Contributed by Cassie Welsh, Executive Director

For centuries, cats have featured prominently in folklore, mythology, and history. These creatures have been portrayed as everything from soft and sweet purring pets to prowling and perilous killers that can suck the breath out of a baby and smother it. So, what is superstition and what is true?

Cats have nine lives

One of the most famous myths and misconceptions about cats is that they have nine lives. Although no one knows exactly how this myth originated, the number nine is historically a lucky number because it is the “trinity of trinities”. The most likely origin for this myth is that a cat’s agility and reflexes allow it to escape what looks to be certain death – over and over again.

All calico cats are female

Calico cats – with black, orange, and white coats – are usually females. Male calicos are possible, but rare, because it comes down to genetics. Female cats have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y. The chromosome that controls black and orange coats is an X chromosome, and a separate X chromosome controls white coats. Male calicos have a rare XXY combination, and the unusual genetics leaves them sterile.

All cats hate water

Cats are self-cleaners. They don’t like to use water in cleaning, and being immersed in a bath leaves them cold and vulnerable. While most cats prefer to stay warm and dry, there are some cats that love to play in water or the rain. Dripping faucets and wet shower floors are playgrounds for water-loving cats.

Cats always land on their feet

Probably the most famous of all myths and misconceptions about cats is that they always land on their feet. Cats have extremely flexible backbones and an innate sense of balance and direction. They can twist like a gymnast in midair and quickly right themselves. Given enough time to rotate their bodies, cats will land on their feet nearly every time. But, that doesn’t mean that some cats won’t get hurt and sustain injuries from falls.

Photo caption:

There are many colorful and crazy myths and misconceptions about cats.

Contributed by Cassie Welsh, Executive Director

There are many misconceptions about shelter dogs. Some people think they are discarded because they’re all “bad”, genetically or behaviorally inferior. The real truth is that most shelter dogs are the victims of family tragedy, unlucky circumstances or irresponsible owners. Through no fault of their own, they wind up roaming the streets or highways, eating out of garbage cans, and fathering or having a litter of puppies in an abandoned shed or in the woods.

The majority of dogs that find their way to the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society are strays – dogs that were unintentionally bred, inadequately trained, ineffectively socialized, and abused or just plain neglected. They haven’t received proper veterinary care or feeding: they have lived outside or in a crate; and they are scared, anxious, and often sick. Their whole lives change when they walk into our shelter because they are given good food, a warm place to sleep at night, exercise and training during the day, proper veterinary care and medical treatment, if necessary, plus the love and attention that any living creature deserves.

If they come into the shelter as puppies or if they are born here, we can give them an excellent start in life with good nutrition, socializing and training. They are wormed, given all their shots, and eventually spayed or neutered and microchipped before going to a forever home. Because most puppies are so cute, they are usually adopted within weeks.

Adult dogs, on the other hand, are often overlooked. That is a real shame because you are looking at fully-grown dogs – no second guessing how big they will be – and their personality is already developed. Some dogs adapt well to the shelter environment and will present as a happy-go-lucky, tail-wagging companions while others may appear stressed and anxious around strangers. These latter groups of dogs are the ones who have never been someone’s pet, had little or no human interaction, and just need some extra work and TLC to build a trusting and loyal relationship.

In the past six months, we have had five adult dogs adopted and these were dogs that had spent most or all of their lives in the shelter. Hannah, Tootsie, Bullwinkle, Zeus, and Tater never had the luxury of cuddles, walks, special treats and toys, or car rides before they came to the shelter. When they were adopted, their new owners had to introduce them to a new home, a new family, and other pets in some instances. It was work at first, but you have that with any new pet. The end result has been extremely loyal and loving dogs that are grateful for a second chance.

Photo caption:

A boxer mix, Tasia is one of the adult shelter dogs looking for a forever home.

Two days later, thanks to a lost dog report on WHLC FM and some caring people, Maddie and her owner were reunited, though Maddie was dying. Shot at close range and suffering from massive blood loss, Maddie was in deep shock when she was brought into the shelter. Staff assessed her condition, administered IV fluids, and prepared her for emergency transport to the Regional Emergency Animal Care Hospital (REACH) in Asheville.

After daily trips back and forth to vets in Brevard and amputation of her left front leg, Maddie was brought home to recover. However, her owner had more worries now with vet bills in excess of $3,000.

To help her owner meet some of these costs and to help other pet owners in extreme emergency situations, the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society created the Maddie Emergency Fund. All donations to this fund are earmarked specifically for emergencies, as well as being tax deductible.

