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

Help wanted!

Posted on December 06, 2010 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

We are looking for volunteers who want to help us on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, cleaning the kennels, feeding and taking care of the dogs and cats in the Shelter.

Working hours 8 to 10 in the morning. If you want to help us, please contact Marlies, Greta or Monique at the Animal Shelter!! Tel: 717-4989 or just come by!

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

Otto, Sette and Due

Posted on November 02, 2010 by Marlies in Happy Endings | 1 Comment

Two dogs and one cat. The dogs were adopted from the Animal Shelter Bonaire by Claudia and Marco!

Video editing 700ideas.com

Black and white cats at the shelter Bonaire

Posted on October 31, 2010 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

Please adopt us!

Pet of the week: Elizabeth, a very rare beauty

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Elisabeth the cat, a rare beauty

Jane Madden, one of the spokespersons from the Bonaire Animal Shelter’s cat cage residents, writes about our Pet of the Week, “Elizabeth.” “Elizabeth is a very rare beauty! Red and white female cats are quite uncommon… and Elizabeth carries her colors with regal bearing.

She is only five months old but already has a strong and sturdy physique unlike most female cats and will be a beautiful adult queen. Her exceptional beauty is accentuated by amber eyes that are deep and soulful. Elizabeth has a gentle and loving demeanor and loves to be handled and carried…but bring out the toys and the royal robes are off and she’s a fun-loving kitten at play. She loves other cats, dogs but is perfectly happy with just human companionship.”

The adoption fee for cats is NAƒ 95 and that includes tests for feline leukemia,shots, worming and even sterilization. You can be assured you’re getting a healthy and sociable pet when you adopt from our Shelter.

Story by Laura DeSalvo/Jane Madden, Bonaire Reporter- Aug. 27-Sept. 10, 2010

Update Flea market

Posted on August 29, 2010 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

Volunteer Queentje took care of the bar and the money - she did a great job

Shelter Staff member, Greta Kooistra writes that the Animal Shelter Flea Market on Saturday, August 14, earned NAƒ 2.500 with the sale of books, household items and clothes. And NAƒ 168 was donated. All this money goes to help keep our Shelter open for homeless cats and dogs.

Old friends met, new people made friends, the animals were delighted with all the attention and five dogs and five cats found loving homes so it was a  wonderful day for everyone!

Thanks to all who participated and especially to all those volunteers who got all the hundreds and hundreds of items organized and together and managed the day!

L. D./Greta Kooistra, Bonaire Reporter- Aug. 27-Sept. 10, 2010.

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Eva-Lisa, gave the contents of her piggy bank to Marlies for the Shelter

Terra and Colton: pets of the week

Posted on August 20, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Pets of the week : Terra and Colton at the Animal Shelter Bonaire

Here’s “Terra” cuddling up with visitor Colton Reed, 9. Colton, who lives in Cobb, California, was here on a visit to his Bonaire family and of course wouldn’t miss a trip to the Animal Shelter.
He’s shown with Terra, one of the most outstanding dogs at the Shelter right now. Although she isn’t a striking beauty, her inner character shines through and makes us fall in love with her. She comes highly rated by the Shelter staff and gets along well with kids, other dogs and even cats. She’s about a year and a half old with frizzy fur and short but efficient legs. She’s sterilized and healthy and very social.And she’s enjoying being hugged by Colton.

Colton remarked that he thought it was great that the animals get to be together here at the Shelter and that he could actually go in and play with them. The Shelter he visited in the States wouldn’t allow that, he said. They are all kept in separate cages. Another kudo for our Shelter.

Bonaire Reporter – August 13-27, 2010, Story & photo by Laura DeSalvo

Reminder : Bookmarket on August 14 at the Animal Shelter Bonaire

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Marlies in Current Activities, News | 1 Comment

Next Saturday, August 14. From 11 am to 5 pm the Shelter will have another of their very popular and successful Book- and Flea Markets. All the proceeds go to helping to keep the Shelter open for unwanted cats and dogs. We saw just a few of the items that will be for sale: books, carpets, bric a brac, kitchen items, clothes, mugs, puzzles, games, DVDs, CDs, even a walker!

