I would like to feature two area shelters today. Remember, no shelter should release a pet without being sure he or she will fit into that particular family and lifestyle. No one should be offended by any of the questions these shelters ask you or if they want to check the home. After all, wouldn't you want the same if your pet was being given to a stranger?

The first is the outstanding ProjectCat, Inc., founded by Gail Mihocko in 2002. The website describes Mihocko background:

"Gail, after doing cat rescue for three years, realized the need for a major cat facility in southern Ulster County. She is a biologist and birder who has spent several years studying the Common Raven in the Shawangunk Mountains. After practicing ecology and natural history for 10 years, she decided to follow her heart and instinct and devote her time and energy to help alleviate the horrendous overpopulation of stray and ab

andoned cats. She has lived with cats her entire life and hopes to pass on her compassion and knowledge of cats and all other living organisms that live on this planet." You know when you adopt from Gail the cats will be very healthy and will have been cared for beautifully.

"ProjectCat, Inc. is a non-profit, environmentally conscious animal welfare organization dedicated to assisting felines in need in our local community."

The website points out that "The numbers of unwanted, abandoned, and stray cats in this country are innumerable. And it is no less daunting right here in our Ulster County. Concerned citizens often have nowhere to turn when a stray cat turns up in their yard, or a family member develops allergies, because the rescue groups are always filled beyond capacity with cats."

Project Cat has long wish list that you might consider helping with. These are: "Cat Food (Eagle, Wellness, Innova, or similar quality), World's Best Cat Litter Extra Strength (the only one we use), unscented laundry soap, dish soap, paper towels and printer paper/white and colored (ink jet), printer ink (black and color for HP OfficeJet K80), mailing envelopes (business and personal size), shelter-quality stainless steel or fiberglass cages, a small canister vacuum cleaner, a volunteer carpenter to build climbing posts, and grant writers."

Contact Project Cat, Inc.: 571 Co Rt 2, Accord, NY 12404; phone/fax: 845-687-4983; email: info@projectcat.org.

* * * The next shelter is Sue Sternberg's Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption on Route 209, Accord. I think Sue is the most realistic and educated of all the shelter directors. She doesn't want to see an animal constantly returned to a shelter, so she educates folks before they adopt. If someone could not keep an adopted pet, I am sure she would welcome them back, though. That is my problem with breeders who will not agree to take back a pet if it doesn't work out. Sue also knows that some pets are not adoptable.

RVAA says, "Animals are abandoned daily, starving and neglected. To prevent this, our programs educate pet owners, assist the impoverished, promote adoptions, and improve shelter conditions nationwide."

RVAA is a not for profit, small shelter for dogs. They focus on not only the excellent care of the dogs, but "to assist every pet owner in becoming the best caregiver they can be."

The website says that dogs are kept in their own rooms with furniture, toys, and beds in order to make it feel home-like. They listen to music and are handled so that they won't forget how good it feels. Yet there is more, because after a dog is adopted there are free training classes and help available.

Contact Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption: 4628 Route 209, Accord, NY 12404; phone: 845.687.7619; email: jane@animalsforadoption.org.