Week in Review - Lots of Ups and Downs

This week has been an emotional roller coaster for everyone at In-Sync Exotics.  We started the week with highlights from our 1st annual “Putting for Paws” Charity Golf Tournament held last week.  Thanks to some amazing golfers, donors, and sponsors we were able to raise $7,035 for the animals!

Tuesday was our weekly Who Am I contest!  This contest recognizes our animal residents, giving our readers an opportunity to learn more about their amazing stories.  We had one correct guess to the Who Am I contest—Amanda W! Way to go Amanda! To learn more about our amazing animals, please visit our Resident web page and brush up on the cats’ stories so you can correctly identify the next cat featured in our Who Am I contest!

We also provided our readers an update on Eve’s spay surgery that she underwent on Monday.  Dr. Kerian and Dr. Wallance found a mass, about the size of an orange on her uterus.  The mass was removed and tested to see if the mass was malignant.  We are still waiting for the biopsy report.  So that makes two lionesses saved by spay surgery!  If you would like to contribute to the lionesses’ surgery costs, please visit our donation page!

On Wednesday, Round 2 of the Roar Off competition featuring The Poetry Girls and The White Boys was posted and voting was brisk for several hours, until news reached us of the tragic events at Terry Thompson’s farm outside Zanesville, OH.  The animal world was rocked by the news that 49 animals -- 18 tigers, 17 lions, 6 black bears, 2 grizzly bears, 3 mountain lions, 2 wolves and 1 baboon were shot and killed after the owner, Terry Thompson, 62, released the animals from their enclosures and then committed suicide.  Six animals (1 grizzly bear, 3 leopards and 2 monkeys) were safely captured and taken to the Columbus Zoo. That left one non-human primate still on the loose.

Each day brings new details to this horrific situation.  The Washington Post reports today that according to court records, Thompson and his wife owed at least $68,000 in unpaid federal and county taxes, and had two federal liens filed against him in 2010.  It appears that Thompson took in so many animals that he was way “in over his head.”

We may never know why Thompson did what he did, but we can work towards strengthening animal abuse laws to ensure that this type of tragedy never happens again.

Final results of Round 2 of the Roar Off competition will be announced on Monday, thereby giving folks one more day to vote for the “Loudest Roarer!"

If you have not seen the Cheetah boys give one another a bath, you may want to check out their video that was posted on Wednesday!  As a reminder, we are still fundraising for the cheetahs’ new home, so if you would like to donate towards this project, please visit our special Razoo donation page.

Now that the weather is cooling down, our cats are having a great time running and playing.  You have got to make plans to visit us this weekend!  You can learn more about our tours by visiting our Tours webpage.

And finally, as a reminder, if you have not registered for our 3^rd Annual Tiger Trot, now is the time to do so!  To register, please visit our event page.  All registered runners and walkers will receive a free t-shirt, water bottle, and the children will have access to the bounce house!  We hope to see you soon!

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In-Sync Exotics Editorial: The Zanesville, Ohio Tragedy

Yesterday we woke up to the horrific news that 56 exotic animals were released from their cages Tuesday evening from Terry Thompson’s farm outside Zanesville, OH, and the owner later committed suicide in his home.

As of Wednesday afternoon, authorities reported killing 49 animals -- 18 tigers, 17 lions, 6 black bears, 2 grizzly bears, 3 mountain lions, 2 wolves and a baboon.

Six animals (1 grizzly bear, 3 leopards and 2 monkeys) were safely captured and taken to the Columbus Zoo. That left one non-human primate still on the loose.

Animal-related Facebook pages were quick to blame authorities for killing so many animals instead of using tranquilizer darts. Animal Rights groups were quick to denounce private “exotic” pet ownership.

Often times, snap emotional judgments are made without hearing the facts of the case. For instance, as horrible as it was for the law enforcement officers to shoot these magnificent animals in the dark, they essentially had no choice—human safety must come first.

Can you just image the 911 emergency calls made to the local police department that Tuesday evening? One such call came from the mother whose son lives near the Thompson’s farm reporting that her son saw lions and bears running free and that a tiger was chasing her son’s horse! Thankfully the horse was saved and placed in the owner’s barn.

Law enforcement officers were forced to search for escaped animals in the dark—a very dangerous venture because some of these big cats and bears weighed in excess of 300lbs and were extremely aggressive! The officers could not wait until daylight because allowing the animals to escape into other communities could have resulted in the loss of human life.

