Tag Archives: Sharon Wylie

Cat of the week: Juanita

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Meet gorgeous Juanita!

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW)


On Sept. 17, 2018, a super nice gal on the northwest side of Grand Rapids contacted Dr. Jen for help in placing a kitty she had rescued a week prior that turned up Feline Leukemia-positive. Although the rescuer was totally in love with the beautiful and bubbly teenager (born in February of 2018), she wasn’t comfortable adding a cat with this virus into her furry household; FELV+ can be transmitted through saliva (grooming, shared dishes) and blood (fighting), so unless a resident cat is fully vaccinated against the virus, it isn’t smart to intermingle the two.


Dr. Jen was more than thrilled to open our sanctuary doors to this little lass, and thankfully she did at that point in time as Juanita was terribly anemic; both antibiotics and steroids were started for a blood parasite that is common in stray cats who have either been flea infested or are immuno-compromised


Ten days later, Dr. Jen’s treatment was deemed a smashing success, and she was able to spay kitty, but another 10 days after that, Juanita came down with a highly transmissible respiratory infection (calicivirus) and was quarantined until her oral ulcers healed—poor girl could not catch a break! But no worries, as jovial Juanita is a sturdy, saucy kitty who is bound and determined to take what comes her way and kick it to the curb.


Ten days later, Dr. Jen’s treatment was deemed a smashing success, and she was able to spay kitty, but another 10 days after that, Juanita came down with a highly transmissible respiratory infection (calicivirus) and was quarantined until her oral ulcers healed—poor girl could not catch a break! But no worries, as jovial Juanita is a sturdy, saucy kitty who is bound and determined to take what comes her way and kick it to the curb.


Ten days later, Dr. Jen’s treatment was deemed a smashing success, and she was able to spay kitty, but another 10 days after that, Juanita came down with a highly transmissible respiratory infection (calicivirus) and was quarantined until her oral ulcers healed—poor girl could not catch a break! But no worries, as jovial Juanita is a sturdy, saucy kitty who is bound and determined to take what comes her way and kick it to the curb.

Since her arrival at Big Sid’s, it is safe to say that she has taken the place by storm, and that everyone (human and feline) is quite enamored by her:

“Juanita — what a little doll! She is such an outgoing little girl. She quickly made friends with just about everyone, and she and Eros have been seen chasing each other around the last few days, that is when she isn’t snuggled up napping with Gordo. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her pint-sized body. She loves to hang out up high on her favorite cat walk either looking down at everything going on when she isn’t directly involved in the activity.”

“If anyone is looking for a playful kitten-like cat, she would be perfect. She will require LOTS of feather toys as they are her absolute favorite.”


In all honesty, Juanita would be just about the perfect cat companion if it weren’t for the darned virus that could hold back her chances of being adopted. Cats with FELV can and often do live healthy, happy lives, and we have known dozens upon dozens over the years who have thrived, living well into late adulthood, so her viral status isn’t an immediate threat. Yes, certain living circumstances are required to house cats like Juanita, and education is key to understanding what the virus is all about and what to watch for as she ages, but she and all of our resident Sid’s Kids are some of the most loving, agreeable and affectionate cats around, and each of them deserves to end up in a home of their very own.


We know for a fact that Little Miss Sunshine here is going to add so much joy to her adopter’s life because she is simply so easy to fall hopelessly in love with and a hoot to engage, interact and play with!

More about Juanita:

  • Small
  • Domestic Short Hair, Black
  • Young
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • FELV+
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Juanita? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.


Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Leonard Purrstein

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The kid is a hard worker

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

When Dr. Jen first laid eyes on the strikingly stunning Leonard, she was impressed with how composed and sure of himself he was considering we were the third facility he had been in since June of 2018. Initially, he was transferred from Calhoun County to Focus on Ferals where it was discovered that he was FIV+. Having a bigger heart than space for these viral-bound cats, Gina committed to keeping him in her program with the hopes that someday soon there would be an opening for him at our sanctuary; luckily for them both, we were able to open our doors to the debonair Leonard Purrnstein in early August.

This muscular, 14-lb. lug (born in early 2014) was hungry for affection and couldn’t wait to repay our attention in kind with head butts and cuddle sessions. We’ve discovered that his favorite thing in the whole, wide world is wet food, wet food and more wet food—even more than people! In fact, he has become our little garbage disposal, cleaning up every single plate and bowl that the others leave behind. When he isn’t hanging out in the food prep area in our free-roaming shelter begging for handouts, he can be found snoozing away high upon a cat tree as, after all, a food coma is secondary to a full tummy.

Leonard really doesn’t care for the other cats, and at times he gets a bit too big for his britches and causes commotion, but he is surrounded by 49 other cats, so who can blame him. However, he has also has shown us his mellow, softer side so we feel that placing him in a home with a laid-back cat would be acceptable to him. Since FIV+ is transmitted through bite wounds, it is no wonder that being in close quarters with so many of the feline kind gets him a bit rattled, but food is an easy way to diffuse any tense situation with him.

Hopefully, he won’t leave our place much heavier than he arrived, but we figure he deserves a little spoiling given all that it took to get him here to us! We feel he would thrive in a home with kids and lots of things to climb; he may be part monkey, as the higher up he can get the happier he is. Overall, we adore Leonard, are enthralled by his intense good looks, and are thoroughly enjoying having him as an official Sid’s Kid until we find him his fur-ever home.

More about Leonard Purrnstein:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Short-haired Tabby (Tiger-striped), White
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Leonard Purrnstein? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Grey Catsby

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Meet Mr. Grey Catsby

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

We felt it best in this case to relay the story of who this fine fella is and how he came to be in his guardian angel’s own words, as Grey Catsby (born in August of 2013) came to us under different circumstances and under the assumption that he was feline leukemia-positive (he retested negative several times). Here is his story in Augusta’s words:

“Grey is a big boy, but he’s not overweight and doesn’t overeat, he is just big-boned at 16 pounds. He’d make a great companion as he is pretty chill, but he would prefer to be the only cat in the place. His brother must have harassed him quite a bit as he wouldn’t eat or have a treat for a long time until he’d made sure no other critter was around.

“He’s smart and trainable, a big fan of Greenies, catnip, chicken and Lickables, though he isn’t a huge fan of canned food. He has excellent litter box manners and likes cuddles with people he bonds with, which I think he would do fairly easy with anyone who is consistent, gives him lotsa crunchy treats for basic good behavior, and only uses a loud or stern voice when he is doing something wrong (that doesn’t happen very often). He will be quite shy at first as he has been through a lot, and I don’t believe he had ever had a treat or toy in his life before I got him; he is just starting to get what toys are and feel safe enough to play.

“Until he has bonded with you, he won’t like you messing with the top of his head; he is OK with petting. but toys that are catapulted over his head or sudden, unexpected movements can freak him out. Honestly, I’ve worked with a ton of cats and this dude is really sweet. In the morning, he will wait for me to get my coffee and when I sit down with it, he will come over, look me in the eye and gently tap my arm with his right paw to ask for some cuddles; it is as if he has missed me while I was sleeping (even though he slept with me on the bed all night).

“I believe that feeling safe and secure is something he hadn’t much of, and that is probably as much to do with his nature as a nurturer. He becomes much more worried when there is a man and a woman in the house, though two woman are fine; add a man to the mix and he gets a bit skittish. He witnessed a great deal of verbal and some physical abuse in his former home, so he will just need consistency and kindness to allow him to start shining again.

“I can say with certainty that he now has the basic, but perhaps fragile, trust in believing in humans, and is learning that they can do right by him. In spite of his upbringing, he is not a lot of work, he’s cuddly without being clingy, and he’s getting happier by the day.”

Once you know his background, you can understand his demeanor with us since his arrival, and you are instantly SO PROUD of how far he has come in such a short period of time: Grey Catsby had a hard time adjusting to the hustle and bustle of shelter life but is doing much better. He still spends most of his time observing the action from the top of the catwalk, but if you call him, he will come down for pets. He will make an excellent cat for a family once he warms up to his new home. He could live with or without other cats. He is the perfect gentleman, and also very handsome.   

Grey Catsby likes people but isn’t crazy about being the center of attention. Once he comes down from the catwalk, though, he enjoys being near you — although he’s a bit shy at first. Anyone looking for a cat that has his quiet mannerisms will be very lucky. He may need a little extra time adjusting to new surroundings but would do just fine in no time. 

When Grey was sick with calicivirus, he got extra one-on-one attention, and we think that helped him be more comfortable with us (strange as that may sound). He would be perfect for any home with older kids, another cat, or a small dog.

Well, there ya have it folks, Grey Catsby in a nutshell. We are thoroughly enjoying watching him become brave and more self-assured every single day that he is with us. Augusta did a fantastic job laying the groundwork and Grey is coming in to his own with purpose and grace.

More about Grey Catsby:

  • Extra-large
  • Domestic Short-hair, Gray & White
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Prefers a home without dogs

Want to adopt Grey Catsby? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Viggo

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Meet Sir Viggo, a most debonair gentleman

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Former volunteer and ‘Queen of the Stray Cats’, Rochelle M. live-trapped this striking stud-muffin who had been hanging around her Cutlerville home in mid-September, 2018. Her intention was to take #130 to CSNIP for neutering and then release him back outdoors as he kept company with members of her feral colony, but when he proved to her just how affectionate and friendly he was and was sporting some pretty nasty cat fight wounds, she contacted Dr. Jen for help.

 

It wasn’t a surprise that this stunning black and gray smoky fella (born around March of 2016) turned up positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) given the fact he was intact and a scrapper, but it was quite shocking as to the sheer number of fleas he had infesting his battered and bedraggled body; how he avoided becoming anemic was beyond comprehension, but thankfully his issues were only skin deep and healed up wonderfully well.

 

Our shelter and cat care managers have some pretty good insight as to what makes our silver fox Viggo tick: “This drop-dead gorgeous guy has come a long way since we took him in. He was a bit of a spitfire and would pick on any cat that walked past him but is doing much better now — and was even snuggling with Sia recently. He’s really started to show his cute personality by following volunteers around looking for the attention he deserves”

 

“Once in awhile he lets out a meow and I’ll pick him up and he just sits there in my arms looking up at me. He loves to nap A LOT! I think he is so fond of snoozing because he has relaxed so much since he has been with us, finally safe and able to sleep soundly.”

