SPA Ohio

09/03/2024

We rescued Melanie Sunshine 🌞 2 years ago today, when she was 6 months old.

We rushed her to our vet's office immediately and his prognosis was grim.

Melanie tested positive for feline Leukemia and a powerful infection was raging inside her kitten body.

Because of her fragile, weakened condition we opted to by-pass vaccines and spay.

She wasn't expected to live very long.

I recently purchased a very large, heavy duty cat tower on Chewy for her and she loves climbing and sleeping in it!

She's a spoiled princess and I must say one of the most intelligent cats we've ever rescued, and we've rescued hundreds over the past 30+ years.

Melanie is about 2½.

The estimated life expectancy for kittens diagnoised with FeLV is 2½ years.

I'm introducing powder form of Viralys into her diet in an effort to boost her immune system.

Anyone who really knows me understands I'm all about defying odds, so...
_____________________

Society for the Protection of Animals, Inc. (aka SPA Ohio on Facebook) formed as a non-profit animal rescue organization in 1998 (26 years ago) and is comprised of unpaid volunteers.

We rescue castaway cats and dogs, providing complete medical care that includes: vaccinations, testing, heartworm preventative, spay/neuter, and all other necessary medical care.

SPA OHIO fosters animals in our homes until forever homes are found. When forever homes aren’t found we don’t euthanize. The animals who are not adopted are kept (and loved) by volunteers for the rest of their lives, if necessary.

SPA OHIO is not just a rescue, we’re a Sanctuary... and that means a lifetime commitment of care to rescued cats and dogs who remain unadoptable due to behavioral and/or health conditions.

We primarily need donations for veterinary expenses for necessary medical care of each rescued animal. We also help cover expenses for others whose pets need emergency care when they're unable to afford it. And there's the expense of food, supplies, housing and transportation.

Your donation will help us continue our rescue work to save the lives of abandoned, stray, and abused companion animals.

You can mail your Tax Deductible Donation to:

SPA OHIO
P.O. Box 1047
Fremont, Ohio 43420

Or donate via Paypal at:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MC7DDDJV9ZXN4

30/12/2023

👉 MARCH 9th, 2022...
A wet, crusty-eyed, skinny, mud-caked kitten was sitting in the middle of Buckland Ave. facing oncoming traffic. If I had not stopped abruptly I'm certain the car right behind me would have run over her, assuming she was already dead.

When I jumped out of the van to scoop her up, I soon realized she couldn't see or hear. She was extremely underweight and obviously suffering from a severe infection.

We rushed her to Fremont Animal Hospital.

Dr. Reineck said he doubted she would make it, but they'd do all they could. She tested positive for Feline Leukemia (FeLV).

As most of you in the rescue world know it's often customary to euthanize felines who test positive with FeLV. Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA OHIO) has never held that view.

We named her Melanie Sunshine. She was placed in isolation and received excellent medical care at Fremont Animal Hospital for 12 days.

👉 On March 21st, 2022, I brought Melanie to my mom's house, where I'd been busy working to prepare for an estate sale. My mom passed on February 8th, a month before.

Feline Leukemia cats often only live for a couple of years. They should not be around other cats who do not have Feline Leukemia because FeLV is contagious to other cats.

Although a diagnosis of FeLV can be emotionally devastating, it is important to realize that cats with FeLV can live normal lives for prolonged periods of time. The median survival time for cats after FeLV is diagnosed is 2.5 years, but sometimes they live much longer!

On occasion, cats that are exposed to FeLV and test positive for FeLV can mount an effective immune response that suppresses the virus (called regressive infection); these cats can test negative on subsequent tests, are asymptomatic, and are then at low risk of transmitting the disease to other cats.

Melanie is an absolute sweetheart.... a pure purr bucket... and she's absolutely the friendliest cat SPA has ever rescued.

👉 NOW, 1¾ YEARS LATER....