In-Sync Exotics believes that shooting an escaped dangerous animal should be the last resort for containing this type of emergency situation. Sadly, tranquilizing drugs take about 15 minutes or so to take affect; that's a long time for an animal to run and hide until the drugs wear off, so it can eventually resume its escape for freedom. Also, folks need to remember that an exotic animal living in captivity does not have the natural fear of humans and will often approach people looking for food and shelter. This makes an escaped exotic animal doubly dangerous to a local community.

In-sync Exotics also believes that anyone who has a record of abusing animals should not be allowed to maintain them as pets. Ohio law enforcement officers admitted they have had numerous problems with Mr. Thompson in the past, including animal cruelty violations, and yet no agency stepped in to save the 56 exotic animals. In-Sync Exotics advocates strengthening animal abuse laws, thereby preventing animal abusers from owning exotics as pets. Sadly, this horrible situation could have been prevented if there were laws on the books that protected the animals from their abuser.

So now we mourn the loss of 49 beautiful animals that died needlessly. It is our goal to continually speak out for those animals that cannot do so. We hope that we can garner your support in our effort to bring to light those instances where animals are being abused, so we can stop tragic situations, such as the loss of the 49 Ohio exotic animals, from ever happening in the first place.

In-Sync Exotics' response to questions about how safe is our sanctuary:  WFAA  CBSDFW  NBCDFW

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Cheetah Bath!

Late Monday night we were surprised by a torrential downpour that lasted a couple of hours.  Some of our animals were not happy with the heavy rain, like Sabu, who refused to come out of his shelter.  Other animals, like our cheetahs boys, sat on their porch, enjoying the sounds, smells, and sight of the long awaited rain.

After spending a few minutes watching the rain, Kodi and Sam returned to their warm climate controlled house where they ate their dinner, groomed each other, and then went to bed, listening to the soft pitter patter sounds of rain hitting their roof.

Help Sam and Kodi move into their new home by contributing towards their Home Improvement Project!


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Are You Ready to Rumble, Round 2?

 

                    Welcome everyone to what should be an interesting match-up between The Poetry Girls  and the White Boys!  

  

Folks, we have some amazing lions getting ready to compete in this week’s “Roar Off” competition.

Which lion group do you think will take home the title of Round 2’s “Loudest Roarers?”  Will it be the Poetry Girls or the White Boys?

I don’t know, I think both groups are pretty well matched – this competition could go either way!  Let’s see what the audience decides – so, without further delay, let the “Roar Off” begin!  Turn up your speakers and be prepared to be blown away!

 
First up is Poetry Girls as they demonstrate to us why they should win the title “Loudest Roarers” at In-Sync Exotics!  Let’s hear it for the girls!

Not to be outdone, the White Boys are ready to show off their vocal skills in the hopes of capturing the title of the “Loudest Roarers!”  Go boys!

 Just as thought, another tough competition between two amazing groups of lions!

It’s time for the audience to decide who should be crowned the “Loudest Roarers,” for Round 2 of the Great “Roar Off” competition!  Are you ready to vote?  Of course you are – so vote!

The winners of Round 2 will be announced on Friday morning, so check back to see who won the title of "Loudest Roarer" this week!

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If you want to get an idea of what it sounds like at In-Sync Exotics as the sun sets, play both videos at the same time!  Be sure to turn up the volume! 

For a personal experience, register for our Sunday Night Bone Tour today!

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3rd Annual Tiger Trot -- Sign Up By October 21, 2011!

Join us on November 19, 2011 for the 3^rd annual Tiger Trot Walk/Run event at the Oak Point Amphitheater for great exercise, music, food, and fun for all!  This exciting event was designed to celebrate the amazing animals that touched our lives over the years.  Proceeds from this event benefit In-Sync Exotics, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the care of exotic wild animals.  We put their needs above all else; the old, the maimed, the unwanted find sanctuary at our facility.

If we do not have 30 runners signed up by October 21, 2011, we will have to cancel the event, so register today!!

For more information about our organization, please visit:  www.insyncexotics.org!

We hope you can bring gently used or new clothing to the event as your generous donation will benefit Hope’s Door, a shelter for women and children suffering from domestic abuse. For more information, please visit:  www.hopesdoorinc.org.

SCHEDULE (Rain or Shine)

Race day registration: 8:00am‐9:00am

1 Mile Walk: 9:30am (Dogs are welcome to participate in the walk!)

5K Run: 9:45am

Live Band: 10:30am‐12:30pm

Awards: 11:00am

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE 

Food Vendor

Hot Chocolate

AWARDS

5K – Medals will be presented to the top male and female finishers in each age category:  Over 18 & under 18 years of age

1-Mile Fun Run – Medals will be presented to the top 3 finishers overall

TEAM INFORMATION

You will need a minimum of 5 participants in order to qualify as a "Team." 