 

And of course we can’t overlook the obvious: he has the coolest markings and fur that you can’t help but run your fingers through, with those silver undertones that rival that of his namesake. He’d do best in a home with a companion, as we feel he would be utterly amazing with kids and probably a dog too; Viggo probably could cohabitate harmoniously with the right type of cat as well (non-confrontational, mellow and a snuggler so that no biting occurs that could transmit the virus), and most certainly would thrive in a home overflowing with humans.

 

So as you can clearly see, this debonair and dashing feline specimen really is the complete picture: affectionate, outgoing, people-oriented and overall just a gregarious guy looking for a place to call his very own. And after all that he went through to land with us, Viggo most definitely deserves it.

More about Viggo:

  • Large
  • Black, Gray/Blue/Silver, Smoke
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Viggo? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Stavros

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

It’s goes without saying that scruffy little Stavros had seen his fair share of tough times before he was picked up on south campus of Davenport College in mid-August 2018. His rescuer took him in and housed him, making sure he had his basic needs met (food, water, shelter) but he still had a long way to go in filling out his bony frame (he was starving when found); he also needed to be neutered and was in dire need of a spa day.

 

When he was taken in to a local vet a week prior to coming to us, it was discovered that he was FIV+, which made long-term housing even more challenging. So the dynamic duo of Lynnette and Sue asked for our assistance, and on October 8th Dr. Jen was able to bring this stinky, skunky (yet adorable), filthy, matted and formerly flea-ridden fellow into our program, but first he had to make a long overdue pit stop at the clinic. While there Dr. Jen not only (nicely) took away his manhood but combed an entire cat’s worth of hair off of him, treated a nasty ear infection and extracted some problematic teeth.

 

Once he was bathed and beautified, stunning Stavros (born around October of 2013) was ready to head on down to Sid’s to receive lots of hands on attention, something he had clearly been missing for quite some time.

 

Since Dr. Jen only got to spend a bit of time with him at the clinic upon intake, and then again for his follow-up a month later, she asked my cat care people for some insight on our ever evolving Stavros:

 

“He is becoming a really sweet boy. He was so scared for the first couple weeks he was with us, but now he purrs and happy drools. He still spends all of his time up on the cat walk, but he will let you know when he wants attention. He seems to get confidence from being around the other cats, so he should go to a home that has at least one other cat. He does get a little nervous at times, so it is probably best he live without obnoxious dogs or young kids.”

 

“Stavros—I love this cat!! He has a secret… he LOVES one-on-one attention as long as you have the brush or comb in hand; he drools, coos, and shakes when he’s being brushed which cracks me right up. He’s always got that concerned/ puzzled look on his face which I think some perceive as “not friendly”, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. He’s a quieter, keep to himself kind of cat until you set him down either on your lap or next to you and start brushing his super fuzzy soft hair. Everything about him is just adorable to me. He’s not real crazy about a lot of the other cats near him, but has not once shown any aggression towards them. He’d do well in a quieter home with lots and lots of attention. No dogs, but possibly another non-dominant cat.”

 

We also have it on good authority that someone has a finger fetish—to the point where he will slobber and nibble on your fingertips, so you have to watch out as when he gets a bit over-enthusiastic he can’t help but give a love chomp! There exists a video of him enjoying grooming himself so exuberantly that the slurping sounds he elicited almost made the videographer gag a bit.

 

We figure that he spent so much time dirty and dread-locked that now he can finally keep him self shiny and clean he is going to make the most of it—and make sure everyone knows what he is doing! In the short time we have had him, Stavros has come such a long way, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us.

More about Stavros:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Medium Hair & Domestic Short Hair Mix
  • Gray/Blue/Silver, White
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Prefers a home without dogs, children

Want to adopt Stavros? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Otter

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

On October 13, 2018, Dr. Jen received this very heartfelt request: “I’ve been trying to avoid writing this email for a long time. I adopted Otter in 2009 and he’s been my best friend from Day 1. My partner and I have been living separately for the past 5 years due to his severe allergic reaction to my cat, but we’ve reached the point where we’d like to start our lives together. I have tried everything to place Otter into a home I trust but nearly everyone in my life has multiple pets and the inability to take on another. I am hoping that, even after all of this time, Otter still can have a place at Crash’s. He means the world to me and I can’t consider him going somewhere his life might be at risk. Please let me know if this is still an option. I’m heartbroken and just need to know he will be safe and loved.

 

“He’s lived the past 3 years with two rescue pit bulls, as part of the gang we affectionately call ‘Two Pitties & a Kitty’. He’s a little instigator who loved to get the pups to chase and play with him, especially taking on the laser pointer together. Otter has been through probably half a dozen moves with me and has handled change like a champ, always making himself instantly comfortable. His favorite pastimes are sleeping on the windowsill in the sun, chirping at the birds or any other wildlife he can see, and snuggling on your chest while purring in your face (his purr motor never shuts off). He loves catnip probably too much (we have had talks about it). Otter has been my one constant through so much change over the last near decade—he is part of my heart and soul.”

 

Every time we read this, we get choked up; to love someone so much and have to let them go is one of the most difficult decisions to have to make. We strive for our motto to be ‘once a Crash cat, always a Crash cat’, so there was no question about it—Otter was of course welcomed back into our furry fold. Since he is a senior citizen (born in August of 2008) and had been away from us for such a long time, Dr. Jen was a bit concerned that his world would be turned upside-down, but literally within minutes he was trucking around the place, finding himself a great vantage point on a perch and surveying his surroundings (this was of course after our grand reunion at the clinic where Dr. Jen got to personally greet him and get some long overdue lovin’ ).

 

He is such a sweet, gentle cat who more often than not can be seen being carried around in the arms of a volunteer, obviously enjoying every second of hands-on time with his new BFF’s. He is going to thrive in a home where he can be showered with attention, both human and canine-kind; you can even throw a cat or two in the mix and all will be right with Otter’s world once again.

 

He really is the perfect cat, and if you haven’t heard, 10 is the new 5, so age certainly isn’t a factor in considering Otter as your lifelong kitty companion; a full work-up at the clinic deemed him healthy after several teeth were extracted, with sensational lab work to boast about as well. As you can see from how his mom gushed about him and by how smitten our volunteers are with him already, this great guy here really is exactly the type of cat that will seamlessly transition into any happy household and add so much joy to it as well, so don’t let a cat as magnificent as Otter pass you by!

More about Otter:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Tabby (brown/chocolate, tiger-striped, white)
  • Senior
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, dogs, children

Want to adopt Otter? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

Cat of the week: Mr. Fluffytail

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

In early October of 2018, we received a special plea from a wonderful woman on the east side of the state regarding a very special kitty she had rescued and then sadly surrendered to her local humane society; immediately she regretted her decision and was applying to adopt him back when she discovered he was harboring the feline leukemia virus. Because she has a negative cat at home, she didn’t feel comfortable risking exposure (the virus is transmitted through bodily fluids like saliva), but she just couldn’t fathom the potential outcome of her super friendly, fluffy fella. So, she contacted us in the hopes that Dr. Jen could lend her a hand, and once the good doc agreed to help when we had a spot open, she made work of insuring his safety there until she could spring him and bring him on over.

 

Thankfully because of her valiant efforts and a very accommodating staff at the Michigan Humane Society, Big Sid’s was able to welcome this fabulous four-year-old (born in the fall of 2014) into our free-roaming facility.

 

From the instant we met, we were fast friends, as he won us over with his silly antics, voice bigger than he is and his affinity for people pleasing. He had to hang out with Dr. Jen at the clinic for a few days as she needed to treat an abscess that went undetected (he had received treatment for one at the HS), extract all of his incisors and address an inflammatory condition know as stomatitis which causes oral pain secondary to significant inflammation (this is quite common in FELV+ kitties). Dr. Jen had such fun while he was there, even though he spent most of his time hootin’ and hollerin’ at her and her coworkers so they would stop what they were doing, take him out of his cage and cuddle him—he is too darn adorable to resist.

 

Mr. Fluffytail, aptly named by his rescuer, needed only about a half of a second to acclimate to his new, cushy surroundings, as he was raring to go meet and greet everyone that he laid his eyes on. At the writing of his story about a month after his arrival, he is still very chatty, extremely playful and sports a kitten attitude with the appetite to rival a 20 pounder! He is constantly on the move and LOVES any and all attention sent his way, so he has to keep filling his belly as he burns calories faster than he can take them in.

 

He is by far one of THE HAPPIEST CATS we have ever had—and we have had our fair share of extremely enthusiastic residents over the past 16 years. He is constantly the center of attention and is always getting into things—he is just thriving in our busy shelter. He would do fabulously well with a house full of kids so we are going to make that our target goal: Fluffytail + rambunctious children = best idea ever!

 

The only thing squirrelly about him is his tail, which sometimes we swear is about the same diameter of his lithe and lanky body. If you aren’t immediately taken by his cute personality, his awesome amber eyes and striking, silky fur will draw you in and never let you go; he is so darn handsome. I know I speak for everyone at Big Sid’s when I say that we are so very blessed to have such an energetic and goofy guy as part of our furry crew; his lust for life and the pure unadulterated bliss he exudes from every single pore is absolutely contagious.

More about Mr. Fluffytail:

  • Medium
  • Tabby (brown/chocolate, tiger-striped, white)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • FELV+
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Mr. Fluffytail? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

Cat of the week: Aoili

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

What are the chances that this saucy, spicy kitty that is unable to hear would be discovered and ultimately rescued by an interpreter for the deaf? We couldn’t believe it either, but when former volunteer Kathy relayed the story of how this two-year-old (born around October of 2016) came to be, we were convinced more than ever that fate plays a huge part in our everyday lives.

 

This wispy little waif was literally starving out in Sandy Pines, taking up residence outside of a pizza joint and running after golf carts in hopes of scoring dinner; after spending far too many days chasing after humans for handouts that never came, and countless cold nights huddled in the rain in hopes of someone taking her in, she was literally begging for a second chance. So kindhearted Kathy took it upon herself to insure kitty had a safe place to go (Crash’s) and armed with cat food and a carrier, headed out to find, feed and cart this hungry kitty off to warmth and safety—and all before an early morning work meeting on Oct. 1, 2018.

