Spring 2009                    

Mahatma Gandhi: “I hold that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to the protection by man from the cruelty of man.”

Be Kind to Animals Week is May 3-9 and TUBU would like to thank one of our dedicated volunteers who is so kind to our animals. She has been helping in many ways over the years, helping at the onset and well as during the move. Our volunteer brings treats to the animals, mows the lawn and does the laundry.  Now, laundry is no easy matter. Often the dog and cat blankets need to be washed twice and have to be taken home because TUBU does not have hot water.  That is a lot of carrying and work on a weekly basis. We are so grateful to see how the cats and dogs enjoy their clean, cozy bedding- all thanks to our volunteer!
Also related to Be Kind to Animals Week is our quest for additional funds to help our animals.  We are applying for one grant, and as the saying goes- “if you  write one, you might as well write two!” so if you know of any animal rescue grants, please forward that information to us via our website.  We are better because of everyone's input and our animals will be assured a forever home as we are able to make smart choices to provide for their continued good care! Times are arduous for animals and we could help more if we had incoming grant funds, so again, if you have time to surf the Internet or visit other sites, let us know what you find!

A good way to be kind to animals would to make sure all dogs and cats are spayed or neutered. Shelter from the Storm in Madison offers discounted spay and neuters. Male Dog - $65  Female Dog - $65  Female Cat - $30
Male Cat - $15. Call  608-770-4879  or madisonlowcostclinic@yahoo.com, for more information or to make an appointment.

From the editor: Every once in a while we get to  talk about our own pets.  I recently said goodbye to our cat of 16 years, and, as you well know it was tough. As difficult as it was to part with this precious creature, it was surprisingly hard to close a chapter in our book of life. Our cat had been with us through 4 states, several jobs, houses, friends, and floods! All of the memories of all those times are wrapped up in petting our cats.  This particular cat was a female calico named, Berber.  As we usually rescue older, abandoned cats, Berber, was one of the few we raised from a kitten. Berber's mother was a feral cat who gave birth to her kittens on the roof of my friend's urban home.  The smart mother cat kept them safe from on the ground predators, but the height factor became a danger for the kittens as they grew.  Our kitten, Berber actually fell off the roof.  Berber was adopted to a lady then returned to my friend, citing “she cried too much.'  We are so  grateful that our friend accepted the kitten back. Both Berber's first human caretaker (Beth) and our cat were kind, loving beings that enriched our lives for many years. It is in their memory that I dedicate this newsletter.  If you want to see the memorial to Berber and Beth, go to  www.wtv-zone.com/timreh/memorial.html.  I also want to mention my husband who has, without a doubt, made concessions and changes  in our lifestyle to always keep our cats with us.  He has also supported many of my animals rescues, volunteer work on behalf of animals, accompanied all of us to the veterinarian, paying vet  bills, and supplying animal care for over 25 years.

 Hi K-9 Friends (felines too!),
Thank God Spring is finally here. Ron and I are able to go out and see Dan and his dog Annie. It feels good to chase the ball and go for long walks without that deep white stuff.
Ron is retired now and we get to spend more time together.  He sits on the couch and I lay down next to him with my head on his leg. He gives me a belly rub and we all know how good that feels.
I have taught Ron a new trick.  When my blanket gets messed up (I don't know how that happens all of the time) I walk around our table in front of the couch a couple times. Ron comes over and straightens the blanket for me. He is so easy to train.
We are all looking forward to going North to see Larry and his dog Kelly for a pontoon ride.
Enjoy your summer and don't forget to help our beloved friends at TUBU. They need all of the help and love we can give them.
Until later love,
Mindy Lou (bark)

Deja is a 4 year old spayed female Maine Coon mix. Deja does not like other cats. She does get along with dogs. She loves attention and being brushed. Deja likes to play with toys, and does well with small kids.

Abby got adopted.        Abby with her new brother Reggie

I grow lemon balm and cat mint in my yard and wheat (and sometimes oat) grass indoors.  Lemon balm and cat mint are hardy perennials in mid Wisconsin and (when started as an established plant) are bonus to any garden. Both  are safe and enjoyable for cats, easy to grow, and a lovely additions providing wonderful aromas. Lemon Balm was called “heart's delight” in southern Europe and grows in any moist soil in full sun with midday shade. Lemon-scented and delicious in teas, lemon balm has medicinal properties. Cat mint receives less attention (than catnip) from cats and makes an attractive edging plant.  Mildly fragrant, it produces masses of lavender-blue flowers and is often planted next to lavender.  Grows well in well drained soil in sun or light shade. Other good cat gardens possibilities are: creeping rosemary, rye grass, and Valerian. If you are unsure about the safety of a plant, check the list of safe and unsafe plants posted on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control website at www.aspca.org and speaking of plants...! Our spring green fund raiser:
The start of Memorial Tree Lane was an inspiring success, several Memorial trees were planted and the lane will eventually provide a quiet reflective path in memory of passed beloved pets and friends as the trees grow larger.  Thanks to  generous friends of animals, other green projects are happening. Volunteers are improving the grounds with windbreaks, shade and shrubs that will benefit all animals. TUBU has added Elderberry, Silky Dogwood and High Bush Cranberry transplants to the property. These native medium-sized shrubs are homes and food for over 50 species of birds including the quail, dove and brown thrasher, as well as rabbits, grouse and turkeys.   This  opportunity to help TUBU and the environment can be found on our website.  For a $25 donation you will be able to choose a tree ( Blue Spruce, Black Hills Spruce, Norway Maple, or Red Splendor Crab Tree) and have that tree designated for your honorarium.

Easy ways you can help TUBU help the animals.
Shop online through i-Give .  Shop at Pick'n Save or Copps. Each time you shop at Pick 'n Save or Copps, and use your Advantage Plus Savers Card, TUBU will receive a cash rebate which is distributed every three months. The amount of the rebate will be a percentage of the total amount of WE CARE dollars that Pick 'n Save has contributed. The more you use your card, the larger percentage of total WE CARE ccontributions TUBU will receive. Tell all your friends, relatives and co-workers.  If you already have a Pick 'n Save Advantage Plus Savers Card at your store, complete an Advantage Plus Savers' Club change form and indicate TUBU's  6 digit identification number 841775 in the appropriate spot. If you don't have the new Pick 'n Save Advantage Plus Savers Card, get one!!
Apply online for a Kwik Trip card. List Tubu Animal Rescue as your charity, and we will benefit every time you buy gas and many in store items.
The Animal Rescue Site is having their Shelter Challenge again, where they give money to shelters with the most votes. Be sure to tell everyone to vote for Tubu!

"We must fight against the spirit of unconscious cruelty with which we treat the animals. Animals suffer as much as we do. True humanity does not allow us to impose such sufferings on them. It is our duty to make the whole world recognize it. Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace." --Albert Schweitzer --->