All the funds raised will benefit the Animal Shelter. And, of course, all the shelter animals will be there and you may find a dog or cat that you would like to adopt!

Please pass by and browse, buy, eat, drink and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Giant Book Fair and Flea Market, Saturday,  August 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 26 Kaminda Lagun. Don’t miss it!

Pets Paradise Bonaire

Posted on August 09, 2010 by Marlies in News | 1 Comment

Pets Paradise Bonaire is the title of the new Bonaire Animal Shelter video.

The video was made by a creative young local film producer and impressed the crowd. The film shows graphically what the animal  problems are, primarily too many unwanted cats and dogs, and how they are dealing with them.

Shots of the Shelter residents are interspersed with short interviews with some of the Shelter staff. Informative, creative and entertaining. You may view the 20 minute video via the You Tube Channel of the Animal Shelter Bonaire or below.

Pieter is pet of the week at Animal Shelter Bonaire

Posted on August 08, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | 1 Comment

Pieter our pet of the week

We couldn’t resist taking a photo of this darling little cat, “Pieter,” hiding out among the branches in the cat cage at the Bonaire Animal Shelter. Jane Disko Madden, kitty guru of the Shelter, explains. “Pieter is a very fuzzy, very funny little guy! He arrived with his sister, Petra, as seven-weekold, very feral kittens. With the love and encouragement of the Shelter staff, they were nurtured into loveable sweethearts now 10 weeks old!

Petra has been adopted and will begin sailing the Caribbean with her co-captain in the next few weeks. Pieter is waiting for his forever companion to arrive. Pieter’s grey, brown and black striped fur is extremely soft and fuzzy and along with his white mittens and socks he’ll be a very photogenic pal. He is not afraid of anything….dog, cat or person…and will play with cats five times his size and win the play battle! But when playtime is done, he’ll curl up in your lap for a dose of pets and an afternoon snooze.”

Of course, like all the other adoptees at the Shelter, Pieter is in excellent health, having been checked out by the vet, had his test for feline leukemia, wormed and will be sterilized when he’s old enough. All this is included in the cat adoption fee of NAƒ 95. You may meet him at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm and from 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Bonaire Reporter- July 30-August 13, 2010, Story & photo by Laura DeSalvo

Thank you Jibe City for not winning the football pool

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Marlies in News, Sponsors & Friends | 1 Comment

During the World Championship  Football 2010, Jibe City organized a football pool. Unfortunately nobody won the Jackpot and at Jibe.

What to do with the money? 

Everyone at Jibe decided to give the money to the Animal Shelter Bonaire.

Thanks to everyone at Jibe City for putting money in the football pool and for not winning!

The dogs and cats at the Animal Shelter Bonaire

Cheers!

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Marlies in Sponsors & Friends | Comments Off

Monique Degenaar of the Animal Shelter Bonaire went on a holiday to her home town in Holland, Voorschoten. She had a beer (or two) in the local pub “Café de Lindeboom“. There she met four of her pretty girlfriends and one handsome guy who is not on the picture (Annemiek zegt: groetjes van Annemiek!). 

 The girls and boy of “De Lindenboom” collected all kind of presents and toys for the dogs and cats of the Animal Shelter Bonaire.

Thanks you and Proost!

Saturday, August 14 – Big Flea market at the Bonaire Animal Shelter

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Marlies in Current Activities, News | Comments Off

Mark on your calendar, Saturday, August 14. From 11 am to 5 pm the Shelter will have another of their very popular and successful Flea Markets. All the proceeds go to helping to keep the Shelter open for unwanted cats and dogs. We saw just a few of the items that will be for sale: books, carpets, bric a brac, kitchen items, clothes, mugs, puzzles, games, DVDs, CDs, even a walker!

