Pet of the Week, Funny face Bert

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Marlies and Bert

Bert,” being hugged by Shelter manager Marlies, is a mystery dog. The Shelter staff knows nothing about his history – who his parents were, where he came from – because he was found in the Kouchi pa Bestia (drop off kennel) outside the gate of the Shelter. But this wire haired pup was immediately welcomed as he looks like a younger version of one of the full time Shelter resident dogs, “Charlie.”That was good news for Bert, especially when he had his check up with the vet and found to be in good health and would be put up for adoption.

He’s about five months old and he should grow up to be a big dog. Another nice thing is that Bert is a mellow and very gentle dog, not in the least hyper, and would be good with children. Just looking at him and that funny face.

Story and Photo by Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2012

Pet of the Week: Iggy,” the Interactive Cat”

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Regina and Iggy

Some people claim they would love to have a cat but they find them aloof and standoffish and want a pet that is more attentive. Well, if you are one of those people the Shelter has the “purrfect” cat for you….”Iggy,” the Interactive Cat!

Iggy is the most affectionate, social cat that you will find. Give him the invitation and he will leap onto your shoulders and hang around your neck all day long. He talks to you, gives kisses and purrs with a loud chirping sound as long as he is near you. The most amazing thing is that he understands the word “no”…..a word that is not normally in a cat’s vocabulary! When you decide that you’ve had enough of his attention and you don’t want him around your neck anymore, simply put him down on the floor, point your finger at him and say “no.” Iggy then gives you a very sad, pouty look but immediately lies down and leaves you alone until you invite him up for the next round of affection. Iggy truly is an interactive cat! And he’s gorgeous… dark orange silky soft fur and beautiful facial markings and expressions. He is about one year old, sterilized, healthy and ready to interact with anyone who wants to share in some purr-fect feline love.

You may meet Iggy and the other pets up for adoption at the Bonaire Animal Shelter on the Lagoen Road. Open Monday through Saturday, 8am-1pm and 3 to 5pm. Telephone 717-4989. It’s always up to date.

Story byJane Madden Disko/Laura DeSalvo , Bonaire Reporter, January 6-20, 2012

Pet of the week: Lovely Rita

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Pet of the week: Lovely Rita

Shelter Cat Maven, Jane Madden-Disko writes: “Lovely “Rita” and her sister, Roseanne,” arrived at the Bonaire Animal Shelter about eight months ago as beautiful, small kittens. Affectionate, but not pushy, they usually sit quietly off to the side watching and waiting for potential forever home families to notice them, rather than yelling “Pick me! Pick me!” Their laid back attitude is probably why they are still at the Shelter, because when you do notice these sisters you won’t walk away. They are affectionate, playful and have the most amazingly soft fur….more like rabbit fur than cat fur. Rita is a beautiful grey and white tabby with that fabulous cat eyeliner! Sister Roseanne is a very unusual calico tabby…..red, grey, white, black and brown STRIPES instead of calico spots with the same lovely eyeliner. Rita and Roseanne will be small cats. They are now full grown….so they won’t take up very much room in your house, but they will surely fill up your heart!”

Keep in mind that for the $55 cost of the Cat Adoption Fee, much is included. The cats have been checked medically, shots given, worming, tested for feline leukemia and sterilized. And they have been proven “social.” It’s the best deal in town and you can be assured of getting the best in pets at the Bonaire Animal Shelter!

See Rita and Roseanne and the other adoptees at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday-Saturday, 8 am–1pm, 3-5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Bonaire Reporter – Nov. 25-Dec. 9, 2011

Pet of the week: Puck the dog

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

pet of the week Puck the dog and Hanny

What a fun fellow “Puck” is. Posing with Bonaire Animal Shelter staff member, Hanny Hoogerkamp, she shows that she’s loving the attention and hugs. Both of them have big smiles on their faces. Puck has the most amazing expressions. Along with her startled looking eyebrows she (usually) likes to keep one perky ear up and one down – very cute. Puck is about 13 months old, she’s tall and slender but with an athletic build. She’s friendly, as you can see, she’s playful and she would be an excellent watch dog. And she gets along with other dogs as well. She’s healthy, has been checked out by the vet, has had her shots, worming – the works. All that for a $75 adoption fee for dogs. And that also includes sterilization and an identity chip which is mandatory if the dog is transported to the US or Europe.

