News & In-fur-mation

Click here to see our
NEW BEGINNINGS
(already adopted)

See our other critters available for adoption by clicking on Adoptions to the left.

Hot Weather Tips
For Your Pet!

We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger, warn ASPCA experts. Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.

Visit the Vet

A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm and has a safe flea and tick control program.

Made in the Shade

Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot.

Symptoms of overheating in pets include:

Excessive panting or difficulty breathing.
Increased heart and respiratory rate.
Drooling/excessive salivating.

Mild weakness, stupor or even collapse.
Seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
Elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

HOT CAR LEGISLATION CURRENTLY IN EFFECT!

Current law under 597.7 California PC (excerpts):

(a) No person shall leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.

(c)(1) Nothing in this section shall prevent a peace officer, humane officer, or an animal control officer from removing an animal from a motor vehicle if the animal's safety appears to be in immediate danger from heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.

Assembly Bill 797 has been proposed which will set forth the guidelines for a regular citizen to take necessary action to intervene on the behalf of an animal in distress without civil liability for property damaged in the course of the rescue:

(b) (1) This section does not prevent a person from taking reasonable steps that are necessary to remove an animal from a motor vehicle if the person holds a reasonable belief that the animal's safety is in immediate danger from heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.

(2) A person who removes an animal from a vehicle in accordance with paragraph (1) is not criminally liable for actions taken reasonably and in good faith if the person does all of the following:

(A) Determines the vehicle is locked or there is otherwise no reasonable manner for the animal to be removed from the vehicle.

(B) Has a good faith belief that forcible entry into the vehicle is necessary because the animal is in imminent danger of suffering harm if it is not immediately removed from the vehicle, and, based upon the circumstances known to the person at the time, the belief is a reasonable one.

(C) Has contacted a local law enforcement agency, the fire department, animal control, or the "911" emergency service prior to forcibly entering the vehicle.

(D) Remains with the animal in a safe location, out of the elements but reasonably close to the vehicle, until a peace officer, humane officer, animal control officer, or another emergency responder arrives.

(E) Used no more force to enter the vehicle and remove the animal from the vehicle than was necessary under the circumstances.

(F) Immediately turns the animal over to a representative from law enforcement, animal control, or another emergency responder who responds to the scene.

This proposed law has been dubbed the Good Samaritan Act. The full AB-797 and it's history can be read at the California Legislative Information Site.

Heat Strokes
And Your Pets

Heat Stroke: Know the Signs in Your Pet

Overheating and heat stroke can cause irreversible organ damage and, in some cases, death. That is way it is important to know the signs and limit your pet’s time outdoors.

While the following graphic is aimed at dogs, it can also apply to cats. To help minimize the chances of an indoor/outdoor pet, keep them indoors during the daytime hours. This will help keep them safe from overheating and the chances of a heatstroke.

To learn more about heatstrokes in cats and dogs, including how it is caused, symptoms, and what to do if you think your pet is having a heat stroke, please visit this site here.

OUR FEATURED CAT...

GYPSY

Close up of Gypsy.

Despite her fragile state of health when FFF accepted her and her two sisters into our SOL Program., GYPSY beat the odds to become an active, curious, energetic, and affectionate kitty. She is a fast learner and an independent, very self-possessed cat, loving to explore and engage in games of chase with even the largest of her foster friends.

She doesn't take any gruff from even our big foster Toms! Because of her independence and preferring people's company, she would do fine as an only cat. Due to her activity level, she would not be a good match for a quiet, sedate situation or a senior.

Gypsy relaxing.

As she has grown older, she is less active but still enjoys intering more with people than her foster siblings. She has developed a love for food which has resulted in a once svelte figure becoming more rounded

Close up of Gypsy.

Gypsy has developed into quite the busy body. She likes to investigate and be involved in her human activities. She has been raised in an adult-only home but might be fine with gentle children. It is unclear how she will be with a friendly dog?

She is current on his FVRCP shot, combo tested negative for Feline AIDS and leukemia, and is spayed.

She enjoys a safe, enclosed outdoor space to explore. Because of her activity level and familiarity with the enclosed outdoor experience, she will need to have an ENCLOSED outdoor catio.