 

Thankfully, adorable, outgoing Aoili had already been spayed before she was carelessly tossed out like the trash, but she was still quite defenseless given the fact she wouldn’t be able to hear danger presenting itself until it could have been far too late. She was filthy, flea-ridden and later developed an ear infection and nasty respiratory virus that caused oral ulceration and a high fever—as if the poor girl hadn’t been through enough already.

 

However, true to her spunky nature, she rebounded with ease and put much-needed weight back on her undernourished frame. Those first few days at Crash’s were spent filling her belly, sleeping and getting acclimated to her new surroundings, all the while letting her roomies and caretakers get to know what an independent and incredibly intriguing girl she is; suffice it to say she certainly made her presence known!

 

While she’s not one to physically pick a fight, she sure is one to let out a heck of a growl to let the other kitties know her personal space is important to her. It is safe to assume that because she’s deaf, she easily gets overwhelmed with all the other cats, and tends to be a bit hissy. She’s getting better about being picked up, gets excited when she smells treats or sees the food tray coming, and could spend all day on the window ledge watching the birds and squirrels. She really is an adorable, gorgeous girl with her baby blues and snow-white fur, but she would definitely need a home that understands she is special needs and will need some time adjusting to everything in her new environment that she can only see and smell.

 

Aioli can run very hot and cold: she can be incredibly sweet when it pleases her, but when she’s done with snuggles and loving she isn’t afraid to slap you. She also gets irritated if she is woken up suddenly as she can’t hear you coming, so it simply scares her. She prefers the other cats to keep their distance but is fine with them if they respect the spatial boundaries she has set up for herself. She would do best in a home without young kids since she does spook easily.

 

We would love to see her in a place where she could spend the afternoons dozing in the sun, then have her humans come home to spoil her with tasty little tidbits, a few pets here and there and some comfy couch time.

 

Aioli is going to be a bit more challenging to adopt out given her attitude, but it is her tenacity and take-charge demeanor that got her noticed in the first place, so we don’t fault her for being a bit demanding. Considering everything she has been through and how hard she fought to get to where she is today, everyone who meets her is instantly in awe of her survival instincts and enamored by her charm and beauty. We sure do love our saucy, sassy spitfire—and you will, too!

More about Aoili :

  • Medium
  • Domestic short hair
  • Adult
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Special needs: deaf, spooks easily
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Prefers a home without children

Want to adopt Aoili? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

 

Cat of the week: Asha

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

In early September 2018, Caledonia resident Amanda T. came across this lovely young lady (born in early October of 2017) roaming around her property. She and her husband considered giving her a permanent home as she was exceptionally friendly and affectionate but weren’t quite sure what their resident cat would think. So they took Asha into their vet to get her checked out a few weeks later and discovered, much to their dismay, that she tested positive for Feline Leukemia. Since the virus is transmitted through the sharing of bodily fluids like saliva, they didn’t want to risk their kitty contracting it.

 

After contacting Dr. Jen and explaining the situation, the good doctor offered to take the darling girl they named Asha into our program at Big Sid’s, our sanctuary for kitties with FELV and FIV. Her name means ‘hope’, which we thought was very appropriate.

 

After spaying her (Amanda had gotten her set with deworming and vaccines prior to her arrival), Dr. Jen sent adorable little Asha on down to meet the rest of her roommates, and after a few days of rest and recovery, she dove right into the thick of things. She adores being smack dab in the middle of the action as she is young, vibrant and oh-so curious.

 

Asha finds bird watching a fantastic way to pass the time, and she is absolutely thrilled to let you rub her belly for hours on end. Initially, this little kitty was too busy to be held for very long, but over time she has discovered just how warm and tingly snuggling makes her feel. She gets along famously well with all of the other residents and is extremely playful, so a household with a few kids would really tickle her fancy!

 

Since Asha is so very fond of attention, she would be the perfect companion for someone who is home a lot and would be more than happy to offer up a lap for her to lounge on. She really is one of our sweetest girls—and considering she IS a calico that says a LOT! It’s a shame that she tested positive for the virus, though on her retest one month after her arrival she was only a faint positive, and since some cats with strong immune systems can clear the virus and not harbor the infection, Dr. Jen will be checking her again in mid-November. Fingers crossed!

 

Asha is truly an amazing cat and we are so thankful we were in a position to help out when it was most needed. There are vaccines that can be given to non-infected cats to help decrease the risk of transmission, so adoption is a very viable option in this case. It would be a shame to not let our cutie pie know the wonders or comfort of a cozy, loving home of her own. Don’t get me wrong, our place is AWESOME, but it is meant to be a stepping stone for bigger and better things. And what could be better than waking up to this fabulous feline face every single morning, or drifting off peacefully each night with her dainty paw touching your hand as you gently stroke her tummy fur, eliciting the purest purrs of contentment than you have ever heard? NOTHING is going to beat that.

More about Asha:

  • Medium
  • Calico
  • Adult
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • FELV+
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Asha? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

 

Cat of the week: Smudgee

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Social butterfly Smudgee was initially a Belmont rescue back in February of 2018 (we think she was four years old, born in early 2014) who was taken in by Focus on Ferals (FOF). They did their typical top-notch stray work-up, discovered she was FIV+, and was told she had already been spayed due to a scar on her ventral abdomen. So imagine their surprise when April rolled around and their sweet little calico-tiger girl popped out a litter of kittens!

 

Unable to house a mom and brand-spanking newborns at their facility, FOF enlisted the help of a dual volunteer who took in the beautiful brood and provided a cozy, comfy foster home for Smudgee and her three offspring until the kittens could be weaned and placed into their adoption program. Mama then went back to FOF and awaited her turn to find a home, but as the months rolled on by and she was overlooked time and time again, FOF enlisted our help; on Aug. 6th, Big Sid’s welcomed this darling, playful little lady as our newest member of a very elite group of kitties.

 

From the get-go, Smudgee has been extremely outgoing, always seeming to be around no matter where you are or where your gaze falls. She adores attention from the volunteers and is exceptionally tolerant of her surrogate son, Just Jack, who tackles her on a regular basis in hopes of getting her to chase him around. She mingles and mixes well with the older crowd too, and honestly is so laid-back that we feel she would thrive in pretty much any type of family situation—kids, cats and perhaps even a gentle companion of the canine persuasion.

 

Soon after her arrival, she discovered the joys of what we call our ‘feeding frenzy’ and since then has been a very enthusiastic participant; in fact, we are watching her dainty waistline so that she doesn’t eat so much as to appear pregnant—again! Interestingly enough, before Smudgee came down to our sanctuary, Dr. Jen had to extract all of the teeth behind her canines as her mouth was on fire due to an inflammatory condition known as stomatitis, a condition that is fairly common in FIV+ kitties.

 

And until Smudgee had partaken in the tempting tray feeding—get this—she was consuming kibble like a boss (even though yummy canned food was offered pre- and post-op at the clinic). Also on a positive note, since she doesn’t have a mean bone in her ever-expanding lil’ body AND she has only a few teeth to claim as her own, the risk of transmission to another household cat is negligible. Plus, will ya look at that ADORABLE FACE?! How anyone can resist that is beyond us.

More about Smudgee:

  • Medium
  • Calico
  • Adult
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Smudgee? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

 

Cat of the week: Remington

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

August of 2018 sure brought us our (un)fair share of cats that needed our assistance, and our sanctuary head count grew quite a bit due to the number of cats with either Feline Leukemia or FIV that were helpless and homeless. A Grand Rapids resident stumbled across this bedraggled boy, took him in to be checked out only to discover he had FELV AND an owner — who refused to contact her or the microchip company. Sadly the rescuer wasn’t in a position to keep him, and he badly needed further medical attention, so she asked for our help in getting her 6-year-old rescue (born in the summer of 2012) off the streets and into someplace safe.

 

It would be nice to say that Dr. Jen’s first meeting with this guy was love at sight — but it wasn’t. This scruffy orange and white fella wanted NOTHING to do with Dr. Jen and expressed his disdain for the situation he was in by lashing out and lacerating her with his dagger-like nails; what a little pistol he proved to be! Dr. Jen chalked up his less-than-desirable attitude to the fact his teeth were rotting out of his head and considered the fact that he was underweight (probably had tremendous difficulty eating) and had been shaved prior to his arrival in hopes of removing some of the skin-tight mats that caused focal areas of inflammation  scabbing and scaling.

 

So Dr. Jen forgave the ‘hot mess’ his momentary lapse in judgment and let it be known that if he dropped the tough guy act once and for all, life would treat him better than he could possibly imagine.

 

Needless to say, it took Remington several days to simmer down in his new surroundings and realize that not everyone was out to get him, but he took to shelter life much better than we anticipated. He still tends to growl when overwhelmed or if you come near him wielding a brush, but besides his initial attack on the good doc, he is not one to raise a paw to another cat or human to express his uneasiness. He has shown us that the way to his heart is through his stomach via endless bowls of yummy canned food; you can do no wrong when you fill his belly!

 

Remington has calmed down significantly in the month after his arrival, and secretly we think has developed a fondness for his caretakers, as he has been caught sneaking down the hallway after lights out at night to watch his humans as they depart; he may feign disinterest, but deep down we have grown on him. Besides stuffing his cheeks, Remington is most happy when he can perch on a sunny windowsill and watch the birds at the feeder. And although he doesn’t chum around with other cats, he doesn’t go out of his way to pester them, as he believes in keeping to his own space and respecting that of the others.

 

He has slowly learned to trust his food sources and is finding us to provide good company, though we feel that the type of home life that would be suit him is one where he can get comfortable at his own pace. Patience will definitely be the key to a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship between him and his person, but the rewards to be reaped will be worth the wait. We can see the potential in our Remi and want him to be able to find a place in this world that will provide him a gentle place for his soul to claim peace and his body and mind to finally flourish.

More about Remington:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Medium Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Prefers a home without children

Want to adopt Remington? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

 

Cat of the week: Ruger

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

In August of 2018, Dr. Jen received an email from a woman who came across this gorgeous gray and buff boy (all boy, if ya know what I mean) hanging around her workplace. She took him in to her vet to have him looked over and discovered, besides the obvious frayed ear tips, greasy stud tail and enlarged jowls, that he suffered from some significant dental issues and was FIV+. So she reached out to us to see if we could help him, offering to drive him up to the vet clinic in Wyoming and pay for his additional medical costs; we didn’t even need to see the picture of his long and lanky body sprawled out on a blanket, or gaze upon his goofy grin to know that he belonged with us at Big Sid’s.