When I think of her sitting in the middle of the road that day with infected ears and eyes, shivering as I held her under my coat (but still purring and making bread despite her suffering), compared to now, well... that's the magical stuff rescuers get to store in the happy room of their hearts for the rest of their lives.

She's now 2+ years old and just look at her!

We'll keep her happy and safe for the rest of her life, unless someone exceptional with no other cats shows interest in adopting her, understanding that she might require future vet visits to manage possible FeLV symptoms, which may or may not arrise.

For now, she's healthy, happy, and beautiful!!!

This is what SPA Ohio continues to do.

👉 MARCH 9th, 2022...
A wet, crusty-eyed, skinny, mud-caked kitten was sitting in the middle of Buckland Ave. facing oncoming traffic. If I had not stopped abruptly I'm certain the car right behind me would have run over her, assuming she was already dead.

When I jumped out of the van to scoop her up, I soon realized she couldn't see or hear. She was extremely underweight and obviously suffering from a severe infection.

We rushed her to Fremont Animal Hospital.

Dr. Reineck said he doubted she would make it, but they'd do all they could. She tested positive for Feline Leukemia (FeLV).

As most of you in the rescue world know it's often customary to euthanize felines who test positive with FeLV. Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA OHIO) has never held that view.

We named her Melanie Sunshine. She was placed in isolation and received excellent medical care at Fremont Animal Hospital for 12 days.

👉 On March 21st, 2022, I brought Melanie to my mom's house, where I'd been busy working to prepare for an estate sale. My mom passed on February 8th, a month before.

Feline Leukemia cats often only live for a couple of years. They should not be around other cats who do not have Feline Leukemia because FeLV is contagious to other cats.

Although a diagnosis of FeLV can be emotionally devastating, it is important to realize that cats with FeLV can live normal lives for prolonged periods of time. The median survival time for cats after FeLV is diagnosed is 2.5 years, but sometimes they live much longer!

On occasion, cats that are exposed to FeLV and test positive for FeLV can mount an effective immune response that suppresses the virus (called regressive infection); these cats can test negative on subsequent tests, are asymptomatic, and are then at low risk of transmitting the disease to other cats.

Melanie is an absolute sweetheart.... a pure purr bucket... and she's absolutely the friendliest cat SPA has ever rescued.

👉 NOW, 2¾ YEARS LATER....

When I think of her sitting in the middle of the road that day with infected ears and eyes, shivering as I held her under my coat (but still purring and making bread despite her suffering), compared to now, well... that's the magical stuff rescuers get to store in the happy room of their hearts for the rest of their lives.

She's now 2+ years old and just look at her!

We'll keep her happy and safe for the rest of her life, unless someone exceptional with no other cats shows interest in adopting her, understanding that she might require future vet visits to manage possible FeLV symptoms, which may or may not arrise.

For now, she's healthy, happy, and beautiful!!!

This is what SPA Ohio continues to do.

Society for the Protection of Animals, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)3, so your Donations are Tax Deductible.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MC7DDDJV9ZXN4

Photos of Melanie's Transformation:

30/12/2023

https://www.facebook.com/spaohioorg

Society for the Protection of Animals, Inc. (aka SPA Ohio on Facebook) formed as a non-profit animal rescue organization in 1998, twenty six years ago, and is comprised of unpaid volunteers.

We rescue castaway cats and dogs, providing complete medical care that includes: vaccinations, testing, heartworm preventative, spay/neuter, and all other necessary medical care.

SPA OHIO fosters animals in our homes until forever homes are found. When forever homes aren’t found we don’t euthanize. The animals who are not adopted are kept (and loved) by volunteers for the rest of their lives.

SPA OHIO is not just a rescue, we’re a Sanctuary... and that means a lifetime commitment of care to rescued cats and dogs who remain unadoptable due to behavioral and/or health conditions.

We primarily need donations for veterinary expenses for necessary medical care of each rescued animal.

We, additionally, help cover expenses for others whose pets need emergency care when they're unable to afford it. And there's the expense of food, litter and supplies.