You are invited to stop by and meet Puck and the other dogs and cats up for adoption at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday 8 am – 1 pm, 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Laura De-Salvo, Bonaire Reporter – November 11-25, 2011

Pets of the week: Ursula, Maurice and Grover the friendly felines

Posted on November 09, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Justin, Jordan and the Friendly Felines

No matter the age or gender,it seems no one can resist giving and getting a little love from the friendly felines at the Bonaire Animal Shelter. Two of the Shelter’s strong, young male helpers took some time out from their Shelter duties to enjoy some kitty love. Pelikaan school students, Justin and Jordan are enjoying the soft and gentle affections of “Ursula,” “Maurice” and “Grover,” three very special Shelter cats.

Ursula, the 10-week old red tabby kitten in the arms of Justin, is a rarity. The majority of all red tabbies are male, but Ursula, as her name indicates, is all girl! She has recently become the very best friend of Maurice, the red tabby male in the middle of the boys,who was recently featured as a Pet of the Week. Seems Maurice realizes what a rare beauty Ursula is and has decided she is the girl of his dreams and they are constant companions. Jordan is holding Grover, a black and white kitten with his own special story. He and his sister Banjo arrived at the Shelter motherless at only three weeks old. Shelter staffer Regina Schouten took them home and hand fed them every four hours until they were old enough to eat on their own and join the rest of the Shelter’s cat family. The result, Grover and Banjo LOVE people. Their purr engines are up and running at the first sign of human touch. Each of these lovely cats…and plenty more….are available for adoption and ready to share that special feline love with you and your family.

Jane Madden, Bonaire Reporter- Oct. 28-Nov. 11, 2011

Pet of the week: Farah, the full of fun Dalamation mix

Posted on October 16, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Farah, the full of fun Dalamation

What a great pal “Farah,” our Pet of the Week, could be. She is full of fun, she’s energetic and would love to find an owner who could appreciate her. She’d make an excellent watch dog who would be protective of her owners, but she’s also very sweet and playful. Those humans who exercise would really make a good fit for her. Farah is about two years old and has some Dalmatian background which gives her that snowy white coat with black detailing – very attractive.

She’s a medium sized dog but with a big personality. Keep in mind that Farah has been checked out by the vet, has been wormed and given her shots and the adoption fee includes that as well as sterilization and even a micro chip that’s been inserted under her skin for identification.

You may see Farah and the other pets up for adoption at the Bonaire Animal Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to1 pm and 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717- 4989.

Bonaire Reporter – October 14-28, 2011

Pet of the week: Maurice the cat with incredible good looks

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Pet of the week: Maurice the cat

Jane Madden Disko, considered the “Bonaire Animal Shelter Cat Guru,” writes (very knowingly) about Maurice, our Pet of the Week. “Maurice (he insists on the French pronunciation: more-EESS) is an absolutely stunning young man.

He is definitely not your typical orange tabby. Maurice has a distinctive, elegantly shaped head in the style of Egyptian cats and his pastel orange coat is unusually and exotically marked. Despite his incredible good looks, he is not at all conceited or stand-offish. Maurice is extremely people-friendly.
He loves to be held and stroked and will happily join in a game of go fetch the ball. He is loving and affectionate to his feline roommates as well. Maurice is about eight months old and will be a large, lean adult. He is sterilized, vaccinated and just waiting for someone who would like to have an unusual and loving cat in their home.”

Things go in cycles, even at the Shelter, where right now there is a number of red furred kittens available for adoption. Stop by and see for yourself. The Shelter on the Lagoen Road is open Monday through Saturday, 8 am-1 pm and 3-5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Bonaire Reporter – Sept. 30, – Oct. 14, 2011

Pet of the Week: Iron, the comical looking dog

Posted on August 21, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Pet of the Week: Iron, the comical looking dog

Here are “Iron” (pronounced “Eye Ron”) and long time Shelter employee,Kenneth Piar. As you can tell by the expression on Iron’s face, Kenneth is a good friend. Iron is a comical looking dog with his cute face – one ear up, one ear down and that wiry fur. If the Hollywood movie producers saw him they’d hire him in a minute. He’s even cuter than the dog, Sandy, in “Annie!” But Hollywood may not be for him. He’d rather find a nice friendly and adoring master or mistress and perform for them instead. When he was just a puppy someone put him in the drop off cage (Kouchi Pa Bestia). He was very skinny and malnourished. But look at him now. What a guy. He’s friendly, not aggressive, but full of energy  and lots of fun. He’s a smarty too and should be easy to train. At one and a half years old, he’s healthy, sterilized, has his microchip and is ready to go. (Do we hear Hollywood calling?).