 

Dr. Jen set to work on addressing his multitude of medical needs AFTER smooching his adorable face: neutering him, treating him for fleas, tending to a nasty nail fracture/toe infection, and extracting the broken roots of his upper canines (his upper incisors were already missing, more than likely due to the same trauma that snapped his fangs) along with several other rotten teeth. Once all was said and done, Ruger (born in early 2015) looked—and smelled—absolutely remarkable, and a few days later he bopped on down to our sanctuary with a smirk plastered on his face that elicited the same from every volunteer who crossed his path.

 

Our terrific tabby proved to be one of the happiest little campers around after settling and making himself at home; the benefits of indoor life seem to suit him immensely. Of course he appears to be smiling given his lack of choppers, but the more time Ruger spends in our care the more you can truly see how giddy he is, the glee just bubbling up inside of him, so the smile he boldly wears on his face does actually reflect how he feels with every fiber of his fabulous being.

 

Ruger still is a bit skittish when there is a lot of commotion going on, so a home with noisy dogs or boisterous kids may be too much for him, but he absolutely loves the company of the other cats, Craig in particular, so placing him in a home with another feline friend is a must. And he is a lover, not a biter (that would be quite difficult in his case), so the risk of viral transmission is minimal. He isn’t one to constantly seek out attention but will hand it over readily when you want some one-on-one kitty-time; he will also ask for your hand to bestow upon his the best belly rubs you can offer. Simply put, he is content to just BE a cat—an indoor, spoiled cat but a chill, laid-back cat.

 

It is a shame that his ears look like someone took pinking shears to them, and it upsets us that his adorable facial features came about due to the fact his health was neglected, but we choose to see the silver lining in instances like this, to look at the positive versus focusing on the negative. Our beautiful boy is emotionally none the worse for wear and he sports his unique physical traits with the pride of a survivor. Ruger is pawsitively one of the coolest cats around, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to make him your very own!

More about Ruger:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair (Buff/Tan/Fawn/Gray/Blue/Silver Tabby (Tiger Striped))
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats
  • FIV+

Want to adopt Ruger? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

 

Cat of the week: Dave

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Darling, dynamic Dave is all the rave, a stunning (yet ravenous) fella who showed up at the house of one of our cat magnets in late July 2018, making himself quite at home on the front porch, following her indoor cats from window to window, trying to convince the home owner to let him in. Because she was unsure of his health status, she first took him in to her vet (very smart on her part) to have him tested, dewormed and given flea control, but much to her dismay, this friendly fella came up positive for Feline Leukemia.

 

Sadly, the family had been prepared to take him in and make him part of their own furry fold, but Dave’s viral status forced them to look for alternative placement; that is where we came in. On Aug. 13, we opened our doors and hearts to this fabulous four-year-old feline (born in late 2014).

 

Dave needed a bit of a medical work-up–he had a nasty ear mite infection, an abraded foot pad, greasy stud-tail (he was intact), enlarged lymph nodes and a formerly fractured toe on his right rear foot. To top it off, he also had roundworms, giardia and lungworms. And shortly after he arrived at our sanctuary he broke out with calici virus which caused him to spike terribly high temps and develop painful tongue ulcers.

 

But in spite of it all, Dave never once complained, always cuddled, and took his meds like a the champ that he is; his true personality and spirit could not be dampened, as he showed us what a sweet, silly and playful boy he is, the purrfect mix of laid-back and inquisitive.

 

This beautiful boy proved to be one of those cats that will follow you around, not to bother you or beg for attention, but rather simply to see what you are up to. He is quite fond of nap time but will wake up in a hurry if a human enters the room and wants some snuggle time, though he waits patiently on his perch or in his cat cubby for his person to walk on over and rub his belly, an activity he will happily engage in until your hand falls asleep. He loves, loves, LOVES his canned food but it is pleasing people that satisfies him and fills him with contentment.

 

This awesome cat will thrive in pretty much any stimulating home environment, and we feel that he would also like to have another of the feline kind around; ideally finding him a home with another cat with FELV would be the best, but there are vaccines that offer protection against viral transmission that can be given to non-infected cats.

 

Dave is just too spectacular of a cat to pass on by—so don’t even try! Come meet him, pick him up in your arms and discover why we are all completely enamored by this cool cat.

More about Dave:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair — Tabby (Brown/chocolate)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • FELV-positive
  • Good in a home with other cats; children

Want to adopt Dave? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Hamish

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

On Friday the 13th of July 2018, a kind-hearted, cat-trappin’ citizen contacted Dr. Jen about a pair of friendly brothers that she had on a waiting list for another local shelter. Back in June the duo was brought in to Focus on Ferals after having been taken from a large population of stray cats roaming around on the Northeast side of town; they were neutered, tested and started on vaccines in hopes of eventually going into their adoption program.

 

But one of the boys (born in early 2016) had evidently suffered a trauma so severe to his side that his body wall ruptured, leaving him with a huge herniation that continued to grow over time; in fact it had been present for so long (probably over two years) that the repair attempt by his initial vet was ineffective. So when Dr. Jen was asked to give a second opinion on the case, she offered to take the brothers in to our program and set out to fix that humongous hernia (in the words of his rescuer).

 

As it turns out, not only was Hamish’s intra-abdominal fat pooching out underneath the skin through the tear in his body wall, but his poor spleen had become adherent to the opening, so it had to be surgically removed in order to close the defect. However, we are thrilled to report that with layers of sutures, cage rest and many crossed fingers, Hamish’s hernia is a thing of the past.

 

Hamish was nicknamed ‘The Handful’ as he can be as bratty as he is cute. He is a door diver, likes to rile the other cats up by picking fights or causing them to go after him due to his over-exuberance—he is constantly in motion. We can imagine that it feels downright awesome to be able to move around without having an internal organ squish out your side, so we do give the guy a bit of a break on this.

 

He LOVES people, but when he has had enough, he will swipe or swat to let you know that your services are no longer needed. He could live with other cats as long as he can be the dominant one, but small kids we feel are out of the picture; we do however suspect a dog might be right up his alley.

 

For safety measures, his owner will need a two-door entry and exit system as he is constantly darting out into our lobby (we have a triple door system. We have had quite a bit of success with taming the wild beast running wild by squirting him with a short burst of water from our ‘naughty kitty’ bottle; slowly but surely he IS learning to play nice with the others.

 

Overall we feel he is somewhat of an overgrown kitten and is just now getting to live the life he had always wanted: crazy, carefree and with reckless abandon (versus abandonment).

 

And he is STINKIN’ CUTE!

More about Hamish:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair — Tabby (Tiger-striped)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats; older children

Want to adopt Hamish? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Rockette

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

This summer (2018) has brought us an overabundance of kitties with injured legs, so when a Kentwood resident called the clinic asking for help with a cat whom she thought had a bone sticking out of its leg, Dr. Jen had them bring the kitty right down. As it turns out, this darling little girl (born in early 2017) had suffered a traumatic injury to her right rear leg, but the amputation had occurred some time ago, leaving behind a stump just above where her hock (ankle) should have been.

 

She did come with heavy fleas, a horrendous case of ear mites, a puncture wound on her neck that wasn’t healing well, and sadly in the early stages of pregnancy which Dr. Jen discovered during spay surgery. We can’t imagine what this poor cat went through, but thankfully her skin and bones healed, and even though she is a tripod without a foot, she is fearless in her fight and fabulous with her ferocity for fun!

 

From the get go NOTHING has slowed her down: she runs, leaps, bounds, twirls, kicks and literally jumps for joy, so giving her the name Rockette seemed to fit her perfectly. The observations of our shelter and cat care managers mirrored Dr. Jen’s impression of exuberant Rockette:

“Our girl so super sweet! She has made herself at home since the minute she arrived at the shelter. Her injury doesn’t hold her back at all; she climbs, runs, and jumps just fine. She can be very sassy with the other cats so she might enjoy being an only cat. She would do very well with kids though!”

“Despite her missing part of a leg, she is purr-petually on the move. She has a very sweet personality and craves attention. While she’s not one to be held for long, she will hop up on your lap and soak up whatever attention are willing to give. I love how she holds her own against the 4-legged cats, occasionally swatting, but yet playing nicely with them MOST of the time. Loves the laser show, and sprawling out on the toddler beds. Would do well in a home with another cat or two, but I think dogs may be a bit too much.”

We’re making it our mission to find our goofy girl a home that has children that can match her energy and enthusiasm for life, yet a kid or two who also wants a cuddly companion when playtime is over; we don’t think this will be a difficult task at all. Rockette is going to be kicking up her heels (er, heel) once we find her a family of her own, and we simply can’t wait!

More about Rockette:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Short Hair (Gray/Blue/Silver/White)
  • Adult
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats; children

Want to adopt Rockette? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

 

Cat of the week: Dove

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Dr. Jen wrote this biography in a bit of reverse order, because she felt that the astute observations of the cat care team paints a pretty accurate picture of darling Dove, a 4-year-old (born in the spring of 2014) who came to us quite suddenly in mid-July, 2018.

 

“Dove has been a complete surprise, as we all expected her to be a complete challenge after how she first acted at the clinic with Dr. Jen; she settled in almost immediately and is loving (free-roaming) shelter life. She has a soft coo that she elicits when she purrs, so Dove is the purr-fect name for her. She will swat occasionally when she gets overwhelmed, so I think it’s best that she is adopted into a home without small kids. She gets along great with the other cats so a feline roomie would be to her liking.”

 

“Dove has finally become more social and is tolerant when we pet her, although she does set the tone of the interaction. As a matter of fact, recently when I was petting her, even though I THINK she realized she liked it, she still slapped me. To me she acts like she may have lost some trust in humans. If I remember right, didn‘t her previous owner pass away, and then she was taken in by someone else who also had to leave her? If so, I guess it’s no wonder she’s not fully able to trust right now, but deep down I know there is a good girl in there looking for a new person to give her a home of her very own again. It would be nice to see her placed in a quiet one that will take the time (and be patient) to help her build up her confidence again, and knock down the wall she’s put up. I am a softie for dilute calicos and she is no exception, even though she may be a bit of a diva.”