She is spayed and combo tested and has current FVRCP vaccines. She is also house trained. Sister is currently up for adoption. Should you like to know more information about this plucky, young cat, please contact us at [email protected].

Looking For The Perfect
Father's Day Gift
For That Special Pet Mom!!

IS YOUR PET A WORK OF ART ?

Friends of the Formerly Friendless is starting a new fundraiser. We can now take a photo of your favorite pet(s) and turn it into art. May it be stylish neon. Andy Warhol styled, or Van Gogh styled watercolor, you send us your photo and we will send you various styles for you to choose from.

The image you send does not need to be high quality as we will make the necessary adjustments for you. All we need is a clear photo of your pet(s) and we will take care of the rest. We will send you 4 variations for you to choose from.

Once you choose your style, we will send you a high quality image for $25 that you can either take to have made it into a photo or framed. Or, you can have it printed on canvas. For $50, you get an 1?'x14" print or for $73 you can get an 18"x24". Depending on how the picture is taken, the image will be either landscape or portrait.

These unique "works of art" make wonderful gifts for that special person in your life.

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS ...

Step 1 Email your pet's image to [email protected].
Step 2 Proofs will be emailed to you to approve.
Step 3 Choose which proof you want and email us so we may create your selected specialized image(s) or indicate if you would like it reproduced on canvas.
Step 4 Remit the payment for your specialized image using the PayPal methods below (PayPal, Debit or Credit Card). Remember, images cost $25 while canvases cost $50 and $75 depending on the size.
Step 5 Your specialized image will be emailed directly to you. If you choose one of the canvases, it will be mailed to you directly from the company we will be using. Please include address so we may ship the canvas to you. Sorry, but the company we use does not ship to PO Boxes.

Please visit our Fundraising page for more information.

Contact FFF at [email protected]
if you want to see how your favorite pet(s) look like as art.

FFF's Bart

Sponsor A Kitty...
For 2024!

FFF's Reginald

CAN'T FOSTER? • CAN'T HAVE A CAT WHERE YOU LIVE?
CAN'T ADOPT NOW? • GOT A HOUSEFUL?
ALLERGIC TO CATS BUT LOVE THEM?

YOU CAN STILL HELP OUR KITTIES!

FFF's Martin

You can sponsor a kitty with a donation amount of your choosing to help us with our ongoing maintenance and care of our FFF "formerly friendless felines". Your donation will go to the care and maintenance of the kitty(s) that you choose. Just visit our Adoption List and SELECT a kitty that you want to sponsor.

You may then contribute an amount of your choosing, to the care and maintenance of that chosen kitty. The monies we receive will be applied to food, medical care, and maintenance of that chosen kitty. Just WRITE THE CHOSEN KITTY(s) name on the bottom of your check.

FFF's Emily

You can also make a contribution of your choosing that benefits ALL of FFF's needy kitties. Your contribution will be put into our general fund for the benefit of all of our kitties.

Payment can be made directly to FFF via paypal or personal check.

If you wish, you can contact us at 925-808-8364 for updates on your chosen kitty and be a "VIRTUAL FRIEND" to that or all of the FFF “formerly friendless felines”.

ANY and all sponsorships are greatly appreciated and rest assured will be put to good use for the benefits of the kitty(s). We have no paid staff from these funds so it will directly benefit the kitty(s) you have chosen.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
FROM FRIENDS OF THE FORMERLY FRIENDLESS!

KITTY NEWS
& INFO

How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Flea and Tick Season

With the weather warming up, pet parents are taking the opportunity to go on longer walks and spend time with their pets in the great outdoors. Unfortunately, more time outdoors means more opportunities for your pet to catch fleas and ticks. So, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) wants to remind you of the importance of keeping your pet safe from fleas and ticks during the warmer months with these helpful tips!

Fleas

Fleas are the most common external parasite for our four-legged friends. They can live for as few as 13 days or as long as 12 months, and during their lifespan they can produce millions of offspring.

Symptoms of fleas, such as excessive scratching and hair loss, are similar between dogs and cats, but it is important to know what to look out for as fleas can cause health complications, like anemia and intestinal parasites

View the full article here.