Good news! Former Pets of the Week, Louis, Eveline and Lily Marlene have all been adopted! Congratulations to all – pets and their new owners.May you enjoy many happy times.

Pet of the Week: Hans the kitten

Posted on August 13, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Hans the kitten

This face says it all…..” Hi! Can I go home with you?” When “Hans” arrived at the Shelter at just eight weeks old the Shelter staff took notice. Cats with his coloring are quite rare in male cats, and especially rare on Bonaire…dark grey striping with just a touch of “coffee with cream.” His coloring coupled with his curiosity and love of human affection made him a very special kitten.

Hans is now about 3 1/2 months old, still a kitten, and continues to delight both his human and feline friends. He’s the first at the compound gate to say “I missed you, can you pet me now?” Hans and his roommates are all healthy, vaccinated and just waiting for you to come and visit and welcome one or more of them into your heart and home.

You may meet Hans and the other healthy and social cats and dogs up for adoption at the Bonaire Animal Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 8 am—1 pm and 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Jane Madden Disko, Bonaire Reporter – August 5-19, 2011.

Pets of the Week: Eveline and Louie

Posted on August 02, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Pets of the week: Eveline en Louie 22

Two best friends at the Bonaire Animal Shelter are fivemonth-olds, Eveline and Louie. These two smooth haired medium sized dogs have such great characters and are so happy to be involved with people.
They’re super friendly and smart too. Keeping these two clean is an easy job because they both just love water and are content to just sit in the tub, amusing the staff no end! They’d be perfect to adopt together.

You may see them at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm, 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- July 22- August 5, 2011.

Pets of the week: Sammy and Holly

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Pets of the week: Sammy and Holly

Sammy Sellars from San Diego, California, made his first visit to Bonaire last week and one of the things he wanted to do was to visit the Bonaire Animal Shelter, especially the cat cage.

Sammy has his own tuxedo cat, “George,” at home. At the Shelter right now there are so many cats to choose from – kittens, young cats, older cats, all different colors. It was difficult for him to pick one to pose with. But here he is with darling “Holly,” a beautiful young black, white and gray kitten who’s like a purr machine. She cuddled up with Sammy and really hoped he’d bring her home with him on the plane. That didn’t happen but everyone had a good time anyway. Holly has a brother, “Harry,” and the two of them together are a fun loving pair.

All the cats up for adoption are healthy and sociable. They’ve been examined by the vet, given their tests for feline leukemia, wormed, given their shots and will be sterilized when they’re old enough. All this is included in the cat adoption fee of $55.

After his Shelter visit Sammy got a Shelter T-Shirt, that are for sale at the Shelter gift shop. They are very cool shirts and it’s a great way to help support our Shelter.
There are all colors and sizes, adults and children. (Note: A number of animals have been adopted from the Shelter and brought home with their new owners to Europe or the US. The Shelter can take care of nearly everything, including putting in a micro chip).

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter – July 8-22, 2011

Pet of the week: American Bull Dog with a Dutch Name

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Pet of the week: Brammetje

“Brammetje” may have a Dutch name but he’s truly an American bull dog. He’s strong, he’s smart, but he is an extremely mellow  fellow.

This handsome guy was seen wandering around Lagun for about three weeks. It was a lucky day for him when a Good Samaritan found him and brought him into the Bonaire Animal Shelter where he was welcomed with love, a visit to the vet for a thorough exam, shots and good nutritious meals. And how he responded: When someone comes into his pen he is so happy and welcoming, and he just wiggles with delight.

