2 for 1: Meet the Sweeties!

Sweetie Pie was a young cat, very pregnant, who showed up by herself at the shelter and asked to come in - she wanted to have her kittens in a safe place. Most of her babies were adopted but she and Sweetheart, her look-alike baby, have bonded in a very special way.

Sweetie Pie is about 3 years old and Sweetheart is 2. These two girls are almost inseparable and at nap time can be found entwined together. The staff have all enjoyed watching this bonded pair groom each other, play together, and share the rocking chair wrapped in each others' arms. Though different in personality, they complement each other and are the perfect duo. Both are spayed, up to date on all shots, well mannered and affectionate.

We would love to see these two very special kitties go to a forever and loving home together. They are being offered at a two-for-one price special in hopes of adopting them to the same family. If you are thinking about adopting a cat... maybe you have room for two?

Call 706-781-3992 or email if you have room in your heart for these two sweeties.

Saying goodbye to a summer volunteer

August 18th was a happy/sad day for those of us who work with the cats. We lost our lovely summer volunteer, Claire Stovall, as she returns to Duke University for the fall semester. Claire has volunteered two mornings a week to clean the cat house. As all of you who clean know, it is hard work and dirty work. Claire, with minimal first-day direction, has become (almost!) indispensable to us. She has celebrated our happy occasions and grieved with us. She has also fostered Mango, a little orange tabby kitten, the entire time. Claire has been a most delightful, sweet, efficient and caring volunteer with a true spirit of generosity and love for the animals. It’s rare these days that young people, with so many distractions in their lives, are willing to devote any amount of time to service and Claire should be an example to all of them. We will SO miss you, Claire – and we all hope you can return to us next summer. Have a great and safe school year. You will be missed!

The Open House on August 6th was a big success!

A good time was had by all on Saturday, August 6th at our first ever open house at Castaway Critters. The whole property was "all gussied up" with marigolds at the door of the cat shelter and green plants in front of the kennel. The "cat folks" set out displays of CCPR T-shirts and homemade cat blankets before our first customers arrived.

With a steady stream of visitors from 10 am to 2 pm, the cats and kittens seemed to enjoy all of the extra attention they received. Several visitors even spent some time with the dogs. The outpouring of generosity was amazing! Several folks came just to give donations of dog food, cat food and litter. Some people from Operation PUPS and NGa SPCA stopped by to offer support and give donations also. Hand-knitted pet blankets made by one of our sponsors in Geneva, Switzerland were purchased as well as several T-shirts. One lady visitor decided she is going to volunteer to help socialize and give extra TLC to some of the more timid kitties in the group, and her husband may decide to become a dog-walker, too!

The BIG news of the day was the adoption of Patty, our just-featured cat in the last newsletter. A lovely couple saw one of our flyers about the open house and wanted to adopt a lap cat. Patty was PURRfect! In fact, it was noted by all – Patty adopted THEM! Patty practically sat on the gentleman's shoe the whole time so he couldn't get away!

Everyone who came spent quite a bit of time going from room to room admiring and being admired by all the curious little ones. We received many praises for the good work we do for the community, lots of compliments on our facility and beautiful animals, and we took in $345 for the critters! Overall, it was a productive day and we send out a huge "Thank You!" to all the volunteers and employees who helped make it so.

Mattie: A True Rags to Riches Story

Mattie was pulled out of Clayton County Animal Control the day she was going to be euthanized. She was from a litter of four, and her siblings had been pulled out and/or adopted, but Mattie remained unwanted. She was about 4 months old and one front leg was terribly deformed. We didn't care! We were here to save her from the horrible death that was facing her. She was so scared she had to be literally dragged out of her kennel with her tail between her legs. One of our volunteers grabbed her up in her arms and just held her. After an evaluation with an orthopedic veterinarian, we determined it was going to cost Castaways at least $3,000.00. Several fundraisers later, and with the generosity of donors, we were able to have her very deformed leg operated on. It was a great success, and Mattie can now run long and hard. She was adopted by a wonderful family and we now get videos of her in her new winter apparel and vacationing at the beach...Mattie is loved. A true rags to riches miracle!

Rebel's success story

Another success story....This shep, Rebel was pulled out of Union Co. Animal Control, was heartworm positive and didn't have the best beginnings. But look at him now in his new home in Alpharetta and read what his family has to say: Rebel is enjoying his new home and companion Thunder! He originally took a liking to swimming in our water feature but now he has his own fresh water kiddie pool to keep cool in!