Your donation will help us continue our rescue work to save the lives of abandoned, stray, and abused companion animals.

You can mail your Tax Deductible Donation to:

SPA OHIO
P.O. Box 1047
Fremont, Ohio 43420

Or donate via Paypal:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MC7DDDJV9ZXN4

Society for the Protection of Animals, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)3, so your Donations are Tax Deductible.

30/12/2023

28/12/2023

Often invisible, toxic cyanobacteria can poison pets

04/10/2023

UPDATE!
Lucas County Pit Crew is a well known, highly respected, non-profit cat and dog rescue located in Toledo, Ohio.

My husband and I have known Jean, president, for many years.

One of their feline foster homes is taking THEM into their care tomorrow morning at 9am. It turns out there's two kitten siblings!

Donations to Lucas County Pit Crew would be much appreciated!

They will be going to a responsible foster home who will obtain immediate medical care.

______________
Donate button:
https://lucascountypitcrew.com/

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lucascountypitcrew
______________

Thank you for caring! 💞

And thank you LCPC for helping these two kittens in need!

__________________
URGENT!!!

Is there anyone in/near Ohio who can help this poor kitten? He's in need of immediate medical care. (We can figure out transport.)

The woman who found him lives in a trailer park in Fostoria, Ohio and she's unable to help him.

SPA is full and I'm currently dealing with health issues, so we can't take him and it's tearing my heart in two. 💔😿

Please message me if you can take him.

04/09/2023

04/09/2023

Dear SPA Ohio,

I'm a single mom and can't deal with this anymore. Danny is 2 playful and loving, 2 year old cat. He's never been outside.

He was neutered at Humane Ohio.

He's great with humans, great with my kids, and always uses his litterbox but isn't working out at all with my other cat. They're fighting all of the time. I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING.

Society for theProtectionofAnimals, Inc. (SPA OHIO on Facebook) said they would do all they can to help responsibly place Danny with a loving, responsible, forever family.

Please message SPA OHIO for an adoption application.

I adopted him from someone on Facebook.

Please message SPA OHIO or BARBARA MCGRADY if you're interested in making Danny a forever part of your family.

02/07/2023

Fremont, Ohio

SPA OHIO just received a call from someone wishing to prevent this dog from being taken to the pound.

__________________
Dear SPA Ohio,

I'm trying to help the current owner of this dog to find a responsible, new home for her.

The dog's name is Beth. She weighs approximately 40 lbs.

She's a 1 year old heeler/corgi mix, spayed and up to date on shots, and in very good health.

She's very sweet, friendly and loves all dogs and people. She has not been around cats.

She's fine being left alone for a few hours as long as she has had exercise/walks.

She loves the dog park but walks nicely on a leash.

Beth is in a situation where she is loved and cared for, but is being left alone 8-9 hours a day at least 6 days per week. She has a fenced in yard but her current owner does not want to leave her out that long and is fearful she will escape while he is at work.

The owner is a young man who has no resources to help him and cannot afford pet sitting, etc.

Beth enjoys being with people and other dogs, but doesn't like being left alone.

I do not want to see her to go a dog pound.

Thank you for posting this for me.

Lori
__________________

If you're interested in adopting Beth, please message SPA Ohio and I will connect you with Lori.

26/05/2023

Humankind is the Predator Mother Earth should most Fear

As founder and president of Society for the Protection of Animals, Inc., I agree 100% that a family cat should be kept indoors only. Just as we shouldn't allow our dogs to run at large, we should not allow our pet cats to run at large.

BUT...

The truth is, human activities are the most serious threat to wildlife.

The number one issue in wildlife decline is not feral cats, but rather the ongoing habitat destruction caused by development and other activities associated with human population growth.

John Terborgh of Duke University said, "The global environmental crisis has caught up with migratory birds. There are simply too many people making ever-increasing demands on a fixed supply of resources. We can't continue on the same reckless path for long."

The Audubon Society reports that urban expansion and loss of open space have put some 25 percent of bird species in the United States in trouble.

