Hi,

I'll be coming down to the island in a few weeks and wanted to know if there was anything you would like us to bring down.

We will be arriving April 22nd and are also willing to bring items for the shelter. Are there any urgent needs?

Jane will see this, I am sure, and reply. There may be other things they need but below is an exert from a previous thread a month back.
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Thank you for your interest in the animal shelter. We have a new website
www.animalshelterbonaire.com. It is just up and fairly new but will be expanding in the days and weeks to come. There is a needs list posted there. In addition we do have a specific list of items we are in need of for the shelter gift shop. Things we seem to sell out of very quickly. They are: dog Kong toys, dog Nylabones, solid color leashes, dog harnesses for small-med. dogs (20-30" girth), cat collars (with the small elastic inset piece so they won't choke if the collar gets caught on something, cat play tubes, kitty teasers.

PS: Thank you BOTH for thinking about the shelter; they do need our support!

(Message edited by ayorkiemom on April 4, 2008)

Thanks for covering for me, Kobi!! And Matt and Gerald thank you for your generous offer. The gift shop wish list is still the same as Kobi copied in her message. I will check with the managers on Tuesday, 8 April, to see if there some needs for our own residents. I do know that we can use some flea/tick shampoo that can be used on puppies as well as adult dogs...but carrying liquids in your checked luggage is often dangerous for your clothes!!! I will post again on Tuesday evening to let you know what we come up with as far as urgent needs for our residents. Again, thank you both...and thank you to all our BT supporters...for keeping us in your hearts and minds.
Jane

Hi all! Sorry it took so long to get back to you with an "immediate needs" list, but things have been very busy at the shelter...lots of puppies and kittens coming in...a spring time deluge! Spoke with our manager, Marlies, and here's what she came up with. For the gift shop we are almost out of leashes and harnesses (for small dogs and medium size dogs), cat collars, they sell really fast and we keep selling out. For the shelter itself, we need Frontline (for large dogs), surgical gloves, and garden hose spray nozzles (the kind with the squeeze handle). Medicine wise we can use BNP Ointment (bacitracin, neomycin, polymixin) for eyes, Metronidazole for cats. This list is in addition to the other items mentioned in the list referenced in Kobi's message. So thank you all for thinking of us. Sure hope to see you when you are on island!

Stopped by the shelter today to drop of a bag of goodies. We got to visit with the animals. The puppies sure were cute. Everyone looks happy and content.

Thank you Gerald! sorry I missed you, but so glad you had time to visit with our residents. Also thank you to Matt! We are now set with surgical gloves so we can cross that off the list. Also have gotten metronidazole for the cats so that's taken care of. In addition to the other things in Kobi's post and my last post, we have a special request from our cat residents. Their cat tube got washed last week and is unfortunately beginning to shred...they would really like a new one. People can't seem to find them in the stores so, is there someone out there that would be willing to bring one down if I ordered it on line and had it sent to you? It is not a big suitcase filler...it collapses into a round flat thing that is only about 12 inches in diameter and at most about two inches high. Please let me know if someone can do this. Thank you all again for your continuing support.

I will be coming down on May 3, staying at the Divi. I would be happy to receive this and bring it down with me to the shelter, but am not sure there would be enough time for you to order and me to receive it. I never got one of these for my own cats, but would think this is something I could easily find at the local Petco or Petsmart, which I do need to stop by this week before our trip. I would be glad to buy this for the shelter kitties as a donation. Let me know as soon as possible so that I know whether to put this on my pet store shopping list or not. Thanks.

I still have room for flat stuff so will look at our local store again before May 10th

April and Kobi, thanks for your quick replies. I checked on line and Petco has something that would work, called a Crinkle Tunnel SKU#1047108. Petsmart also had something (but it did say online only) but maybe they have it in stock Item #2755454. If you guys have time, please see if you can find these things and bring them...we can't have too many because 20 something cats, plus washing, can do a number on these in no time! You are both right that we don't have time to order these before you come. If you can't find them in the stores, I'll ask for others that are coming later and try to order them. You guys are the best...let me know if you have any luck. Thanks.

Jim and Jane, I liked the one Petsmart had online better, looked much bigger than the crinkle tunnel Petco had online. I'll see who has what in store. I just keep thinking I've seen these in the past at walmart or target, I'll check out those places too. And there's another pet store on my way home from work that I can check. I'll let you know this week what I find (and can hopefully deliver next week).

April, you're an angel! If you have time it would be great to see what you can find. The ones that last the best and that they really like are the "plush" tunnels, the kind of "furry" fabric. They tend to wash up better and last a lot longer. But beggars can't be choosers, so our pussycats will be happy with whatever you can locate. Thank you!

It sounds like my cats are missing out on all the tunneling fun! If I can locate these tunnels, I guess I'll have to buy one for my 3, too. Do the shelter cats have any of those corrugated cardboard scratching pads? Mine go nuts for them, it's their favorite thing to scratch.