 

It’s totally true: Dove HATED the mere sight of Dr. Jen that first day after our cat care director came to kitty’s aid and retrieved her, even though she literally walked right into the travel carrier. Although Dr. Jen took it very slow and easy with her, losing one owner, then being shuffled off to another only to lose that one within two months, had to have turned Dove’s delicate world completely upside-down. Dr. Jen was concerned that all of the TLC in the world wasn’t going to right what Dove perceived as wrongs, but once out of that clinical setting and into a laid-back space that allowed her room to adjust and acclimate, she showed us her sweet side — and hasn’t stopped since, even though she spices it up a bit.

 

Dr. Jen would love to see Dove in a home with a mature couple who have homebody tendencies as Dove would love nothing more than a lap to claim and a human who would stroke her fur and tell her how beautiful she is, eliciting that soft coo we have all come to know and love.

More about Dove:

  • Extra Large
  • Dilute Calico & Domestic Short Hair Mix
  • Adult
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats; no children

Want to adopt Dove? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

Cat of the week: Chanel No.2

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

When a Belding resident (and a rescuer herself) contacted us in early July 2018 about this injured little lady, Dr. Jen knew she had to make quick work of getting this kitty into our care; Kathy and the kitty’s caretaker noted this dainty girl’s wounded neck, called around for help and received no assistance locally. Upon arrival at the vet clinic, the cutie-pie (born in early 2016) proved to Dr. Jen that the quite nasty neck wound wasn’t about to dampen her spirit—she purred and trilled the entire exam! However Dr. Jen had to sedate kitty to take a closer look at what the heck was going on (a proliferative lesion known as an eosinophilic granuloma), debride the wound site of the exuberant tissue that was delaying skin healing, and treat it topically as well as systemically with antibiotics.
At that time Dr. Jen had noted a small upper lip ulcer, which can be common for this type of inflammatory condition, but it wasn’t until a few weeks later when Chanel No.2 developed another one (they are commonly called rodent ulcers) that Dr. Jen chose to treat the condition with injectable steroids. This seemed to do the trick in expediting skin repair, as did another gentle debriding at that time.

We also had to come up with creative ways to keep her neck covered so she wouldn’t excessively lick the tender skin as it slowly healed, but that proved to be quite the challenge. After trying (and failing spectacularly) with a sweater and stockinette, our cat care manager brought in a doll bib from home—and it foiled Chanel’s efforts to over-groom. Plus, she look absolutely adorable in it, though it was only needed for a few days.

The leaps and bounds of improvement Chanel made over the next few weeks were absolutely remarkable!
From the get-go, charming lil’ Chanel was a heart-stealer. Not one to ever grumble or hiss at another cat (or human, for that matter, as her lesion was tended to), this perfect little purr-machine lives for belly rubs, and absolutely craves attention. She acts as if she has always been around other kitties and received tons of attention from whomever had her at one point, so it would be to our extreme liking if we could place her in a home that would continue to treat her like a princess, as she really thrives on the pampering she has been receiving. We all have no doubt that once her bio hits the internet, we are going to be receiving inquires and applications almost immediately for our lovely, kittenish girl.

We are known for thinking outside of the box when necessary—and we certainly have a crew of creative folks working with our fur-kids! We will do whatever it takes to get our feline companions up to par so that we can ultimately send them off into loving, long-lasting homes of their own!

More about Chanel No.2:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Short Hair; Black & White/Tuxedo
  • Adult
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Chanel No.2? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

Cat of the week: Bunsen Honeydew

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Beguiling, handsome Bunsen Honeydew is the coolest boy—we kid you not! Even if you ignore his twisty half-tail that curves to the right and those gorgeous ocean blue-green eyes of his, you can’t overlook his charm and the super-chill, surfer-dude vibe he gives off.

 

This fabulous four-year-old (born in the summer of 2014) came to us from the west side of Grand Rapids in late July 2018, after he was wrangled and whisked to Focus on Ferals to be tested for FELV and FIV (both negative, thank goodness) and neutered. He was initially thought to be a bit of a wild child; he appeared a bit rough around the edges (just look at his tattered and torn ears) from living on the streets for so long, had an upper respiratory infection and was terribly flea-ridden.

 

Once rescued, the boy gobbled down two entire cans of food in a flash — proof-positive that the way to a wayward boy is through his stomach.

 

At our free-roaming facility, Mr. Honeydew here instantly meshed with his new surroundings; in fact he is so laid back that he literally hangs out on top of our intake cages (doors are always open) and simply waits for a volunteer to approach him, make eye contact and wander on over to receive kisses! He is oblivious to the presence of the other cats as it is human companionship that he craves with every ounce of his beautiful being.

 

We would LOVE to be able to place him in a home where he can be the center of attention; though he won’t demand it, he will reciprocate with the sweetest gestures of gratitude and affection. If you are looking for a people-pleasing, sweet and stunning cat to be your cuddle buddy, Bunsen Honeydew is exactly whom you need to take home with you!

More about Bunsen Honeydew:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Bunsen Honeydew? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Cerys

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Naming this cute-as-a-button calico was challenging in a fun sort of way, as Dr. Jen wanted something that embodied her personality and was as unique as her arrival to the shelter.

 

On the evening of July 30th, 2018, a nice guy by the name of Kyle found this kitty wandering around on Turner NW too close to the highway off ramp. He had briefly seen her in the neighborhood a time or two before, assumed she belonged to someone, but he was certain she did NOT belong in the middle of the busy road dodging traffic. He scooped her up, popped her in his car and actually drove over to our facility with her riding in the back seat.

 

Now we aren’t actually equipped to take strays in directly off the streets like this, but he was so sweet with her and had nowhere else for her to go, so we made an exception and set her up in the lobby away from the other cats, treated her external and internal parasites, let her fill her belly and then sleep off the events of the day.

 

Cerys (pronounced ‘care-iss’) had a nasty bilateral ear infection secondary to ear mites. This caused quite a bit of trauma at her ear bases as she scratched and rubbed them—and who could blame her—so at her workup the next day at the clinic, comfort was first priority. Dr. Jen also spayed Cerys a few days later, even though it appeared that she had had a litter earlier in the spring. Dr. Jen guestimates Cerwys was born in January of 2016, so who knows how many kittens she had actually birthed prior to her rescue.

 

Everybody fell in love with this darling cat, so we settled happily on the name Cerys, whose Welsh meaning is simply ‘love’.

 

Dr. Jen likes to ask shelter and cat care managers to give the scoopdidoo on our residents when it comes time to write their bios, as she usually only spends time with them at intake and again at their one month recheck. The gals had this to say about our lovely little lady:

 

“Cerys definitely has a calico disposition at times; she is getting along better with the other residents but did have a tough time at first. She absolutely loves human attention, and will let you hold her for some one-on-one time. She is also very playful, gives great head bumps, and enjoys the windows and bird feeders. She would do best in a home with another cat and where she will receive lots of attention. She loves to follow us around, and will jump up on any surface to make sure you see her. “

 

“Cerys is so sweet with people but is overwhelmed with all the other cats at the shelter. I think she would be fine with another cat, just not 20. She definitely makes sure she gets her fair share of attention, she follows everybody around asking for pets!”

 

So the consensus is in: Cerys is ready to be loved AND she’s a lover! We think this is exactly the type of cat most folks are looking for, so we suspect that once her story goes public, we aren’t going to have her with us for very long.

More about Cerys:

  • Medium
  • Calico & Domestic Short Hair Mix
  • Adult
  • Female
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Cerys? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

Cat of the week: Abner

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Most of our favorite kitties are (or have been) Sid’s Kids, those cats that probably wouldn’t have had a real chance at a long life and adoption due to their FIV or FELV status. The majority of them are male, as the viruses tend to be transmitted through fighting, which is a common problem with intact tom cats roaming the streets; however once neutered the boys typically simmer down as the hormones vacate their macho bodies, and super mellow former studs remain.

 

Just when we don’t think we could possibly (yeah, right) have room for one more fine fella on our Top 10 List, along comes adorable Abner, (born in the summer of 2012) a sweet-as-pie FIV guy from the Kent County Animal Shelter. He came in as a stray just two days before he transferred to us mid-July 2018 and you sure could tell he had spent a lot of time outdoors, as he was filthy, his paw pads were hard and calloused, his ears had been chronically infected, his skin was inflamed and scabby, and he needed a dental cleaning.

 

However, he spiffed up nicely and was ready to go woo the ladies at Big Sid’s just a day after his arrival, which was great for them, but Dr. Jen had already become instantly enamored by him and would have loved to have been able to spend some more one-on-one with him at the clinic.

 

Our cat care director says that if every cat was THIS easygoing and accepting of his new life with us we wouldn’t have to worry an ounce about acclimation and adjustment periods—it was as if Abner had always lived with us! From the minute he arrived, Abner was extremely comfortable in his surroundings, adventurously outgoing and beyond friendly. One of his favorite pastimes is to follow you around the shelter as you go about your chores, or else to perch up high on a cat walk or in a cubby above you so he can monitor your actions, being sure not to miss a thing.

 

Spiffy Abner will steal your heart

No matter where he is hanging out, the second you approach him he materializes directly in front of you, begging for well-deserved pets, attention and treats! He also has a very playful side, especially with plastic toy springs that he can flip and toss around with glee, and he delights in clamoring and chumming around with the other cats. We do feel he is a bit timid at times so a rambunctious dog may be too much for him, but other cats may just be a must.

 

Besides his cool markings, Abner has the prettiest sea-glass colored eyes. Overall, Abner is an absolute doll, one of THE nicest cats around, and one who should rightfully claim a home of his own in short order. Even though we would all miss him terribly, we will be thrilled when we can send him off to live in the lap of luxury with a family who has fallen head- (and heart-) first for fabulous fella!

More about Abner:

  • Extra-large
  • Orange & White, Tabby (Orange/Red)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • FIV-positive
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Abner? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

To learn about the FIV virus, go here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

Cat of the week: Kev

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Inquisitive Kev loooooves to talk

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Chatterbox Kev (born in November of 2013) came to us from Focus on Ferals in May of 2018 since he was feline leukemia positive.