They are looking for donations of unwanted or unused items. Now’s the time to clean out those closets and get rid of what you can’t use (it’s very therapeutic and cleansing) and help the Animal Shelter. What’s junk to you can be a  treasure to someone else! Drop off your things from now until Friday, August 13 at the Shelter on Lagoen Road.

Bonaire Reporter – July 16-30, 2010, Story & photo by Laura DeSalvo

Queenie and her kittens

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Just a few days ago this mother cat, “Queenie”, was brought into the Bonaire Animal Shelter. She had been found by a Good Samaritan with her two new born kittens: one black and one striped like its mom. Then, a few days later someone found another newborn kitten, a black and white one, and brought it into the Shelter to hopefully save its life.
Usually a kitten as young as this with no mother is sure to die, but when the new kitten was brought to Queenie, she immediately adopted it as her own and began feeding and cleaning it. That’s why she’s named Queenie – she’s a queen among cats. What a fine character this cat has! After her motherly duties are finished Queenie will be sterilized and put up for adoption so she will have an opportunity for a happy life. You may see her and her kittens at the Shelter.

Bonaire Reporter- July 16-30, 2010, Story & photo by Laura DeSalvo

Thank you Hugo, Johanna and Chio

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Marlies in Sponsors & Friends | Comments Off

The Animal Shelter was flabbergasted and very impressed with the tremendous gift of Hugo, Johanna and their dog Chio from Amsterdam -collars, leather leashes, fine quality collars and leather leashes for cats and dogs- for the shelter to sell in their pet shop.

All the revenus go to the sterilization fund Bonny the Superdog.

Visit from Stichting Project to the Animal Shelter Bonaire

Posted on June 19, 2010 by Marlies in Current Activities | Comments Off

Stichting Project is a rebound center. The purpose of Stichting Project is to offer assistance to youngsters with behavioural problems or a mild mental disability. Every year the kids bring a visit to the shelter. Kids, dogs , cats and the shelter staff have a great time.

See the pics

Gibby in the supermarket of kittens

Posted on June 13, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Here’s  Bonaire Animal Shelter Volunteer Hettie Holian showing off one of the 15 adorable kittens now available for adoption. (We think it’s 10-week-old “Gibby.”)
What a choice of beautiful kittens right now – all under three months old.
As Shelter volunteer Jane Madden tells us, “It’s a supermarket of kittens.
They come in all colors – red, red and white, black, black and white and everything in between.  And they’re all wonderful!” All these robust little guys and girls are full of fun and love to be cuddled. If you’ve been thinking about getting a kitten to love, now’s the time to make your choice. The NAƒ 95 cat adoption fee covers all: testing for feline leukemia, vet exam, shots, worming and sterilization when they’re old enough.
Meet these kittens and the other pets up for adoption at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm.

Bonaire Reporter – June 4-18, 2010, Story & photo by Laura DeSalvo

500 Animals Sterilized Free!

Posted on April 22, 2010 by Marlies in News | 1 Comment

Mrs. Silda Beaumont from Amboina and her dog Kisha

The 500th sterilization of dogs and cats on Bonaire is a fact! In May 2009 the Bonaire Animal Shelter started a big project called “Bonny Superdog.” The goal was to sterilize 500 dogs and cats for free. The owner doesn’t have to pay. In this way, the Shelter wanted to contribute towards solving the overpopulation of dogs and cats problem on the island. Too many animals cause a variety of problems for people and the animals: the animals roam around, they are not fed, they get sick or hurt and they become aggressive. Consequently, too many animals have to be euthanized every year… a sad and unacceptable fact.