Minnie's Quick Fix!

An urgent call came in – Minnie, a declawed female kitty whose owner was moving to where a cat would not be welcomed, was in desperate need of a home – and QUICK! With intake currently closed at the shelter due to number of kittens, the board of CCPR was alerted to the situation that this declawed cat could potentially be turned out unable to defend herself. A resolution was needed within a week. Thanks to the email networking of Martha Rollison, our treasurer, a home with another declawed female named Molly, and her person, was found the next day and Minnie is beginning her new life – happily ever after!

Sweet-natured Solay

Solay was rescued from a bad situation where she had been kept in a filthy outdoor cage her whole life. She had not been handled but has such a sweet nature that she decided, soon after rescue, that she really loves to be petted. Solay would blossom in a home of her own. A bit shy and quiet by nature, she needs a home without small children. She is gentle and affectionate, litter box trained, spayed and vaccinated. She would be best suited to an indoor-only home due to flea allergies. We are looking for a sponsor for Solay. Please call 706-781-3992 or email castaway_critters @ hotmail.com for more information.

Oreo, the strikingly handsome cat

Oreo is a year old boy who is strikingly handsome; sadly, he is not willing to become socialized with people and runs when approached. He does not like to be petted and ducks out from under your hand. However, he will come willingly for treats and seems to enjoy the company of people but doesn't want to be touched and certainly isn’t a lap cat. This makes adoption for Oreo very difficult and we are looking for a sponsor for this lovely cat who is socially challenged – or even better, a forever home with understanding and patient people who can give him the attention he needs to become a loving pet.

Please call 706-781-3992 or email castaway_critters @ hotmail.com if you're interested.

Rainbow, the painted kitten

It sounded like a real emergency! A one month old kitten had been spray painted and left in a box, spotted by an alert school bus driver. She cared enough to notify Castaway, then after returning the bus, went back for the baby and brought her to us. Rainbow was rushed to the vet, but it was non-toxic hair dye that colored this little flame point Siamese the orange and pink of rainbows. Other than a mild upper respiratory infection, this tiny little kitten is now thriving in a foster home. She is full of life, eating on her own, and will be ready for adoption in about 6 weeks.

Call 706-781-3992 or email castaway_critters @ hotmail.com.

CCPR Open House - August 6th

The so-called "unadoptable" pets are the most grateful

What should a shelter do with cats that are not cute, affectionate, or seeking the company of humans? All no-kill shelters have some cats that by definition would be considered 'unadoptable', or at best difficult to find homes for. These cats, due to mistreatment, neglect or cruelty, have grown wary and distrustful of people. Some cats just have medical issues that make them unattractive. Some are both shy and have health issues. Castaway Critters believes every single cat in our shelter has the potential to be a loving and valued companion. These cats deserve more than to be shuttled off as barn cats or to live out their lives at our cat facility. Because a few 'cat savvy' volunteers have offered to adopt them, our most challenging cats have offered us MIRACLES!

These special creatures have become the 'poster kitties' for all rescued animals. Their gratitude is expressed dramatically in the ways they have blossomed almost over night. All they needed was a chance.

Amy was abandoned at the shelter as a half-grown kitten and was always invisible, usually buried under a blanket and completely withdrawn from the other cats. While shelter staff tried to give Amy special time and treats, which she enjoyed, she continued to be withdrawn. When she was taken home by one of our volunteers and knew she was loved, safe and special, a transformation occurred and shy little Amy is now frisking around the house, playing with toys, interacting as an equal with the other household cats, and always seeking a lap to warm.



Sasha lived her first 6 years in filthy cage with no socialization. She was terrified when she came to the shelter. When it was discovered that Sasha had a severe heart murmur and spine problems, she was adopted by another volunteer. In a home full of cats it is Sasha who lights up the house! She is endlessly entertaining; playing all day long with her favorite toys and following her people wherever they go. She is totally trusting and loving. No one who meets Sasha would think she had ever known a life of such suffering.

