Huey Is The Reason For The Season

At some point, most visitors to Red Door will come across Huey. Most people will exclaim how big Huey is, or will compliment him on his distinct Ocicat markings. Huey loves visitors, because having visitors means having people who will lavish him with attention...and the occasional treat if he can sneak one. This was Huey's 11th year at Red Door, and despite his numerous medical ailments, he's still going strong and is as goofy and playful as ever. While many people would say that Huey is lucky to have Red Door, the truth is, Red Door is lucky to have Huey. His spirit to overcome the odds stacked against him, his loving and generous nature, his affable personality are all great reminders to us all this holiday season to love the ones who love us unconditionally.

From all of the staff, volunteers, cats, rabbits, and dogs at Red Door, have a Happy Holiday, and a safe and Happy New Year.

Venitian Nights

Venitia was originally found outside by someone who tried to keep her, but she simply did not get along with the other cats in the household. Venitia is just a little thing, and if you didn't know she was an adult cat, you might think she was a kitten. She was in very poor condition when she was admittted to Red Door. There were patches of fur missing from her back, scabs all over her body, a small hard nodule just beneath her skin on her shoulder, and her left eye appeared to be damaged. The veterinarians who first examined her thought that maybe someone had tried to roughly shave all of her fur off, cutting her with the razor in the process. The small hard nodule lodged in her shoulder was thought to be a pellet or a bee bee. This was later confirmed by an eye specialist who said that it appeared that her left eye had been shot with a pellet or bee bee. The doctor confirmed that Venitia most likely could not see out of this eye, however, no treatmeant or surgery was required.

Venitia did not allow any of these things to deter her. In the weeks and months since coming to Red Door, her skin has improved dramatically, and she's getting around superbly with the use of only one eye. She's very sweet, affectionate, and trusting, which is surprising given her prior history with treatment from people. She's not a big fan of other cats, and would be best in a loving home on her own.

Cookies, gifts, and Santa! Did we mention cookies?

On Sunday November 20th, Red Door will host its annual Winter Bazaar at the Indian Boundary Fieldhouse (2500 W. Lunt) from 11am-4pm. This annual event features dozens of varieties of homemade cookies and baked goods sold by the pound, as well as the dozen or so vendors who will have their goods for sale. Everything from handmade jewelery and artwork, to books and toys. You will be sure to find something for that special loved one- or for yourself!

Of course, not to be missed is Santa, who is once again taking time out of his busy schedule and will be gracing us with his presence from the North Pole. Yes, it's true, Santa is a HUGE supporter of Red Door (duh, he wears red!). And for any of you doubting whether or not this is the real Santa...rest assured...his ID, references and credentials have all been checked out. He IS the real deal. Santa will be available for photos with you and your family- both furry and not so furry alike. Photos are only $10, and everyone will receive a nice, 4x6 keepsake photo. Coffee and cider will also be available, so come in from out of the chilly weather, get warmed up, get yourself some sweets (because YOU deserve it), browse some great handmade gifts for loved ones (because THEY deserve it), and bring your pooch to sit on Santa's lap so he can tell Santa all about that new Red Rider Bouncy Kong Toy With This Little Thing That You Put Treats In.

Reunited and It Feels So Good!

Red Door cat Mango was uncerimoniously dumped at our door in 2002 with no note or explanation. His luck soon changed when he found his adoptive home in 2003 where he has been even since. In August of this year, Red Door received a call from Mango's adopter. Sadly, her home had foreclosed and she was being evicted, and had no where to go. It was her last resort to have to bring Mango back to the shelter, but she had nowhere else to go. She was heartbroken, and one can only imagine that Mango was devastated. She tearfully brought Mango back, where he has been until October of this year. Recently this month we received word from his owner that she had gotten herself back on her feet, financially stable, and was living in a pet friendly apartment where she had placed a pet deposit down. The only thing she was missing terribly was Mango. This past week, Mango was reunited with his mom. She is overjoyed to have him back in her life, and Mango voiced his approval with a big "MEOW!" when he saw her again.

A Holiday Movie For All To See

The Christmas Bunny, an award winning movie starring Florence Henderson, is coming to a shelter near you this holiday season. Red Door is offering DVD copies of the movie for purchase for only $15, with proceeds from sales going to help the homeless animals at Red Door. The Christmas Bunny has numerous themes, though two of the main themes are animal welfare and adoption. It is a very uplifting, family friendly movie, which also offers a positive portrayal of rabbits.  The DVD makes a great gift this holiday season for family and friends. You can pick yours up at Red Door during business hours, or stop by the Winter Bazaar on November 20th from 11am-4pm. Don't wait too long though, quantities are limited!

Higher Learning

Red Door received a phone call one week night from a school administrator at Northside College Prep about a domestic rabbit one of the students had caught in the school garden. We arranged to have the rabbit come in so it could be looked over for any illnesses or parasites. By the time the administrator had brought the rabbit to the shelter two days later, four other rabbits had been found on school grounds! It didn't end there...yet another one was caught and subsequently adopted by a student, and sadly three more were found dead in the garden. While they were waiting to go to Red Door, students brought in supplies for the rabbits, and helped to care for them.

All five rabbits were eventually transferred into the "Red Door School System" for further evaluation. Half of them had coccidia, another had bite wounds from another animal that had abcessed and needed immediate surgery, and yet another needed surgery to remove bot fly larvae (yes, it's as gross as it sounds, you can google the images, but not recommended for the faint of heart).

Unfortunately, we may never know how or why these nine buns ended up outside like they did, fending for themselves. The most obvious answer is that a person most likely placed them there, thinking they would be able to survive on their own after being cared for by people their whole lives. As three of the rabbits showed, the odds of a domestic rabbit being able to survive outside on its own are slim to none. This year, Red Door has rescued a record number of rabbits who had been left outside by people ignorant to the fact that wild rabbits and domestic rabbits are not the same creatures.

This story ends on a high note, with nearly all of the rabbits cleared of coccidia, and two of the rabbits recovering from their surgeries. they are on the road to recovery, and will be ready for adoption in no time. Thank you to Northside Prep and all of the students and school administrators who helped to rescue these rabbits and get them to safety. The rabbits all agreed, you get an A for effort.

Month of Discounted Adoptions Ends on High Note

For the month of August, all adoptions at Red Door were 25% off the regular adoption fee of $100 for cats and rabbits. We saw 12 animals find new homes during those 31 days, including two pairs of cats adopted out together! One of the biggest names adopted was Dee, adopted on the last day of August. Dee came to Red Door as a 6 month old over two and a half years ago. She spent her time in the kitten room, and as time went on, she outgrew her kittenhood and became an adult cat. She saw a lot of kittens come and go in those two years. About a month ago, she was moved to the common area at Red Door and everyone saw her personality shine. It didn't take long for her after that to find the home that fit her the best. Her adopter reports that Dee is doing great in her new home, and has become quite fond of "punching dough" on her new companion. :)