Number 500 – Kisha from Amboina
Number 500 was Kisha, a dog owned by Mrs. Silda Beaumont from Amboina. Kisha is a female dog of about two years old and she’s had some very beautiful puppies. “I don’t want her to have anymore puppies and that’s why I had her sterilized,” Mrs. Beaumont says. “I made the appointment with the veterinarian myself and then I called the people from the Shelter who came to pick her up, and after the operation they brought her back. She’s doing great. I love animals; to me an animal is just like a person, a child. The love I feel for a child, I feel for an animal too. 

Bonny the Superdog

Since 2002
In 2002 the Animal Shelter set up a fund for free sterilization. Ever since then, pet owners can have their dog or cat sterilized for free. The Shelter pays the bill. In 2004 the Shelter organized a special campaign during which foreign veterinarians sterilized Bonaire’s cats and dogs for free. In two weeks’ time about 250 animals were neutered and spayed. After those two weeks the campaign went on and the local vets took care of the sterilization.

Bonny the Superdog
However, the Animal Shelter felt things weren’t moving fast enough. The island was still overloaded with stray dogs and cats and an excessive amount of animals were being brought into the Shelter. An extra boost was needed. And so, the project of Bonny Superdog was born. The Shelter sought a lot of publicity to make pet owners aware of the Bonny Superdog campaign. All over the island posters were hung by volunteers and, thanks to WEB NV, flyers were delivered to each and every house on Bonaire. Also radio and TV commercials were broadcast and the Shelter put ads in the local papers and people could inform themselves through the website of the Shelter – www.animalshelterbonaire.com.

The Campaign Continues
So far, the campaign has been very successful. Pet owners can still have their dogs and cats sterilized for free. And… every pet owner gets a T-shirt and a bumper sticker as well. Call for more information: the veterinarians at 717-4255 or 717-3338 or the Shelter at 717-4989

Volunteers needed

Posted on April 17, 2010 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

The Shelter is looking for volunteers to help with the cleaning and feeding duties. There are many different types of animals that all require different feeding and cleaning. They are also looking for handypersons and gardeners. Because dog and cat care is the priority at the Shelter minor repair work and gardening may go neglected. Your hard work will be much appreciated by the staff and volunteers.

Ideally, they are looking for people to help on a weekly basis, but if you have time only to help fortnightly or once a month, then still please contact them. They are very short of volunteers now and any time you could offer for the rescue animals would be very much appreciated.

Call the Shelter at 717-4989.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter, April 9-23, 2010

Adoption Drop-off

Posted on March 19, 2010 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

Unwanted Animal Drop-off

People may now drop off unwanted, stray or found cats or dogs at the Shelter at any time of the day or night.

This new animal cage (Kouchi pa Bestia), outside the gate to the Shelter, has two separate compartments with water bowls and it’s checked every few hours during the day.

Hopefully, people will put their unwanted animals in the cage rather than dumping them in the mondi or by the side of the road. The Shelter receives an average of 1,200 animals each year.

Thanks to Valerie’s Airport shop for providing the materials and to the Shelter staff and volunteers who provided the labor to build the cage. As of last week, nine dogs and one cat had been put in the cage. ”

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter, March 19- April 9, 2010

Sylvie, the cat

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Here’s a story with a happy ending. “Sylvie” the cat was found on the street on New Year’s Eve. She was lost, terrified and miserable. She was brought into the Bonaire Animal Shelter by a Good Samaritan and put in a separate cage as she was too scared  to even be with other animals. But over the weeks with the love and attention of the Shelter staff and volunteers, little by little she became tame and relaxed and could be put in the Cat Cage. Now she’s a very affectionate and friendly cat who has become a favorite with the staff. What a transformation!