 

Kev originated from Greenville and ended up at Focus On Ferals in January of 2018. He came in with ringworm and had to be quarantined right off the bat, so he was chomping at the bit (as you can imagine) to be released. He has proven to be quite the motor mouth, going so far as to bend your ear and almost talk it off at times! He is full of kitten-like playfulness and spunk and yet also has a softer side that he displayed while sharing close quarters with two of our other residents.

 

He would do remarkably well in a home with another fully vaccinated cat (to decrease the risk of virus transmission) and perhaps even a mellow dog to keep him company. But more than ANYTHING we think Kev is absolutely jonesing for a kid (or 2 or 10) in his life, as he has SO much energy and enthusiasm it is hard to contain it inside of his body that appears at times to be bursting at the seams!

 

Lest I forget, he also enjoys bird-watching and catnip cocktails. He is a peach for his weekly nail trims and brushing, pretty much any manhandling that is required on a regular basis—as long as he is getting attention, Kev is in 7th heaven!

More about Kev:

  • Large
  • Tabby & Domestic Short Hair Mix (Tiger-striped)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • FIV-positive
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Kev? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

To learn about the FIV virus, go here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

Cat of the week: Lina

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Lovely little Lina (born in June of 2015) came to our sanctuary as a FIV+ outdoor kitty that one of our volunteers had been looking after since kittenhood. Having multiple cats of her own she wasn’t in a position to take this darling in, so she did the next best thing by setting up a cozy shelter in her garage; Lina and two other strays could come and go as they pleased (after they were fixed, of course).

 

The living situation worked well enough for all of them, or so it was thought, until Lina arrived at the house with a nasty injury on her back, similar to one she had sustained previously. Knowing that our primary focus at our facilities is sick or injured outdoor cats, the volunteer contacted Dr. Jen for help.

 

As it turned out, the large lesion on her back was more of an abrasion with a secondary infection (which healed nicely with antibiotics), but Lina was also afflicted with a bilateral ear infection (chronic from the looks of her ears, though her left one was tipped way too short when she was spayed), swollen lymph nodes and a previous tail injury (dislocation/fracture) that stops her from swishing it fully.

 

As you can see, this gorgeous girl had seen her fair share of injuries and ailments, so it was about time she found the safety and comfort of an indoor environment. Her rescuer noted how outgoing and unafraid Lina was and surmised that is how she kept ending up on the wrong end of trouble; she expected everyone else to be as friendly as she was.

 

Lina loves to snuggle

Sadly, by the time we took her in, the poor thing had finally gotten exasperated by the treatment she had been receiving and put her guard up. Given the fact that Lina needed repeated ear flushes and medication infused, along with lots of vaccines, it is no wonder we have only witnessed her meek and timid side at the writing of her bio (July 21, 2018) one month after her arrival).

 

Although seriously shy and very reserved, she is extremely sweet and would literally spend 24 hours a day nestled in the arms of a willing human. When she isn’t being held close, she prefers to perch high up on one of our walkways out of arms’ reach until you gently retrieve her and allow her to do one of her favorite things — bury her head into your neck and nuzzle. She does have a fear of having her ears touched, so if you approach her head-on too quickly, she will hiss and retreat, but if you approach her slowly and assure her snuggle time will ensue she will melt into your embrace.

 

Lina is mostly ambivalent towards the other cats, as long as they leave her be and allow her to have her own space — which is totally out of the spotlight. Since she herself doesn’t have an ounce of ornery in her, placing her in a home with a mellow feline companion would be fine, but honestly, our Lina needs a home where she can be treated with patience, kindness and the understanding that her love will come to her human over time, once trust has been gained and she feels safe and secure.

 

If we could find a retiree or someone who works from their home to take this sweetheart in, we would be absolutely thrilled, as she has been through so much in her life thus far that she deserves nothing but calming comfort to surround her for the rest of her days.

More about Lina:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Tabby (Gray/Blue/Silver)
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, no children

Want to adopt Lina? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

To learn about the FIV virus, go here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Craig

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Volunteer and Wyoming resident Leanne F. is no stranger to the strays in her area, but unfortunately there was one particular cat that was causing quite the commotion this spring (2018) when he kept harassing her newest porch resident who had been hanging around for about 3 months. It had taken about that long for her to gain this fine gray and buff tabby fella’s trust, as he would only appear to eat at her feral cat house when she wasn’t around.

 

Slowly, over time, he began to put on weight and build up his confidence and allow her to win him over. Although she has a heart of gold and will feed whomever is in need, she couldn’t allow this docile, gentle guy whom she nicknamed ‘Gray the Stray’ get the tar beaten out of him, so she enlisted Dr. Jen’s help when he appeared with an infected puncture wound on his head.

 

By the time schedules aligned, the topical medication she’d been applying had allowed the bite to heal and he was happily on the mend, having bonded with Leanne as she lovingly tended to him. However, it didn’t surprise anyone that Craig tested positive for FIV, which is transmitted solely by bite wounds. Even though you can’t find a nicer, more even-tempered cat that Craig here (who was born in the fall of 2016), ya can’t blame a guy for trying to defend himself, even if he failed. Now, he won’t have to worry about that ever again!

 

That. Face.

Once at the clinic Dr. Jen set to work neutering him and getting him program-ready, so this sweetheart could make his way down to our sanctuary in short order. His acclimation period was insignificant, as Craig obviously had been an indoor cat at some point and clearly remembered just how awesome that was. He made friends instantaneously, feline and human alike, and in no time at all had proven himself as one of the most easygoing guys we have. In fact, our cat care director stated that if all of our cats were like Craig, their jobs would be so much easier.

 

Craig is the perfect mix of playful and mellow, relishing time spent napping on the toddler beds as much as he does delighting the volunteers with his enthusiastic lust for life. He could really give or take another cat as a companion when he lands a home of his own, because as long as he has people to please, he is absolutely golden. One-on-one attention is what revs Craig’s engines, and when his rescuer came on shift the first Monday after his arrival, he literally galloped like gangbusters over to see her in response to her voice—how cool is that?

 

He is going to hands down (er, paws down) make the absolute BEST PET for a family who is looking for a fun, fine fella with lots of energy and eagerness to shower his human with affection!

More about Craig:

  • Medium
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Tabby (Gray/Blue/Silver)
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Craig? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

To learn about the FIV virus, go here.

 

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Edison

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Edison, in his wilder days

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Once upon a time, Edison was a feral cat fed and sheltered by one of our volunteers. It took three years for Edison to trust her and be petted, and in April of 2017, our awesome volunteer was able to live-trap him to have him fixed through a TNR program. It was then she realized that Edison just couldn’t get enough love and attention. Were it not for a house full of kittens, Edison would have had a home right then and there.

 

We believe this FIV+, handsome boy was born in December of 2013 and know for a fact that he is as happy as can be with his new-found indoor life. We have observed the following since he joined us at our sanctuary on May 10, 2018:

 

“Edison is so incredibly sweet,” says another volunteer. “Once he figured out that the other cats were pretty cool he picked a couple favorite buddies and curled right up with them and went to sleep. He hangs with Gertie and Billy. He likes people, bird watching, and sleeping on the windowsill. He would do well with another cat in the home. He tends to be shy and a buddy would help him be more confident.”

 

He uses his litter box like a champ, and like most cats, he’s afraid of the vacuum.

 

It only took a few days for Edison to stop hiding under beds and now he never hides. He is so sweet! Since Edison doesn’t have a mean bone in his beautiful buff and white body, the risk of FIV transmission is minimal, with maximum affection towards his new owners guaranteed. Help this little guy’s light shine by taking him home and letting him make your life brighter! I almost forgot to mention that he has two orange polka dot ’angel wings’ on the top of his shoulders, making him even more handsome and unique-looking!

More about Edison:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Buff & White
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats

Want to adopt Edison? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

Cat of the week: Elphaba

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Lovely Elphaba

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Energetic, enthusiastic Elphaba came to us as a shelter transfer (from Harbor Humane Society in West Olive) on May 31st, 2018. Seems that this darling, adorable little lady (she weighs a whole 6 lbs and was born in the spring of 2016) was all set to be adopted when she tested positive for Feline Leukemia. Since she was being housed in a cage in their lobby she received lots of attention, and the staff was heartbroken as they knew they would no longer be able to keep her as part of their adoption program; they reached out to Dr. Jen and she told them we would be able to accommodate her.

 

As far as her history goes, we know that they took her in on April 23rd, and that she was an OGU (owner give up) who was to have been spayed prior and sported the tattoo to prove it. However, within about 10 days of her arrival at our sanctuary, guess who started exhibiting sings of heat, sticking her derriere up in the air in a very non-ladylike fashion, teasing all of the (neutered) boys with her feminine wiles? So Dr. Jen took her back to surgery to recover a complete ovary, not a remnant of it, that had been left behind when she was spayed. Surgery was a success this time around and she recovered without a hitch.

 

Prior to that retrieval, Elphaba was quite anxious and ornery, terrified in her new surroundings. Given the fact that she had spent the past month caged, we can see why our free-roaming facility was a bit daunting to her. However after her hormones settled down and she settled in, she became an outgoing, sassy little diva with very big opinions. She is not afraid in the least to smack a cat twice her size right across the face if they get too close for comfort. She also isn’t too keen on being picked up although she loves her humans who dote on her, fulfilling her every whim and desire.

 

Elphaba would really like to be the only kitty for a family who is looking for a petite little princess who is playful and precious. And—great news—even though she tested NEGATIVE FOR FELINE LEUKEMIA (TWICE) at her recheck exam a month after her arrival, adopting her in to a home of her own in her opinion is the ideal situation, so we are going to do our best to find that place for her and grant her every wish.

More about Elphaba:

  • Medium
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed
  • Not good with other cats

Want to adopt Elphaba? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Charly

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Meet charismatic Charly!

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Charismatic Charly (born in May of 2015) came to us from Focus on Ferals (FOF) in May of 2018 since he was feline leukemia-positive. However, it is part of Dr. Jen’s intake process, even with shelter transfers, to retest any cat coming in prior to placement at our sanctuary, so she was pleasantly surprised that Charly tested negative for the virus (twice, with two separate samples submitted).