Brammetje is a young dog, under a year old. He needs a good, educated-about-dogs, kind of owner. Or maybe a couple, but someone who can give him the time he needs to show his potential. Although he’d probably like to be an “only dog,” he can deal with one other. At the moment the Shelter has a number of big dogs. Many of them have come from the street and as staff member Monique says, “These dogs need a job!” So it a nice opportunity for people who want a good guard dog.

You may meet Brammetje and the other dogs and cats that are up for adoption at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm, 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- June 24, – July 8, 2011

Pet of the week: Diva dog “Lily Marlene”

Posted on June 08, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Diva Dog "Lily Marlene"

“Lily Marlene” is a pretty fancy name for this funny little pup you might say. But there’s a reason, says the Bonaire Animal Shelter staff. She a tiny little creature but she has an enormous personality and is such a character and is so affectionate. Her face looks like a Meerkat’s and she must have some Chihuahua ancestor there someplace. This little diva, Lily Marlene, was found hanging around a fish shop and brought into the Shelter. She’s about a year old and is in perfect health, having been examined by the vet, given her tests, worming and shots.

You may see her and the other adoptees at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 8 to 1 and 3 to 5. Tel. 717-4989.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter, May 27 – June 24, 2011

Pet of the week: Smart Carlos

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Merle, Carlos and Greta

“Carlos” is such a sweet and affectionate dog that he can’t help having admirers. In this photo, Merle Marsman, a great friend of the Bonaire Animal Shelter, gets a nice kiss from Carlos while Shelter staff member, Greta Kooistra, shows him off.

Carlos is about six months old and has already been sterilized. A boy found him in the street with a sore leg. Everyone was very concerned but luckily he was cured. And it turns out he is very smart. He can actually lift the latch on the door to his communal cage! But once the Shelter staff found out they had to tie it closed. But smartness does have its advantages because Carlos can catch on fast when he’s being trained.

To meet Carlos and the other adoptees stop by the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9– 1 and 3 -5. Tel. 717-4989.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- May 13-27, 2011

Pet of the week: It’s A Supermarket Of Kittens!

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Supermarket of kittens

Spring is kitten season and many of the unwanted or discarded kittens have luckily found their refuge at the Bonaire Animal Shelter. If you’ve been thinking about adopting a kitten or kittens now is the time. The Shelter has a veritable supermarket of kittens! You name it, they’ve got it! Boys, girls; long hair, short hair; short, tall; tabby, black, black and white, orange, grey, calico, white and black and every color combination in between. The 19 kittens (yes, you read it right, 19!) range from five weeks to five months and all are loving, social and healthy. In addition to the little ones, there are also 14 terrific adult cats that are looking for a loving home. If a kitten is what you are looking for, and you don’t have other cats, you should consider adopting two kittens or a kitten and an adult cat.

Young kittens need a lot of attention and activity to help them develop into a good companion, both physically and psychologically. Having a playmate or role model keeps them occupied and entertained. If you are not at home for most of the day, a single new kitten or cat will become lonely and bored which leads to mischievous activity like shredded curtains and furniture. In addition, just as it often happens with humans, lonely, isolated cats tend to become shy and reclusive and don’t make for particularly good companions.
However, if you have your heart set on a single cat, there are several adult cats at the Shelter that prefer the company of humans to other cats. Just ask the Shelter staff for a suggestion as to which cats would enjoy being a single cat home. If there’s a certain cat or kitten you are looking for, now is the time to visit the Shelter and browse the “cat supermarket.”

To meet the kittens visit the Bonaire Animal Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Jane Madden, Bonaire Reporter- April 29-May 13, 2011

Pet of the week: Kevin the beautiful, long haired tabby cat

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Kevin

Kevin” is a recent arrival at the Bonaire Animal Shelter and is one of the most beautiful, long haired tabby cats the Shelter has ever seen.  He is only seven months old and will grow to be a fairly large and stunning young man with distinctive gold, black and brown markings and long, luxurious whiskers. Kevin is shy on first approach, but once you begin stroking his long, soft fur he melts in your arms, the purr engine starts and he begs for belly rubs! He is quiet and very laid back, not particularly interested in interaction with other cats but coexists very peacefully with his current 27 roommates. Kevin is ideal  for someone looking for a companion cat… a cat that is affectionate and actively desires human contact. Kevin is ready to come into your heart and your home.