April, in addition to our shelter "plush" tunnel I also have one for my own 10 housecats and both sets of pussycats adore it!!! So does the dog when it's pussycat hunting time! Your 3 definitely need one. About the corrugated scratch pads...think 20 plus cats, cardboard...SHRED FEST!!! We have a "turbo scratcher" in the compound that uses the round cardboard insert...I put in the insert and the next day all that was left was tiny pieces of something that resembled brown paper!!! Sisal rope scratchers seem to last a little bit longer with our crew!

Wow, 10 cats ... I wished I could. 2 was my limit, so I ended up with 3. The 3rd one was an accidental keeper, I rescued her and wasn't able to give her up after she spent the night at my house. Never had a kitten before her, quite a different experience.

Anyway, good news ... I have a cat play tunnel in my possession!! It is probably not exactly what you already have, but it will certainly do and I am sure the shelter cats will appreciate anything to keep them entertained. It is about 12 inches in diameter, plush on the outside, has a coil inside to make it stand upright. Might be around 3 feet long when fully expanded. The inner and outer fabrics are stuffed with a crinkle material. And there's a cat toy hanging inside the tube. I'll pack this baby in my carryon to make sure it arrives with me. I called 5 different places today to find this and ended up nobody but Petco carried anything like it.

Got one for my own cats too, but not too sure they like it just yet. If not used to it in a few days before we leave, the shelter will get both. I think my male cat is too big for this, he's 21 pounds. My 2 females are perfectly sized for it, but they are not quite sure what it is or if they can trust it.

My husband and I are staying at the Divi. And I am not too good at driving stick shift. So what is the easiest way to get to the animal shelter? This is our first time on Bonaire, so it is all new to us.

April...YOU ROCK The kitties will love ya and so do we!

If renting a phone you can call Jane once you're feet are on the ground in BON. Or anyone on island can get you directions. I would if I remembered myself LOL! I think I can drive it but can't really tell you how to get there Pathetic and useless, I know
Thanks for helping Jane and the gang!

It is my pleasure to help out however I can. Animals are my weakness, especially cats. I will bring a few other items, as well.

I will ask for directions at the Divi, surely someone working there will know how to get to the animal shelter.

I am so excited for our first trip to Bonaire, I can hardly sit still. My husband and I have been eating vitamins like candy and trying to stay healthy. Just 4 more days and a wakeup, then we'll be on our way to Bonaire!

April, YOU NOT ONLY ROCK...YOU ROCK AND ROLL!!!! The tube you described is EXACTLY what these pussycats want...hope yours will fall in love with it too. If not, our 23 pussycats could sure use it. There is a woman at Divi in the administrative office, asst. to the general manager, who used to be the asst. manager at the shelter...her name is Michelle. She definitely would be able to give you directions. If for some reason you can't find her or no one else can help, call the shelter at 717-4989 for directions. I am so grateful and impressed that on your first trip to Bonaire you have thought about our animal shelter..that is really special. Hope you will come to love Bonaire as much as most of us do. I work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, would be great if your schedule would allow you to visit on one of those days so I can thank you in person. Have a safe trip, hope to see you.
Jane

It is my pleasure, I was so glad to find them today!

Update: I am 99% sure the shelter will be getting the 2nd cat tunnel as well. My husband agrees, the shelter needs this more. I will see what else we can round up and fit in our luggage.

See you next week. I am looking forward to meeting you, Jane.

Another big thank you to Gerald and also to Bob and Rose(the quiet but generous supporters!What GREAT goodies you brought for us...some really very much needed items that makes life better for our residents. Hope to meet all of you on your next visit to Bonaire. Thanks again.

BIG THANK YOU to April and Kobi! Pussycats are delighting in their new tunnel and really appreciated all of April and Dave's attentions...not to mention feasting on the treats. Kobi, your supplies for the gift shop are also greatly appreciated...as is all you do for us. We still need several items for the gift shop that we are totally sold out of...they disappear quickly:
Dog harnesses of all sizes (we have none left)
Cat Collars (we only have a few left)
Dog Leashes 4 foot and 6 foot (we have none)
Anybody that will be coming down this way and can pick up some of these items for us...it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all....as April aptly put it "If it wasn't for BT I wouldn't even know about the animal shelter". Thank you BT'ers for your support and for getting the word out.

It was our pleasure to help in any way that we could. Dave and I love animals. So shopping for the shelter was fun, it took very little room in our luggage, and was a real pleasure spending time at the shelter. Such a wonderful group of people who work there. And the animals were a joy. If we are fortunate enough to come back to Bonaire, we will definitely visit the shelter again. We were so impressed with what we saw, what a great shelter.

Jane,
Thanks for the update!!! I will get my black belt out and start shopping this weekend It was awesome to see you, your staff and all the furkids last week. You guys are doing a FANTASTIC job and I was glad Rob and I were able to help in our small way. There will always be room in a suitcase for you guys!!!

I will also start writing letters to local pet shops to ask for donations! Will PM you once I get a stockpile and figure out how to get my goods down to you, timely.

April & Dave, THANK YOU BOTH for doing what you did. As a new Bonaire visitor it meant a lot to ALL of us that you care! I saw your cat tunnel in action last week It is GREATLY appreciated.

Hugs, Jane, and I'll be in touch very soon.