 

Charly came into FOF in February of 2017, a Cedar Springs stray with a gimpy left front leg and a variety of gashes and wounds on his face from fighting (he was intact). Although his skin lesions healed well, he never lost that limp and diagnostics weren’t performed until Dr. Jen took him in; physical exam and x-rays showed that he had suffered significant trauma to his left carpus (wrist) to the point that the ligaments were damaged and his paw hyperextends. Charly therefore has a bit of hitch in his giddy-up, but it doesn’t stop him from enjoying his life to the fullest by any means!

 

Most of the time he has manners and behaves, but since we welcomed several recently neutered tom cats to Sid’s around the same time, he sometimes acts like the sheriff in town—which doesn’t always go over too well. He isn’t the aggressor in these situations but mainly appears to be trying to keep the peace by inserting himself into the mix. When he isn’t involved in patrolling the perimeter you can find him curled up snoozing away in a kitty teepee or open cage, proving that even busy guys need their down time.

 

Once he is well rested he is extremely energetic, so we feel placing him into a home with kids to wrestle and play with would be ideal. He has also shown us his sweeter side by sidling up next to and snuggling close to some of our shy females, so a home with another cat to chum around with would make him a very happy partner! And just look at that face! It is so stinkin’ adorable—how can you resist?!

More about Charly:

  • Large
  • Tabby and Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Tabby (Brown/Chocolate)
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats and kids

Want to adopt Charly? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Baz

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

If Tigger from Winnie-the-Pooh was a cat, boisterous, beguiling, bouncing-off-the-walls Baz would embody him for sure! This busy boy (born in March of 2017) came to us on May 31, 2018, after having been found in the yard of a Wyoming woman who lived in the trailer park just down the from the vet clinic. Initially his rescuer thought he was injured, and coming from the corner of 44th and Clyde Park, she thought perhaps he had been hit by a car and was laying in her grass, stunned and hurting; of course Dr. Jen had the rescuer bring him right down for evaluation.

 

Once Dr. Jen examined Baz, it was clear that nothing physically was wrong, so it left her wondering if he was yet another cat who was tossed out and left behind, too scared to move or cry out for help. Within a few seconds, he was trucking around the exam room like he owned the place, sporting a way too-tight collar that had probably been on him since kittenhood. Dr. Jen offered to take him in, got him neutered and program-ready with all of the required medical care. He hung out with Dr. Jen for a day or two to recover from his surgery, during which time Baz and she became fast friends. This fabulous fella has the most magnificent markings, a beyond playful spirit and is overall just a terrific tabby!

 

Once at Crash’s, he took the place by storm, acting as if he had always lived there amongst the furry fold. He is a hoot to watch as he tries to engage the other residents in a wrestling match, but sadly no one quite lives up to his activity level, so Baz is left with us humans to entertain him! We want — no NEED — to find him a home that is energetic as he is, one with kid cohorts and a cat or two that can give him a run for his money! We think he’d even do well with dogs as he is THAT easygoing and open to new experiences.

 

Nothing gets him down or stands in his way of having tons of fun; it is really fascinating to observe him in his glory, gallivanting around our place like the Energizer Bunny, with his inquisitive nature bringing big smiles to our faces. Not only is Baz adorable, he is comical and curious, promising that there will NEVER be a dull moment when he is around! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to welcome this wonderful, whimsical boy into your world!

More about Baz:

  • Medium
  • Tabby (Tiger Striped)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats and children

Want to adopt Baz? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Gus

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Sweet Gus, upon intake at Crash’s Landing. His cyst has since healed nicely.

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Gorgeous Gus came to us under very sad, shocking circumstances in March of 2018 when his neighbor alerted us to his plight: his owner had passed away days before, leaving Gus and two other cats alone in the house without food or water; they were afraid and freaked out (as you can imagine).

 

The third cat in the house didn’t fare so well and passed on before we got approval from the police to remove the cats from the home. It appears that all three boys, along with their owner, were in need of medical care for quite some time and didn’t receive it. Thankfully for Gus (born in 10/2009), it wasn’t too late, but he was in dire need of both physical and emotional attention immediately after we retrieved him.

 

As you can see from the initial photos, poor Gus had a nasty, infected cystic mass on the top of his head that required topical ointment and injectable antibiotics to resolve. He also came in thin as a rail due to being undiagnosed as hyperthyroid, but we are able to manage this effectively and affordably with twice daily oral medication that he takes like a champ. Multiple teeth also had to be extracted after he had been with us for several weeks, allowing him to acclimate and get as comfy as possible in his new surroundings. As you can imagine that task was quite daunting and Gus has made it known that he would prefer to be back in a less crowded social situation, and believe it or not he has taken to bossing around most of the other residents, even though he is only about 9 lbs soaking wet.

 

Gus loves a good belly rub and is a very low-key, overall easy-going cat. I wouldn’t say he loves to be picked up, but he will crawl up on your lap and fall asleep. He loves to be up on the cat walk watching all the action. He’s a little quiet when it comes to seeking attention, but when he gets it, he loves it. A lot of the volunteers think he’s completely deaf, but I know he can hear a treat bag from the next room over.

 

He isn’t the playful, kitten-type cat, but the “I just want to lounge around like a lazy cat” kind. He loves bird watching on the window ledges and playing with feather toys on a stick. I think he’d be perfect matched up with an older couple. Gus is very social and is especially is known for following volunteers around demanding attention. Hee has been picking on other cats, so it may be best for him to be an only cat or at least be the dominant cat in the house.

 

So, there you have it! Come on down and meet this special boy.

More about Gus:

  • Medium
  • Orange/Red
  • Senior
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Special needs
  • Prefers a home without other cats

Want to adopt Gus? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Ace

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Pets/Animals, , , , , ,

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Absolutely fabulous FIV+ Ace came to us by one-woman-rescue wonder Sandi D, who came across him on Davis St NW in Grand Rapids in February, when she helped her friend Cheryl live-trap him to get him off of the streets and into safety. Once indoors she noted a limp involving his right foreleg, and since Dr. Jen was out on surgical leave, Sandi took him into the vet clinic to have him checked out; three visits in total and nothing other than a soft-tissue injury could be determined as the cause of his intermittent limp.

 

Born in November of 2013 (guesstimate), Ace appeared to be the picture of health with the exception of an ear infection caused by ear mites, a bit of gingivitis and that darn old lameness. Dr. Jen witnessed his slight hobble for herself but again, could not find any radiographic reason for the hitch in his giddy-up. So Dr. Jen started him on short-term pain medication and a long-term joint supplement to counteract arthritis symptoms even though we couldn’t pick anything obvious up on x-rays. Within a few short weeks, the limp had resolved and Ace was trucking around like nobody’s business!

 

Since Dr. Jen is mostly hands-on at the clinic, she always asks for purr-sonality summaries from two of her right hand women at the shelter. Here are their glowing reports on amazing Ace:

 

“The way to Ace’s heart is through endless bowls of wet food! He is absolutely obsessed with food and often has to be locked away during feeding times because he will steal others’ food. He is a really nice cat and will do well in pretty much any household.”

 

“He’s really becoming a more laid-back kind of guy. He isn’t too bothered by other cats, but does enjoy his own space. He loves people, and will come sit by you on the floor. Not one for being fussed over or carried, but I think deep down he really does love attention. He’s a pretty handsome guy. Would do good with a cat buddy, and maybe even a calmer dog.”

 

So there ya have it — all about Ace and why we would LOVE to place him in a home! Since he is a lover and not a fighter, the risk of him transmitting FIV to another cat is minimal, so come meet this adorable guy for yourself and see why we are all so heads-over paws for him!

More about Ace:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Tabby (gray/blue/silver
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed

Want to adopt Ace? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

 

Cat of the week: Tully

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Meet Tully, a lovely, reserved gentleman

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

In mid-March 2016, Dr. Jen received an email from Sara at the Humane Society of West Michigan asking if Dr. Jen could take in a shelter transfer from Allegan County that tested double positive—meaning he had both Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Viruses. If that wasn’t enough, this fine fella (born in March of 2012) came to them sporting a nasty open wound on his left elbow that needed to be surgically repaired, was intact, teeming with fleas and greasy and grimy due to hormonally induced stud-tail.

 

When Dr. Jen got him two days later, he had been neutered and sutured but was still inhabited by those pesky buggers, needed a bath in a big way and would greatly benefit from a dental cleaning. No worries though, as suds and soaking spiffed him up nicely and his pearly whites were sparkling in no time! Although timid and shy, this guy proved to be quite sweet, just a bit out of his element—totally understandable considering the whirlwind events of the days prior to his arrival.

 

Dr. Jen and Tully embarked on a quiet friendship that involved reassuring head rubs and soothing praises while she encouraged him to spoil himself a little with the smorgasbord provided; we know the way to one’s heart is often through the tummy! This reserved, reticent boy had to be enticed to partake in the finer things in life, something that continued once he made his way down to our sanctuary.

 

Given his tendency towards reclusiveness and preference of the shadows versus the spotlight, our attentive volunteers make sure they calmly draw Tully out, literally and figuratively, each and every time they are in his presence, so that he realizes he is now safe and out of harm’s way. Considering how docile and demure he is, there is no doubt that he was not the aggressor, but rather the victim, when he was out and about on his own for who knows how long; this saddens us to no end. He is such a modest, non-threatening, tranquil creature that Dr. Jen chose his Irish name as it means ‘calmness’ and ‘peacefulness’.

 

Slowly but surely, under the gentle guidance of his devoted caretakers, Tully is coming out of his shell, poking his head out for those pets that he craves but doesn’t always ask for. That is OK because we are great at reading non-verbal cues and have no problem going to him and slathering him with affection! In time we have no doubt that this sweet boy’s true colors and inner strength will shine through, and he will fully grasp what that he is a fabulous force to be reckoned with.

More about Tully:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Black & White/Tuxedo
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed

Want to adopt Tully? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

 

Cat of the week: Mo Cheeks

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An extra-large, easygoing feline with tons of love to give!

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Meet MoCheeks, a massive sweetheart with a face that is to die for! Born in early 2013, this FIV+ fella ended up at Harbor Humane Society in November of 2016, but since they do not have an adoption program tailored to FIV or FELV cats, they contacted us to see if we could help out and give this great guy a chance. Thankfully we were in a position to do so when 2017 rolled on in , and we happily welcomed MoCheeks (our very fitting name for him) into our program.