Story & photo by Jane Madden, Bonaire Reporter- April 8-29, 2011

Wonderful news about Sunshine and Cocoa

Posted on April 05, 2011 by Marlies in Happy Endings, News, Pet of the Week | Comments Off

These two “best friends,” “Sunshine” and “Cocoa,” who were featured in Pet of the Week in the last issue of The Reporter have been adopted when Sandra and Wim made them part of their family after seeing them in The Reporter. Not only that but they have a new “brother,” old cat “Tommy.” All the best to animals and people. May you have many happy years together.

Sandra and Sunshine and Cocoa

Sunshie Cocoa and Wim having a beer

Having a swim

Pets of the week: two “best friends,” “Sunshine” and “Cocoa”

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Sunshine

Cocoa

These two “best friends,” “Sunshine” and “Cocoa,” have been together for most of their lives. Their owner passed away and now these girls are orphans and up for adoption.

Both are about seven years old but act like puppies. They love to play and are frisky and full of fun. They’re big girls and would really appreciate a nice yard to play in or someone to run with. They don’t have a mean bone in their bodies; they’re just sweetie ladies who need to have a loving owner. They’re in top health, love people, have been sterilized. They’re ready to go.

To meet them and the other adoptees, visit the Bonaire Animal Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- March 25- April 8, 2011

Pet of the week: Walter and his mother’s makeup box

Posted on March 09, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Pet of the week: Walter

This week’s column is written by Queen of Cats,Jane Disko Madden, who seems to know what goes on in those furry little heads.

“How can you not smile when you look at Walter? He looks like he got into his mother’s makeup box and decided to paint himself a nice, big, black nose! Walter and his sister Wilhelmina arrived at the Bonaire Animal Shelter as orphans at only two weeks old. A shelter staffer took them home and fed them by hand every three hours until they were old enough to eat on their own….a month- long job that was lovingly performed! As a result Walter is a strong, active and handsome kitten with beautiful grey/green eyes  who welcomes and appreciates human companionship.
He is now 12 weeks old and looking to bring a constant smile and lots of affection to the lucky person who takes him into their home. Better yet, Walter and his sister Wilhelmina would be a delightful pair of loving kittens sure to brighten anyone’s day.”

You may see Walter and Wilhelmina and all the other healthy and social adoptees at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9 – 1, 3 – 5. Tel. 717-4989.

Bonaire Reporter- March 11-25, 2011, Jane Madden/Laura DeSalvo

Pet of the Week: Chocolate Suus

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

What a profile!

What a profile! This is “Suus,” otherwise known as “Susie.” What an alert, gorgeous dog she is. Suzie is playful and energetic and friendly. In fact she really believes she’s a small dog who would just love to work her way into your heart. She has a presence and would make a good watch dog. She’s about two years old, past the sometimes destructive puppy stage, but still young enough for training to live with your lifestyle. Susie has the most attractive chocolate colored short fur, so easy to care for without a “doggie” smell. She’s perfect! And, like all the other adoptees at the Bonaire Animal Shelter, Susie is in excellent health and is social. She’s had her exam by the vet, worming, shots  and sterilization.

All that is included in the dog adoption fee of $75. That also included the ID chip. A terrific deal and you can’t go wrong with a Shelter dog. They are “known quantities.”

The Shelter on the Lagoen Road is open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- Feb. 25-Mar. 11, 2011

Pets of the week: lovely white cats Yves and Carla

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

The following is written by cat queen, Jane Disko Madden, because she really knows these cats, inside and out!

“The expression, ‘opposites attract,’ doesn’t mean anything to these two lovely white cats! Little Carla, about eight weeks old, with one green eye and one blue eye, immediately bonded with an older Shelter resident who is just as white as she is. Yves, is a big strong boy, 10 pounds plus, with knowing amber eyes and a gentle, loving personality. Carla is a little tomboy (she was raised with two brothers) and can hold her own with kittens even twice her size. Yves, being a mature three year old, prefers to just lie around in his basket until someone comes along to pick him up. He’ll wrap himself around you and settle in for some serious cuddling.”

