mondou, 2032 Victoria Ave., Greenfield Park. Info: 450-672-5080
• Saturday June 7, 10am – 4pm at J.E. Mondou, 90 Jean-Talon E. Info: 514-271-5503

Founded in 1994 by Barbara Lisbona, the Animal Rescue Network has become the largest no-kill animal shelter in Quebec. The organization never euthanizes an animal unless an extreme level of sickness and suffering necessitates it. At any one time there are approximately 300 cats staying at the main shelter in Rosemont. The shelter does not have any paid employees or receive government subsidies.

The Network also has a number of foster homes. Info: 514-938-6215

Cats up for adoption

Toby, is 8 with a slight weight problem, is sociable and welcomes visitors with a lot of purring. He was adopted in 2002 and returned to the shelter after 6 years with his 2 feline friends since the owners had a baby who is allergic. He loves to roll around and be caressed.

Rambo, a beautiful grey cat male, 7, became homeless after his owner’s death. He is calm and charming. He has since recovered from this shock and just wants to be loved!

Blanche, a lovely female cat, 8, has beautiful green eyes and imma­culate white fur. Her owner abandoned her in 2001 under the pretext that she was bad-natured, which we find hard to believe! She is quiet and calm, hardly noticed around the shelter – but she would dearly love to live in a home where she is noticed and appreciated.

Felix, a cute male cat, 8, lived with a woman who had too many cats. Felix loves other cats and is gentle yet nervous. Perhaps this is his secret to retain his tiny waist as he is thin and in good health.

Info: arn-rsa.rescuegroups.org