 

From the get-go, he was very confident and extremely social. He does have chronic tearing from a herpes virus infection that is all too common in kitties, but he takes his twice daily Lysine supplement and cleaning of his peppers like a champ; any time and attention lavished on Mo and he is in utter heaven! He gets along great with the other cats and is often found hanging out with a buddy or two. He’s just a very easygoing, easy-to-please guy. In fact, no one has heard a hiss or snarl from him from day one as he is just such a gentleman! And as one of our cat care directors put it so eloquently: he is soooooooo melllllllloooooowww!

 

Prior to his rescue, our outgoing onyx boy suffered some sort of trauma to his choppers and rear feet, as his upper canines are broken and two nails on his toes are misshapen and a bit ‘janky’. However, he doesn’t let past experiences taint the vibrant colors of the world around him, especially since he has landed with us at BiG Sid’s! Overall, he is probably one of the nicest boys we have the pleasure of claiming as our own—and this is HUGE considering the population at our place is beyond phenomenal!

 

There is SO much mo’ to love with Mo Cheeks!

More about Mo Cheeks:

  • Extra Large
  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Black
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed

Want to adopt Mo Cheeks? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

NOTE: A $825 grant from Lil BUB’s Big Fund for the ASPCA will enable Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary, to fund comprehensive exams for five Big Sid’s Sanctuary cats before going to their new home. Each exam would include a full blood panel, dental care, radiographs, urinalysis, antibiotics and pain medication, if needed. Big Sid’s caters exclusively to cats who test positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus). FIV and FeLV are viruses that can, if they flare up, suppress a cat’s immune system. The shelter takes cats with FIV or FeLV from all over Michigan.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Cato

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , , , , , , ,

Aw, look at that face

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Big Sid’s Sanctuary. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

Seems like the harder they have had it out on the mean streets, the more docile and gentle they are when they finally make it somewhere safe; such is the case with the courageous Cato. Born in the fall of 2009, this timid tom cat ended up a stray in a Belmont trailer park in the summer of 2012. By the time we got him in September, he had suffered a broken tail, damage to his left fore paw resulting in a toe amputation and another toe being deviated, broken canine teeth down to the gum line and poor little foot pads were rock hard and cracked from life outdoors. And to top it all off, he tested positive for FIV. Luckily he was taken initially to Gina Marvin of Focus on Ferals, who got him medical attention and housed him until we had a spot at Big Sid’s.

 

Dr. Jen initially was apprehensive about how well Cato would acclimate at our sanctuary, as it is cage-free and two levels; he seemed more content to confine himself in small spaces where he could lay low and fly under the radar. But thanks to the patience and diligence of our fabulous volunteer staff, he came out of his shell and stayed there after not too long in our care. The transformation even the shiest of cats make in our care is what we strive to obtain; we want to create a happy little haven for each and every one of them so that they know peace and tranquility and feel safe and secure.

 

Cato is a sweetheart, and although big and bulky, he is a gentle soul. We would love nothing more than to find him a home of his own, and since he is a lover and not a fighter, there is no reason at all that he can’t go into a home with another cat or two — in fact, he would really fancy that!

More about Cato:

  • Large
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Gray & White
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed

Want to adopt Cato? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

NOTE: A $825 grant from Lil BUB’s Big Fund for the ASPCA will enable Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary, to fund comprehensive exams for five Big Sid’s Sanctuary cats before going to their new home. Each exam would include a full blood panel, dental care, radiographs, urinalysis, antibiotics and pain medication, if needed. Big Sid’s caters exclusively to cats who test positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus). FIV and FeLV are viruses that can, if they flare up, suppress a cat’s immune system. The shelter takes cats with FIV or FeLV from all over Michigan.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

 

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Karaoke

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One of the sweetest kitties you will ever meet

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Big Sid’s Sanctuary. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

On March 4 , 2016, this outspoken, kooky, little kitty ended up in a rural ‘kill’ shelter much to her—and our—dismay. Since cats very rarely get adopted from within the four walls that held her, a local group took it upon themselves  to pull her out and transport her to us, a feat made all the more impressive since the gray-and-buff tabby tested positive for Feline Leukemia. Born in early 2014, no one involved understands why this gregarious, outgoing girl ended up homeless and helpless, but all of us are in agreement: she was well worth the group effort to get her into Big Sid’s!

 

Initially she was dubbed ‘Smoky’ as the facility had to call her something, but those of you who know Dr. Jen know that she refuses to bestow such a bland name on such a bold, beautiful cat. In speaking with one of her caretakers, Dr. Jen discovered that this sassy little lass had a set of pipes on her, she thought that Karaoke would be the purr-fect name. This little kitty is so stinkin’ cute.

 

Karaoke reminds us a bit of the Energizer Bunny, a real honey of a gal who is as busy as can be, a most curious cat who has to explore this and that and everything in between. She is also exceptionally loving and sweet but can only stop by briefly for some pets and chin scratches before she is off to see what the heck else is going on. Places to go, people to see—that is the mantra of Karaoke.

 

It’s upsetting that such a darling kitty is harboring the Feline Leukemia Virus in her bloodstream, but even a high fever spiked a few days after arrival didn’t slow her down, as she responded to treatment and rebounded like an Olympic sprinter set on winning the race. Nothing gets this gleeful girl down as she has a fun-filled life to live to the fullest; we are pleased as can be that Karaoke will be ricocheting off the walls of Big Sid’s. With her, you definitely get more ‘bounce to the ounce’—there is NEVER a dull moment when she is gloriously gallivanting around, strutting her stuff for the world to see and admire. We are all in awe of her awesomeness!

More about Karaoke:

  • Medium
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Tabby (Buff/Tan/Fawn), Gray/Blue/Silver
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed

Want to adopt Karaoke? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

NOTE: A $825 grant from Lil BUB’s Big Fund for the ASPCA will enable Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary, to fund comprehensive exams for five Big Sid’s Sanctuary cats before going to their new home. Each exam would include a full blood panel, dental care, radiographs, urinalysis, antibiotics and pain medication, if needed. Big Sid’s caters exclusively to cats who test positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus). FIV and FeLV are viruses that can, if they flare up, suppress a cat’s immune system. The shelter takes cats with FIV or FeLV from all over Michigan.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Lacy

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Hello, Lacy!

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Big Sid’s Sanctuary. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

In March of 2013, this captivating little calico cutie ended up at Harbor Humane Society in West Olive, where she tested a faint positive for Feline Leukemia. Hoping that in time her body would clear itself of the viral load she was carrying, they housed her until it was time to retest her again in 6 months, but sadly there was no change in the results. So their kennel supervisor contacted Dr. Jen to enlist her help — having been caged since her arrival, she was anxious to get her into a free-roaming facility.

 

This little lady proved to be more brash and bold than her much larger counterparts; leave it to a lively, little 8-pound female to take charge and show the boys who the boss is! Honestly though, Lacy is a sweetheart, but she had lots to do and say once freedom was finally obtained. She didn’t let confinement dampen her spirit or extinguish her feisty flame; she is a gregarious girl on a mission to seek out fun in every possible form!

 

Don’t let that innocent face fool you

That famous ‘calico cattitude’ isn’t for everyone, but Lacy won our hearts the instant she hopped on out of her travel carrier, firmly planted her little paws on the ground and took off running. The antics and high-octane activity exhibited those first few days  at the clinic were entertaining to say the least! She’s charming and her face is quite cherubic, but don’t let it fool you — Lacy is a party pussycat at heart and only settles down when she has to.

 

This wonderfully wild child (born in the spring of 2012) simply has an unbridled passion for life, and now that the world is hers for the taking, she is going to conquer it with reckless abandon and wholehearted glee.

 

Way to go, girl!

More about Lacy:

  • Medium
  • Adult
  • Calico and Domestic Short Hair Mix
  • Multi-colored
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed

Want to adopt Lacy? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

NOTE: A $825 grant from Lil BUB’s Big Fund for the ASPCA will enable Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary, to fund comprehensive exams for five Big Sid’s Sanctuary cats before going to their new home. Each exam would include a full blood panel, dental care, radiographs, urinalysis, antibiotics and pain medication, if needed. Big Sid’s caters exclusively to cats who test positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus). FIV and FeLV are viruses that can, if they flare up, suppress a cat’s immune system. The shelter takes cats with FIV or FeLV from all over Michigan.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Cat of the week: Grumpy

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By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

 

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Big Sid’s Sanctuary. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

On June 18th, 2013, our sanctuary welcomed Grumpy to our fold; he had been TNR’d through Focus on Ferals. Born in the summer of 2009, Grumpy was being fed and sheltered for months by a kindhearted resident. He looked like hell with his whole body one huge mat, and he was constantly fighting with other neighborhood cats.

 

When Dr. Jen took him in for neuter, she knew he would be FIV. He had a war wound on his face and just had that look about him. Scrapper no doubt! He earned the nickname Grumpy as he walked around literally grumbling all the time. He had very distinct personal space zone and when other cats overstepped their boundaries, they got a stern warning. He does love people though — just wants them all to himself.

 

We were pleasantly surprised at just how docile and accommodating with regards to personal space Grumpy had become in the time FOF housed him. Grumpy is a gentle, giant-headed boy, who is more than thrilled to be living the cushy indoor life! This reformed sour puss is a complete love bug — sit on the floor and your lap will be commandeered until he decides to let you up!

 

We are so happy to have Grumpy as part of our family at Sid’s, but our ultimate goal is to find each and every one of our cats homes of their very own. After all these cats have been through prior to their rescue and placement with us, don’t you think they deserve that?

More about Grumpy:

  • Extra-large
  • Adult
  • Domestic medium hair & tabby mix
  • Black and white
  • Housetrained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed

Want to adopt Grumpy? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

 

NOTE: A $825 grant from Lil BUB’s Big Fund for the ASPCA will enable Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary, to fund comprehensive exams for five Big Sid’s Sanctuary cats before going to their new home. Each exam would include a full blood panel, dental care, radiographs, urinalysis, antibiotics and pain medication, if needed. Big Sid’s caters exclusively to cats who test positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus). FIV and FeLV are viruses that can, if they flare up, suppress a cat’s immune system. The shelter takes cats with FIV or FeLV from all over Michigan.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.