Kobi

Jane, I'm so glad that folks are helping out.

I'd be more than happy to send some leashes and collars down with someone heading to the island in the next few months...anyone???

Thanks Boat Chick, hope someone takes you up on the offer! Just got back from work at the shelter today and saw that someone brought us three great crinkle cat tubes and a bunch of other stuff for the gift shop...YEAH! Monique, today's manager on duty, didn't know who brought them...will find out on Thursday and name you by name...but in the meantime whoever you are THANK YOU!!!!

We're arriving in Bonaire on Saturday and will have some treats and stuff for the kitties. When's the best day/time to drop stuff off?

Also gonna try bring a box of surgical gloves.

Do you prefer donations in guilders or dollars?

Thank you Matthew...they will look forward to seeing you. Our public hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mornings are good, usually after 10 when the cleaning crew is finished, or in the afternoons from 3 to 5, but usually all the residents are pretty lazy and sleepy in the afternoons. I'm there on Tuesday and Thursdays til about noon but there's no reason you can't visit any day you choose, Monique or Marlies, the managers, are always more than willing to welcome visitors. Donations can be in dollars or guilders, doesn't really matter. Thank you again for being a shelter supporter.

Thanks for the info. We'll probably stop by Tuesday morning during our break from watching sea creatures to spend time watching the cute land-based ones. ;) Our dogs and kitty are all grown up and while still adorable, it's always fun to come play with the young'uns for a bit. Also fun just to see so many cute animals in one place, even if the circumstances of life are less than ideal for them. That, and the fact that these animals are truly powerless over their situation, is why we're big shelter supporters. This will be our first time on Bonaire so we look forward to supporting a new one. ;)

Matthew, glad to hear another first time Bonaire visitor supporting the shelter. I think you'll enjoy the experience and I highly recommend everyone support this worthy cause. I could have stayed at the shelter all day, it was so comfortable there and so many cats and dogs to play with. Please give Fiona (black and white cat) a big hug from me. Wished I could have taken her home with me.

We will touch base with you before our trip in Sept. Never been to the shelter....will bring whatever we can fit! I need directions though!

Meryl makes a good point, a map to the shelter would be helpful for first time visitors. We got directions from Michael when we went and even then were not sure if we were on the right track until we drove right past it.

Maybe someone could make a simple map in paintshop and make a sticky thread here?

I stopped by the shelter on my trip last month, met Jane and Monique and lots of other great volunteers, and brought a cat toy and some cat prednisone (my cat did not need it any more, and it wasn't expired). Jane said she'd give the meds to the vets to see if they could use them, since they were in the original prescription bottle, but I asked first before I brought them.

The cat toy was one of those rings with a jingly ball inside it, and a big furry white mouse on a spring above it. The cats seemed to like it very much.

The shelter is terrific, and I admire all they do with limited resources. And I bought Monique's old license plate off her Harley - so it's a very special souvenier!

Before my next trip, I might ask my vet if he has anything to donate too, Advantage or toys or something. The shelter will be on my list of must-visit places.

Now I just need to get back to Bonaire!

We'll be by tomorrow right before lunch with the goodies we brought for the kitties. Hopefully the bonwiki has the correct marker on the map, otherwise we're going to be hopelessly lost. Good thing it's a small island. ;)

Matt (& Lila)

We're back from Bonaire but had a great time visiting the animal shelter. Jane is running a fantastic operation there and we were both impressed with the quality of the care the animals are receiving on such a tiny island. Everyone looked happy and healthy.

We had a great time playing with the kitties, and her baby rottweiler is adorable. Thanks so much for all the hard work you all do! We'll be back with more gifts next year, hopefully!

Matt & Lila

Thank you all for all your support. Michelle, Teri and all the others that I didn't find out names for -- thanks for your goodies and support. Matt and Lila thank you also for your great gifts, time with the kitties and your generous support. Also thank you for the great compliment, however, I am just a volunteer and want to be sure that Marlies and Monique get the lion's share of the credit for the great operation they are running. We volunteers work as hard as we do because we have great ladies to work for!
Gift shop is getting great reviews and we're selling lots of stuff. Still in need of dog harnesses for medium and large dogs and also cat collars....and of course anything else anyone is willing to bring us. We couldn't be running this gift shop with out BT helping us out. THANK YOU!

I will be arriving on the 29th of June I have a lot of cat toys I can bring. I am also willing to have stuff shipped to me and bring it down if needed. I am also a little confused about the surgical gloves, do you mean sterile or just latex gloves?

Gary, Thank you in advance for bringing the cat toys. We're now at 25 residents so things to sell and things for them to play with will really help. We're good with the gloves now, have had three boxes donated. (We use them for bathing in paramite dip or when treating ringworm or mange so I guess they just need to be the lightweight latex gloves.) Still in need of dog harnesses for medium and large dogs, dog Kong toys for the gift shop.
Another thank you to Yucatan Pat and Susan for the great gift shop donations they brought today...and even a bigger thank you for the hours they spent today playing with our cats....THANK YOU!!!!
BT'ers are the best...we are a better shelter due to your support! Thanks to all of you.