Sylvie is about nine months old; she’s been checked out by the vet and given her shots and tests and is ready to go to a good home. However, Sylvie should be adopted as an “only cat” as she still prefers not being around other cats. The NAƒ 75 cat adoption fee covers all this – a healthy and social cat – plus sterilization. You may see Sylvie at 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 19- April 9, 2010

Tiny Marie

Posted on January 24, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Here is the tiniest kitten in the cat cage at the Bonaire Animal Shelter. This little grey tabby is named “Marie.” She’s an orphan and she nearly died before she even had much of a life. Some kind children, out biking, found her and her litter mates. It seemed the kittens were chasing the bikes. Marie was so small and starving that she had to go home with Monique to be fed every few hours with a bottle. The other kittens have been adopted and there’s just Marie now. She’s sure to remain a smallish cat due to her first weeks of malnutrition.

But today she’s in fine shape and healthy and so happy to be alive.

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

Bonaire Reporter, Laura DeSalvo,  Jan. 22-Feb. 5, 2010

Oscar: the handsome young gentleman

Posted on January 01, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Oscar’s good friend, Shelter volunteer Jane Madden, wrote his biography this week: “That handsome young gentleman is Oscar…and he truly is a gentleman. Although less than a year old he has the manners and demeanor of a mature, content cat. He gets along famously with all his roommates, young, old, male or female. No roughhousing or showing off…Oscar is willing to snuggle up and snooze with anyone who wants to cuddle with  him…including people. His coat is a soft and gorgeous deep orange/red, a very unusual color for cats on Bonaire. Oscar would make a fine addition to any  home…he is comfortable with other animals and children or would be just as happy to be an ‘only cat.’

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter – Dec. 11 -25, 2009

Animal Shelter’s Annual Art Auction – December 10

Posted on November 27, 2009 by admin in Current Activities | Comments Off

Looking for an original X-mas present?

Saturday December 10th the Bonaire Animal Shelter again organizes the Art and Fun Auction!

The always entertaining fundraiser will be held at Sense. Before the Auction the famous and loved INDONESIAN meal is served between 18:00 and 20:00, tickets a $ 35.- p.p. are required for the meal. The Auction starts at 20:30, and is free and open to the public!

The Shelter still has trouble maintaining the terrain due to lack of funds. Volunteers certainly do a terrific job but they can’t do it all. For example, there is an urgent need to rebuild the kennels we use for the first reception of incoming dogs. The kennels need to be made safer, more hygienic and watertight.

A wide variety of stunning artwork and vouchers has been donated by sponsors and artists! You will be guaranteed to find the perfect Christmas gift to fit every budget! For more info and a look at the auction items go to the auction website. You have the opportunity to make a bid on line. Take a glance at artwork of all different mediums, original jewelry and some really interesting vouchers offered by local businesses. More items will be added in the next two weeks, so keep an eye on it!

All the proceeds go directly to the Animal Shelter and in advance we would like to thank all the people that are cooperating to make this fundraising a big success! (more…)

YSF with little secret

Posted on October 02, 2009 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

YSF (young sterilized female) seeks someone to appreciate her calm, loving temperament,regal beauty… and who enjoys watching Animal Planet. My best feature is my extraordinary calico markings. My little secret is that I love to play with little balls and catnip toys

YSM looking for love and attention

Posted on October 02, 2009 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

YSM (young sterilized male) looking for love and attention. While having a mouse-free home, you will also be the proud companion to an extremely handsome, gray and silver stud muffin. My little secret is that despite my macho appearance, I love cuddling, kissing and baby talk!

MSF seeks loving companion

Posted on October 02, 2009 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

MSF (mature sterilized female) seeks loving companion to share candlelit tuna dinners and a soft sofa for long naps and loving caresses. My best features are from my Siamese heritage that gives me deep blue eyes and cream and brown complexion. My little secret is that I am blind in one eye from a childhood injury, but it is no handicap and even bluer than my other one!

Pet personals

Posted on October 02, 2009 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

Want to meet the pet of your dreams? Then check out the dogs and cats at the shelter. They were especially selected by the staff of the Bonaire Animal Shelter for their fine qualities. See them and the other adoptees at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9 to 1 and 3 to 5. Tel. 717-4989