Bonaire Reporter- February 11-25, 2011

Pet of the week: Foxy looking Ralph

Posted on January 30, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Ralph, the foxy looking dog

This foxy looking dog with the light colored fur and beautiful light eyes is “Ralph,” a recent arrival at the Bonaire Animal Shelter.
He was homeless and skinny, looking very lost and miserable when someone discovered him and brought him into the Shelter. After being checked over by the vet, given his tests and shots and cleaned up he’s a “new dog,” happy to be alive. What a transformation a little love and attention can create.

Ralph has impressed the Shelter staff with his sociability with people and other dogs and is a “keeper,” they say. He’s about a year old, young enough to train to your way of life, but past the sometimes destructive puppy phase.

You may see him at the Shelter on the Lagun Road, open Monday-Saturday, 9 to 1 and 3 to 5. Tel. 717-4989.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- Jan. 28-Feb, 11, 2011

Super good news: Jaap is adopted

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Jaap and his new owners

Do you remember Jaap, the very handsome blond male dog? The Bonaire Reporter wrote a nice article about him and last week Jaap was the pet of the week.

Jaap finally is adopted! Super good news. On the picture you Jaap with his two new owners.

Pet of the week: Jaap a very handsome blond male dog

Posted on January 15, 2011 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | 1 Comment

Bonaire Pet of the week: Jaap

Once in awhile there is a dog brought into the Bonaire Animal Shelter that has such fine character and is so special that even though it may not be adopted right away the staff feels it should be kept and taken care of until the right person comes along. That’s the case with “Jaap,” this very handsome blond male dog. Jaap is about two years old now and has been at the Shelter for awhile, but he’s such a good dog, enthusiastic and smart, that he’s been welcome to stay for as long as it takes for him to find a new master or mistress.

“He’s so easy to train,” the staff says, “and he’d make a great guard dog.” As Shelter manager Marlies says, “Jaap is one of my favorites!” Just look at that alert profile and you’ll understand what the staff means. Jaap has been declared healthy by the vet, has had his tests, worming, shots and is sterilized.
The dog adoption fee of $75 includes all that plus a microchip which records the dog’s number and is connected to the owner’s name.

Story and Photo by Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter, January 14 – 28, 2011

Pet of the Week: Alexia, aka “Little Mother”

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | 1 Comment

Alexia aka 'Little Mama'

“Alexia,” this alert looking black and tan beauty, is known at the Bonaire Animal Shelter as “Little Mother.” She was brought into the Shelter with four totally different looking puppies, father(s) unknown. Alexia, a very mellow and relaxed dog, was considered to be the perfect mom to these pups.

All the puppies have been adopted and Alexia has been sterilized so can now live her own life. She’s very intelligent and serene at the same time. What a nice kind of dog to have around. When it’s necessary she barks, so she would be a good guard dog, protecting those she loves. Alexia is about one and a half years old.

You may see her at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Stroy and Photo by Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- Dec. 31, 2010-Jan. 14, 2011

Pet of the week: Pretty little Priscilla, the Calico cat

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | 1 Comment

“Priscilla” with volunteer Sherman

Here’s Bonaire Animal Shelter volunteer Sherman, enjoying his work in the cat cage, especially the part where he gets to hug the cats like little Priscilla.”  It’s volunteers like Sherman who help to keep the Shelter cats and dogs social so that they make perfect adoptees. Thank you, Sherman!

Pretty little Priscilla, one of the darling calico cats, is about a year old. She was brought in with her siblings because her owner just had too many cats! Hopefully, the mom has been sterilized so that that won’t happen again. As you may know, most calico cats are female. Just a rare few are male. Calicos are not a breed; it is a color pattern and three colors must be present: black, white and orange. A “true” calico has large blocks of these three colors. According to veterinarian Janet Tobiassen, the reason they are nearly always female is due to genetics. Coat color in cats is a ex-linked trait, a physical characteristic (coat color) related to gender. Female animals have two X chromosomes (XX), males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY). The genetic coding for displaying black or orange color is found on the X chromosome. The coding for white is a completely separate gene. Since females have two X chromosomes they are able to “display” two colors (orange and black, or variations thereof) and white, creating the 3-color calico mix. Since males have only one X chromosome, they can only be orange OR black. It is more complicated than simply having the color genes — it is a complex process of dominant and non-dominate genes interacting on the X chromosomes, but that is the basis for coat color for calico cats.