	Contact FFF
	You may contact us via Email for adoption information Email for inquiries (925) 808-8364

Friends of the Formerly Friendless
P.O.BOX 863
Penn Valley , Ca 95946

	New Mailing Address
FFF has a new address. Should you wish to write to us, please send all correspondence to: Friends of the Formerly Friendless P.O.BOX 863 Penn Valley, Ca 95946

F.F.F. Policies

Adopting a Friend

An interview, application and home visit, followed by a 5-7 day trial visit of the selected pet in the prospective adoptive home. An Animal Care Adoption Contract is required to be signed by the adopter and a FFF representative, and a recovery/adoption fee is tenderedThe adopter(s) must be of legal age to sign a legal contract.

FFF does NOT allow FFF animals to be given as gifts or adopted for third parties.

FFF would appreciate a contribution to help offset our veterinary costs which include:

Combo test for FeLV and FIV (feline leukemia and feline AIDS)
First FVRCP
Spay or Neuter
Pain medications for recovery
De-worming
Flea control
Microchip

Special circumstance adoptions are available for eligible adopters.

Micro-Chipping

In an effort to provide our FFF graduates, their families, and our dedicated F.F.F. fosters/staff with peace of mind, we are exploring micro chipping all of our adoptees. This will provide a safety net for our formerly friendless felines that go on to their new homes.

If FFF begins microchipping, then FFF will be listed as the secondary contact in the event that an emergency or unforeseen circumstance causes them to be lost, stolen or strayed. This should make sure that our F.F.F. adoptees will always have a friend if they are in need and always be "formerly friendless".

Appointments

We show our cats by appointments at your home. Appointments can be made with FFF through our HAVE CAT WILL TRAVEL Program, (925) 808-8364. Availability of the cats or kittens for appointment depends on the availability of the foster and transportation arrangements. If you see a cat or kitten you are interested in on our website, contact Sally via our email or by phone to check on the availability of that cat or kitten for evening appointments.

Adoption Criteria

As a rule, F.F.F. prefers not to offer kittens until all veterinary test results are normal. All F.F.F. cats and kittens are combo tested for feline AIDS and feline Leukemia prior to adoption. Therefore, we will not release any cat or kitten for adoption until we can be assured of an accurate test result.

FFF's philosophy:

We will not knowingly adopt any cat or kitten into your home that we wouldn't place in our own homes. We appreciate your understanding.

With AmazonSmiles no longer supporting non-profits, Friends of the Formerly Friendless has signed up with iGive. iGive works with over 2000 online retailers such as Walmart, Macy's, and so much more. Each of the retailers donate a percentage, usually 1 to 2 percent, with some as much as 18! This is great news for all as you get great deals on the stores that partnered with iGive and FFF gets free donations. A win-win for all!

Safe, Secure & Smart Ways to Give.
Create your free iGive account. After that, all you need do is shop through the iGive.com website, newsletters, or install the optional iGive Button to make sure you never miss an opportunity to raise money when you shop online. It’s all automatic, and it's all free of charge. iGive lets you control your membership information with a private password. You can review your store visits and purchase/donation history, and confirm the total amount raised and distributed to your cause. iGive values your privacy and will never release shopper information without consent. And there are no hidden fees or extra costs when you shop through iGive. Start iGiving at: www.iGive.com.

Once you have signed up, look for the tiny iGive ON SAVE MORE triangle at the bottom, right-hand corner of the page. You can also view the donors on the iGive website. .

• Selling your house?
• Buying a new one?
• Know someone who is?

Real Estate Our pet friendly supporter / Realtor, Bonnie Andrews, has extended a generous offer to FFF referrals! For every FFF referral that results in a finalized contract with her, she will DONATE 10% of her commission to FFF!

A win win situation for all... a dedicated, pet-friendly Realtor, to work with you to meet your needs, and. you can help our FFF Medical Fund that helps needy FFF fosters and community animals. You can contact Bonnie Andrews at:

Bonnie Andrews, Windermere Realty
Email : [email protected]
Cell Phone: 510-478-8266

Ages of our cats and kittens are approximate and may reflect the age
at which the cat entered F.F.F.'s Program.
F.F.F. makes every effort to update the ages of our cats periodically.

When inquiring regarding one of our cats, please ask regarding the current age.

News & In-fur-mation

Click here to see our
NEW BEGINNINGS
(already adopted)

Visit the Vet

Made in the Shade