Among the threats to birds are skyscrapers, cellular towers and West Nile Virus. The major, reputable studies on avian and wildlife population declines all point to the causes - habitat loss, drought and dangerous levels of insecticides and pesticides.

Pressures from a human population of more than 8 billion have put about 12 percent of the world's 9,800 bird species at risk of extinction, according to the Worldwatch Institute.

Feral cats are being made the scapegoat for human refusal to curb the activities that are driving many species to extinction.

How does trap/neuter/release work? Because cats are territorial, spayed and neutered cats won't allow other cats into their area. The result is fewer cats in the neighborhood and no new kittens being born. However, if cats are trapped and euthanized, other fertile cats simply move into the neighborhood.

I'll stand for a humane solution that is within our grasp, to achieve a positive, visible, caring result now -- one that will, in the long run, at least make my community more inviting to the restoration of songbird populations, rather than require hundreds of cats to die for their lesser sins.

Perhaps humankind is the predator that mother earth should most fear.

Barbara McGrady, president

Society for the Protection of Animals, Inc.

https://www.facebook.com/spaohioorg/

15/03/2023

For my birthday this year I'm raising money for SPA Ohio and your contribution will help to make a difference, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps.

Thank you for your support. I've included information about SPA Ohio's Mission below:

• To stop the unnecessary euthanasia
of stray cats and dogs
through implementation of
spay & neuter programs;

• To place unwanted, discarded strays
into loving, responsible homes
after receiving complete
health care and sterilization;

• To educate the adults and children
of our community concerning
the importance of compassion,
realizing the direct link between
animal abuse and human violence.

Facebook takes care of the donation processing with no fees.

Society for the Protection of animal's, Inc. SPA OHIO on Facebook) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. Your donation is tax deductible.

Thanks again for your support!
Barbara McGrady,
Founder and President
_____________
Melanie Sunshine was lying in the middle of Buckland Avenue near the reservoir facing oncoming traffic when Barb jumped out of her van to sn**ch her up. It was a windy, freezing cold day.

She was in serious condition and rushed to Fremont Animal Hospital.

Dr. Reineck said he thought Melanie Sunshine was about 5 months old and, he said, that she probably wouldn't make it due to the horrible infection that had spread throughout her body. And, unfortunately, she tested positive for Feline Leukemia.

SPA OHIO does what's right, not what's easiest.

Melanie was hospitalized for several days and has been in Barbara McGrady's extra special care for the past year.

Melanie Sunshine continues to flourish and amaze! Her Kitty IQ is off the chart!!!

15/03/2023

For my birthday this year I'm raising money for SPA Ohio and your contribution will help to make a difference, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps.

Thank you for your support. I've included information about SPA Ohio's Mission below:

• To stop the unnecessary euthanasia
of stray cats and dogs
through implementation of
spay & neuter programs;

• To place unwanted, discarded strays
into loving, responsible homes
after receiving complete
health care and sterilization;

• To educate the adults and children
of our community concerning
the importance of compassion,
realizing the direct link between
animal abuse and human violence.

Facebook takes care of the donation processing with no fees.

Society for the Protection of animal's, Inc. SPA OHIO on Facebook) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. Your donation is tax deductible.

Thanks again for your support!
Barbara McGrady, founder and president
_____________
Melanie Sunshine was lying in the middle of Buckland Avenue near the reservoir facing oncoming traffic when Barb jumped out of her van to sn**ch her up. It was a windy, freezing cold day. She was in serious condition and rushed to Fremont Animal Hospital.

She was about 5 months old, Dr. Reineck said. He said, sadly, that he didn't think she'd make it. She had a horrible infection throughout her body and tested positive for Feline Leukemia.

SPA OHIO does what's right, not what's easiest.

Melanie was hospitalized for several days and has been in Barbara McGrady's extra special care for the past year.

Melanie Sunshine continues to flourish and amaze! Her Kitty IQ is off the chart!!!

16/10/2022