Stop by the Shelter on the Lagoen Road to meet all the healthy and very social animals. They’re open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- December 17-31, 2010

Pet of the week: A Very Happy Ending to a Very Sad Story

Posted on December 05, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | 1 Comment

Sammy: As he looks now

Remember Sammy, the abused and neglected dog that was pictured in The Reporter October 8-22?

He was in such horrible shape, skinny and sick, but there was something about him that made the Shelter manager decide not to euthanize him. It was a good call because now Sammy, in wonderful health, is now up for adoption.

Thanks to the vet, the staff and the volunteers at the Animal Shelter Sammy is now in terrific and robust  health. His sores and the nasty results of starvation are cured. He has a wonderful attitude, gets very attached to people and loves to play.

Sammy as he was shortly after he was brought into the Bonaire Animal Shelter

He’s also good with other dogs and he loves cats, because he was raised with a little kitten (so we heard) and the two of them were inseparable.

See him at the Bonaire Animal Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- December 3-17, 2010

Pet of the Week: Charlene the foxy looking cute dog

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Volunteer Heleen and Charlene

A familiar sight at the Bonaire Animal Shelter is a volunteer having a one-to-one experience with one of the pets. Often the pet is getting groomed  or checked for ticks or played with, all part of the care and socialization process that makes the dogs and cats such good candidates for adoption.

Our pet this week is “Charlene,” getting special attention from volunteer Heleen. Both seem to be having a good time. Not only is Charlene such a foxy looking cute dog but she one of the most self confident pets at the Shelter. She knows what she wants. If there is a problem with the other younger dogs she jumps in and settles things. The others look up to her. She was brought into the Shelter in August and is about nine months now, still a youngster but with an old wise way about her. Of course as are all the pets up for adoption Charlene has had her exam by the vet, her shots, worming,  testing and sterilization.

The adoption fee for dogs is NAƒ 125. That includes all of the above plus an ID chip which the vet inserts so that the dog is eligible for travel.

Lauara DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- Nov. 19-Dec. 3, 2010

Pet of the week: Guy, the intelligent little guy

Posted on November 14, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | 1 Comment

Guy, the intelligent guy

Jane Madden, the Lady Cat Guru, knows the Bonaire Animal Shelter’s cat cage residents like her own family. So of course it is she who can best describe one of the current favorites, “Guy,” who is this edition’s “Pet of the Week.”

Jane writes: “Guy arrived with his brothers Gus and Gibi as very young kittens. The boys are now about seven months old and constantly entertaining the Shelter staff. The antics of the Ggang could make a statue laugh! Guy is particularly noteworthy due to his incredibly knowing and intelligent eyes. That’s how he got his name….a staff member noted, “He looks like such an intelligent little guy!” And it turned out to be true. Although the smallest of the G-gang he is the boss and he certainly knows how to woo visitors. He simply sits at your feet and stares up at you with those incredible eyes and you can’t help but swoop him up and cuddle im….”Mission accomplished” says Guy’s eyes!”

As are all of the adoptees at the Shelter Guy has been checked out by the vet, given his shots, worming and sterilization when he’s old enough. All this included in the cat adoption fee of NAƒ 95. Not only are the cats in perfect health but they’re “social” as well! See Guy and his colleagues at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm, 3 to 5 pm.

Story and photo by Laura DeSalvo Bonaire Reporter- November 5-19, 2010

Pet of the week: Karel, the Doberman lookalike

Posted on October 29, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Karel at the Animal Shelter Bonaire

“Karel” is a Doberman lookalike, otherwise known as a Bonairean Doberman. He’s spent a lot of his one year of life at the Bonaire Animal Shelter, impressing the staff with his intelligence.

Karel is what you would call, “pack savvy.” He knows how to get along with the other dogs in his kennel and he loves to play, not only with the other dogs but with people as well. Nothing bad has ever happened to him and this shows in his gentle demeanor. He’s a quick learner and can be a fine, loyal companion for the right loving owner. And of course he is in perfect, robust health.

The dog adoption fee of NAƒ 125 includes his shots, tests, worming and sterilization.
You may meet Karel and the other pets up for adoption at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9 to 1 and 3 to 5. Tel. 717-4989.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- October Oct. 22- Nov. 5, 2010