When Billy (initially dubbed Wild Bill) was brought in to the shelter from the same situation as Sasha, he was completely wild and very aggressive. Billy could not be handled, was filthy (finally resulting in a body shave), and had horrible diarrhea. Billy severely bit several of the handlers and would slap anyone who tried to reach out to him. After several months of carefully stepped integrating processes, we discovered Billy had cataracts and greatly diminished vision. He was also diabetic. Though only 4 years old, this poor boy had suffered lifetimes. Volunteers adopted Billy and now he lives a life of comfort. He is affectionate, sweet-natured and doing great with his daily insulin and care. It took so little to win his trust!

Roxanne came to the shelter as a frightened mother with kittens and promptly took up residence in the laundry closet behind the washer and dryer. Volunteers rarely, if ever, saw her but faithfully put plates of food by the washing machine each day. Roxanne would come out to play and interact with the other cats, but wanted nothing at all to do with people. After a year and a half of this lifestyle, a soon-to-be volunteer discovered Roxanne on PetFinder and vowed "Roxanne can hide under my bed the rest of her life if she wants, but it'll be better than living behind a washer!" No need. Just a few short months later and with a lot of patience, Roxanne lives in a home among her people. She's now one of the most attention-seeking cats in residence!

Isabelle is a lovely dark tortie

Such a lovely dark tortie, Isabelle is a two-year old girl who loves attention. She has grown up at the shelter and is good with all the other cats. Quiet and well mannered, she is not fearful but can be a little distrustful at first. Once she knows you, however, she'll come to you for attention. She is always hanging around and especially enjoys lounging on window ledges. She is spayed, up-to-date on her shots, and uses her litter boxes well.

If Isabelle is the cat for you, call 706-781-3992 or email castaway_critters @ hotmail.com.

Sweet Gracie

When sweet Gracie arrived at Castaway Critters she looked pregnant, so we kept her in a room by herself with lots of special attention – only to learn that she was just a chubby girl! Gracie is full of love… as evidenced by the heart-shaped coloring of her nose! She loves people, is very affectionate and enjoys being held and sitting on laps. She also loves to play and entertain herself with a choice toy! This girl is not shy but she is afraid of thunder and would have to be an inside-only cat. She also does not really like most of the other cats at the shelter, so we think she would be happiest as an ‘only’ cat. Gracie is very well mannered, spayed, and current on all her shots.

Call 706-781-3992 or email castaway_critters @ hotmail.com for more information.

Smokey is a lover!

Smokey is an absolutely beautiful silver tabby cat. He came to us as a kitten, playful and happy and full of the joy of life. He and his buddy Willis were adopted together, and through our screening process it appeared to be a great home. Unfortunately, two years later both boys were returned to Castaway Critters in poor condition and fearful. Since then, we all spend time with Smokey giving him the gentle handling and extra attention he needs. He loves to be petted and brushed -- and will gently grab at you if you decide to stop before he's ready! If he is on the floor and you try to approach him, he will act afraid. However, if he's lying on one of the many ledges or cat beds around the shelter he is very approachable. Smokey would certainly do very well in a home where he felt safe and loved and had the attention he so deserves. This lover will tug at your heart strings if you just gave him a chance.

Call 706-781-3992 or email castaway_critters @ hotmail.com if you'd like to meet Smokey in person.

Jango needs a fenced yard

Cocoa came to Castaway Critters in May of 2009 at the tender age of 6 weeks and was soon adopted by a loving family who named him Jango. Unfortunately, Jango needs to find a new home with a fenced yard so he can run and play - two things he loves to do. His current family is not allowed to put up a fence in their community, so they really want to find him a new forever home and will keep him until that day comes. Jango is now 2+ years old, loves life, and has been fully vetted. Please call 706-781-3992 if you are interested to learn more about Jango.

Lucky Number 13!

Coal was the last cat taken from a miserable and filthy hoarder situation. He was the only one not in a cage, taking shelter under a board. He had never been handled and came in about a month after the others because he had to be trapped, but we just couldn’t leave him behind. He was the 13th cat rescued. While many of the other cats were adopted, it looked hopeless for Coal. Coal was a wild animal! He hissed and growled menacingly whenever a person was in the same room with him and had to be handled with heavy gloves. Many people asked "What are you going to do with that cat?" but we knew we had to give him time. Over a period of several months, and careful handling, we were able to win Coal’s trust and almost overnight a magnificent transformation occurred. Coal not only trusted us, he LIKED us! When he was given access into the main cattery room, he began following us everywhere begging for attention and pets. He had become an entirely different cat; a total attention hog. His only problem now was one of boredom! He began dragging water bowls around for something to do when there wasn’t a volunteer available to pester. Even after all this progress, his adoption potential was still not good because Coal is solid black, the most difficult color cat to find a home. Then we got the call: A cat was required to be a companion to an existing cat at a high-end horse facility. This home would come complete with a heated tack room for winter comfort, an air conditioned area available, access to a garden, lots of company, even canned food! For this high energy and very bored boy it was the perfect situation and best of all – a black cat was welcomed. Coal was adopted and is now beginning his ‘happy ever after’ life – lucky number 13 indeed!

