The major plan in the works is our relocation. It has gotten increasingly hard for me to take care of the current place which is very large and expensive to maintain. I found land and designed a building for the cats with a very small efficiency-type apartment in it for me on one side. I hope to be moved in before the end of 2009. My wonderful family has funded this project but I desperately need donations now that I've lost my primary job. Yes, it's going to be very stressul to move the cats but at this point, there is no choice..... My savings and IRA are gone and I was barely making ends meet before I was laid off. The new place is much smaller, more efficient in terms of heating/cooling and will require less time to maintain. I'll have more free time and can get some of my life back. I enjoy very simple things, like going for walks on trails and there is a lot of land surrounding the new site that will allow me long walks every day. If I don't get to a point where I can start enjoying some things in life again, I don't see how I can continue to take care of the cats at all.

Previous News and Events:
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We use to have open houses at the current location but stopped in 2006 when money and time got too tight...

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FALL OPEN HOUSE IS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 from 2 to 5. The weather should be great! Refreshments will be served. Monetary donations are gratefully accepted - we're over 200 strong now! And we especially need old lawn/deck chairs/tables and soft blankies for the cats to sit and sleep on when they spend more time in the house with the winter approaching. And we could use a few old TV's so the cats can watch Kitty TV during the winter months. Other things: Old pots and pans - make good water and food dishes. Thanks!

Punkin – who was 21 years old this past June/July – that's 100 in people years! is still doing pretty well and will be ready to greet you! You may also get to see more cats than usual - as the weather should be nice and they'll be out in the yards, I suspect.

We will have information about PurrFect Fence – the product we selected to fence in the Sanctuary (see right). It has worked out beautifully. For those who want to let their cats out safely, this is the way! We are also planning to re-sell at less than retail prices – profits go to the Sanctuary, of course. Several folks who were at the last Open House in July bought Purrfect Fence and if they're at this event, we'll be sure to get their feedback. We'll also have some of those wonderful cat beds from Lynn Turner to raise money for the sanctuary. Go here to see pictures.

PAST EVENTS:

OUR SUMMER OPEN HOUSE WAS A LOVELY EVENT – EVEN WITHOUT LOVELY WEATHER....
NEXT OPEN HOUSE PLANNED FOR OCTOBER!
Details will follow in a few weeks.

Thank you all who came out to the Open House on Sunday, July 23. We have a wonderful assortment of food and drink (thanks especially to Ann, whose catering skills from a previous life came out to shine!. Thank you to those who brought food and drink for the humans and cats alike! It was all very much appreciated.

Punkin enjoyed the company, even though she was a bit lethargic that day and actually had quite a bad day Monday. Bloodwork reveals kidney function diminishing.... I am certainly not ready to lose her.

Thanks also, especially, to Lynn Turner (and her daughter and mother who came - 3 generations!!!) . Lynn's beds were again, a great attraction and we sold quite a few - all profits going to the Sanctuary. Lynn, thank you from the bottom of my heart. The ones that weren't sold were taken back to her home for future events for other rescues. If you are ever interested in buying one, please let us know!

OPEN HOUSE - FUNDRAISER &
PUNKIN'S 2nd ANNUAL 100th BIRTHDAY!
Sunday, July 23, 2006
1 to 4 PM

Come out and meet the best cat that ever lived – Punkin – who is 21 years old this June/July – that's 100 in people years! And also meet most of the other cats (the ferals aren't likely to come out and greet you...). View the large 'sky-walk' that leads from the house to the front fenced-in yard, watch the cats play in the back fenced-in yard and learn more about the Sanctuary. We will have placards for each and every resident with pictures, along with his or her own very special story. Kittens that are currently in foster care will be available for adoption, too! Go here for some pictures.

We will also have information about PurrFect Fence – the product we selected to fence in the Sanctuary (see right). It has worked out beautifully. For those who want to let their cats out safely, this is the way! We are also planning to re-sell at less than retail prices – profits go to the Sanctuary, of course. We'll have some of those wonderful cat beds from Lynn Turner and other items for sale to raise money for the sanctuary. Art work, some antique smalls, some computer stuff, plus whatever else is donated by time of the event. Go here to see pictures. If you have something you want to donate, please let me know.

Light refreshments will be served. Update on Special Heat Alert: We have the central AC running! It's much much more-better in the house - not as cool as some houses probably are - but it's definitely better. Plus, we're supposed to get down into the 80s on Sunday..... For those who like to swim, the pool is OPEN!

Please call 919.623.3135 to get directions and to let me know you are coming. (I do not have the address or directions online as I can't afford to turn into a dumping ground for irresponsible folks who just want to abandon their animals....)

PAST EVENTS:

Saturday, January 21, 2006

A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!
FUNDRAISER AND TICKETLESS RAFFLE!

Even with yucky weather prevailing, we had an incredible turnout at the Art Benefit, hosted by Emily Weinstein, at her totally cool home/studio. We raised about $2000! That's a terrific amount for just a few hours on a rainy Saturday afternoon. I am so grateful to the hostess, Emily, the artists that contributed work, the volunteers who helped everything run so smoothly and everyone who came, donated, purchased, or just hung out with us. Thank you all very much!

!Paintings, cat beds, stepping stones, gift baskets - they all flew out the door in the arms of an estimated 100 attendees. Lucky winners of the raffle took home the great cat scupture from Tamera Mulanx, a PetSmart gift card from Gray Tuggle, a Weaver Street Market gift card from the coop, and super donations from the artists!

Those who came got to meet kitties from the sanctuary that ranged from 10 days old to about 13 years old! And an 8 month old who just spent a few days at the vet school, the the tune of over $2000. So, the donations are VERY much appreciated as that vet bill certainly put a dent in our bank account.

IIf you couldn't make it, please email me and we'll be sure to put you on the list for our next event! You can donate to us by either writing a check to OGAS at PO Box 1287, Carrboro, NC 27510. Or you can donate via PayPal! Click SEND MONEY and enter our email address, OGAS@EARTHLINK.NET.

We are totally committed to helping the many thousands of feral and unwanted cats in our area. Different groups like OGAS, Triangle Pet Rescue, Independent Animal Rescue, Operation Catnip, SNAP, and Alley Cat Allies – as well as many dedicated individuals – work hard to combat the problem humanely. If you want information about how to get involved in Trap/Neuter/Return, please contact us. We have some great material from Alley Cat Allies.