The good news is that through generous contributions in just a few weeks, we were able to help Maddie’s owner with the vet bills. However, we need continued support and donations to make this fund work because the need is so unpredictable and urgent. Like Samson, the young Bullmastiff attacked by a bear, that fully recovered in our shelter and was adopted. Or Miracle, the sweet boxer who suffered wounds when she was used as the bait dog in fighting rings.

If you would like to contribute to the Maddie Emergency Fund, you can make credit card donations by calling 828-743-5752, make donations via paypal or mail a check to CHHS, PO Box 638, Cashiers, NC  28717. Again, all donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.

Contributed by Cassie Welsh, Executive Director

As the area population dwindles in winter, so does the number of volunteers at the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. Our Friday dog walking group in December was down to one dedicated local resident, who braved the cold to come exercise and groom a very grateful pack of dogs. Why? Because she says she benefits from the walks and socializing too!

A recent study from the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction revealed that seniors benefit more from regular walking sessions with shelter dogs than from scheduled walks with friends or a spouse.

In the 12-week study, dog-walking seniors aged 74 to 87 showed significant increases in walking speed, balance, and confidence, which are important indicators for older adults to avoid the “downward spiral” that occurs when they walk less, lose lower body strength, and isolate themselves socially. The group assigned to walk with another person five days a week — at the same speed and distance – did not do as well.

The reason the dog walkers fared better, according to the researchers, is that most people in their 70s and 80s are devoted to volunteering and the idea that there was a dog that needed them prompted them to arrive unfailingly for the walks. In the second group, these walkers would sometimes shorten their walks or not walk at all if the weather was bad or one person wasn’t feeling well.

We certainly have anecdotal evidence that our dogs benefit from the walks because some of the shyer dogs get socialized with both men and women and the younger dogs get some leash and obedience training, which makes them all more adoptable.

Plus, we always welcome volunteers who want to scoop poop in the outdoor dog runs, socialize puppies and kittens, groom animals, wash dishes, fold laundry, answer the phone, and type thank you letters. If you have any specific skills or experience that you think may be of benefit to us, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Photo caption:

Buck is one of the shelter dogs who has benefited from one-on-one time and walks

with John Huxley, one of our Friday dog walkers.

Adjacent to the Highlands Village Arts and Crafts Festival, Pet Fest featured vendors, competitions, demonstrations, music, food, and a microchipping clinic. Two very popular activities on the day were the puppy kissing booth and bobbing for apples. And, Miss Lilly — owned by CHHS Board members, Garrison Boyce and Donald Laier — raised the most money in pledges with a total over $1,700.

Chuck Cooper of WHLC Radio, a great supporter of the shelter, emceed the event in between mountain music sessions by local musicians.

On behalf of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society, we would like to thank the following people and businesses that helped make this event a success.

OUR EVENT SPONSORS:

Rosewood Market / Tim Lundy

Hills Science Diet / Hills Pet Nutrition

PetPoint Management System / 24PetWatch

Microchips / ShelterCare Insurance / Petango

WHLC FM Radio 104.5

WNC Magazine

Wow! Divine Designs

Cabot Creamery Cooperative

DogPoopBags.com

Cashiers Printing

Coward’s Cool Cats

Mountain Fresh Grocery and Wine Market

My Carolina Mountains Real Estate

Silver Creek Real Estate Group

OUR RAFFLE SPONSORS:

Jim and Sally Sacha

Highlands Fine & Estate Jewelry

Hills Science Diet / Hills Pet Nutrition

Ann Jacobs Gallery

Cabin Casuals

Carolyn and Michael Chabora

J Gaston

Peak Experience

Horacio’s Restaurant

Osteria Italian Restaurant

Nancy’s Fancys

Midnight Farms

The Corner Store

OUR VENDORS:

Chris and Tom Pierson, Rainbow Woods

Grant Smith, Crijo Pets

Janie Wilkins, Painted Paws Folk Art

Tom Fatigati, FatiGati’s Bakery

Debbie Grossman, Fressers

Jerry Moore, Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream

The McKees, McKee Photography

AND A BIG THANKS TO:

Dr. Billy Harper

The local musicians

Cynthia Strain, Mill Creek Gallery

The Town of Highlands

The Highlands Police

All the volunteers for the event

And, all the participants in the First Mountain Tail Waggers Walk and Pet Fest.