Buster's Saga is one of our happiest!

Buster’s Saga is one of our happiest and most successful Happy Tails. Buster came to us from Union County Animal Control where his future was bleak and for a while it seemed this handsome and sweet-natured boy was going to make our shelter his forever home! Finally, we were contacted by a family in Derry, New Hampshire who saw Buster on our Petfinder site and were sure he was the dog for them. A special transport was arranged by us and volunteers drove Buster to his new home, the van filled with his new dog house and a basket of doggie needs as a sendoff. The family who adopted him is wonderful and fortunately for us they stay in touch. Buster now has a very active lifestyle. He rollerblades, hikes in the mountains, loves the boys and also loves his bed in front of the fire on cold nights. The princely dog at the top of this newsletter, standing on top of the shelter is Buster. He had to wait a long time, but now he is living the life we could only hope for! We love happy endings!!

Escaped cat safely returned

Our lovely Buddy, who escaped from the cat house over a month ago, has been returned safely to the shelter. Buddy escaped from the transport van that was taking him to PetSmart before it ever left the shelter drive. Thanks to the efforts of June Young, who faithfully put food and water out for him every night, Buddy was enticed back to the shelter where he was finally caught by our wonderful and caring employee Chris Trussell through ingenuity involving a fishing pole! And no, he didn't 'hook' Buddy - it was used to release an open door, trapping Buddy back inside the shelter. Buddy seems especially grateful to have the fleas removed and fresh food in his bowl and will be available for adoption soon. If you would like to sponsor Buddy call 706-781-3992 or email castaway_critters @ hotmail.com.

Abbie was rescued 24 hours before she gave birth!

Abbie was rescued by CCPR less than 24 hours before she gave birth to five beautiful babies. Abbie had made her home at a 'no cats' apartment complex in Hiawassee and had to be removed for her own safety. Fortunately for her and her babies, a concerned and caring resident alerted us. Abbie and the little ones are currently in a foster home and all are thriving.

Call 706-781-3992 or email castaway_critters @ hotmail.com if you would like more information about Abbie or any of her kittens.

Patty is pure sweetness!

This beautiful girl was pregnant and abandoned when Castaway Critters came to her rescue. It was close to St. Patrick’s Day, so the name “Patty” became hers. Patty was an excellent mom and raised her own kittens well. She also acted as surrogate mother to many more babies. All of Patty’s kittens were adopted quickly, but Patty is still looking for her own forever home. Patty is pure sweetness! This very special cat loves to play because she is still a young girl herself. She is always ready for a lap and love and has a great purr! Patty is very well mannered, good natured and healthy. She is spayed and up-to-date on all her vaccinations. Patty has a ton of love to share and just needs a family to receive it. Will it be yours?

As our featured Cat of the Month, Patty's adoption fee is half price til the end of August. If adopting Patty isn't an option for you at this time, please consider becoming her sponsor instead. Either way, call 706-781-3992 or email for more information.

Victoria and Van Gogh's new digs

Recently one of our volunteers heard from the adoptive parents of Victoria and Van Gogh. It was happily reported that sister and brother were really starting to enjoy the good life in Big Canoe with their new people. They have a rugged and sturdy cat tree positioned perfectly so they can benefit from an unobstructed view of the great outdoors - complete with birds, squirrels and bunnies - and lots of toys they love. Mom and Dad say the kitties are starting to interact with them as they explore their new surroundings, with Victoria being the more adventurous of the two. They also expressed how glad they are to have found Victoria and Van Gogh and thankful that Castaway Critters cares so much to try and find a home for these two siblings together, as well as for all the animals in our care. When our volunteers hear stories like this, it makes it all worthwhile!