BUSINESS/CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS

For businesses interested in becoming sponsors, we offer four different levels of sponsorship.  Each package is outlined on the Business/Corporate Event Sponsorship Form. If you would like to request something specific, or decline a certain aspect of one of the packages, just let us know. We will do our best to honor any individual requests. If you are interested in one of these packages, please complete the event sponsorship form and mail with your payment.

INDIVIDUAL SPONSORSHIPS/DONATIONS

Individual contributions are always greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, or if a Corporate Sponsorship isn't applicable to you, you may choose to become an Individual Sponsor.   To become an individual sponsor, please complete the Individual Sponsor Form.  Individual sponsorships are a great way to get your family, friends, and co-workers involved in helping the In-Sync Exotics’ animals!

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT TODAY!

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Another Poetry Cat Saved by Spay Surgery!

Well, yesterday it was Eve's turn to visit the doctor's office to have her spayed and it was a good thing she went to see her vets!

For you see, her veterinarians Dr. Chuck Kerian and Dr. Toby Wallace found a mass on her uterus, about the size of a small orange!  The mass was removed and sent off to be biopsied.  The vets thoroughly checked Eve to ensure there were no other masses in her body before suturing her up.  

Eve is home, awake and doing well after her spay surgery.  She is even "barking" at people if they get too close to her!  Eve has made it very clear to us--no pictures until she is feeling better!

Thankfully the veterinarians found the growth on her uterus which undoubtedly saved her life.  That makes two Poetry lionesses saved by spay surgery!  If you would like to help pay for Eve's surgery, please visit our donation site.  Life-saving surgeries, such as Eve and Layla's, would not be possible without your help! So thank you for saving these beautiful lions!

PS.  See Special Message About the Upcoming 3rd Annual Tiger Trot!
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Who Am I? I am Gorgeous!

"Look deep into my eyes," says this mystery tiger! 

"When I first arrived, you would not have recognized me as a tiger.  My head was scarred and my feet were red, irritated, and they really hurt.  I lost all of my fur due to an infestation of ringworm, mange and impetigo, and my skin was dry, cracked and bleeding.  I looked terrible."

"But look at me now!  I am gorgeous!  So who am I?"

Okay, if you think you know the name of this gorgeous tiger, then fill out the comment box below!  Don't be shy--all guesses are welcomed!  So sorry, no prize this time, just bragging rights!

Oh, and if you work or volunteer at In-Sync Exotics, please hold off from letting the "cat-out-of-the-bag," until Wednesday afternoon!  Good luck everyone!

PS.  See Special Message About the Upcoming 3rd Annual Tiger Trot! 

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"Putting for Paws" Charity Golf Tournament "Tales"

On Columbus Day, In-Sync Exotics’ held its 1^st annual “Putting for Paws” Charity Golf Tournament.  As you may recall, the last 10 golfing tournaments were sponsored by ISC Corporation and Terry Hill—to which we are truly gratefully for their past support.  This year’s tournament was held at the Woodbridge Golf Club—and everyone who participated said they had a terrific time!

Thirty-three golfers took on the 18-hole championship course rated “Four Stars” by Golf Digest due to its challenging, yet scenic grounds.  The golfers were somewhat concerned that they might be not being able to play due the previous week’s rainy weather, but good fortune was with the golfers and everyone enjoyed a beautiful sunny day at the golf course.

After everyone checked in, the golfers sat down to a quick box lunch, as the nine golf teams were eager to practice and then tee-off.

The tournament format was converted from shotgun to tee times and each team began teeing off individually at 1:00pm.

There were three golfing contests during the tournament:  Hole in One, Closest to the Pin, and Longest Drive.  We did not have a winner for the Hole in One; however, Adam Bowman won both the Longest Drive and the Closest to the Pin contests!  Congratulations to Adam for winning a trophy for each contest, a head cover (golfers will know what this means), and an automatic kick-back practice putting green.

By the time the tournament ended at around 7:00pm everyone was tired, but hungry.  We had a wonderful meal waiting for the golfers and of course, folks wanted to watch the Rangers game in club house. 

1st Place Team

Trophies were awarded to 1^st, 2^nd, Middle of the Pack, and Last Place.  Everyone found the Last Place trophy humorous because the prize given out was unexpected, functional, and appropriate for “bringing up the rear”—an engraved pooper scooper purchased at a local pet store.  The engraving said “You are #1 to Us In-Sync Exotics”

Not only did participants have a great time golfing, but they helped raise money for the animals.  A big lion roar of thanks to all the golfers.



We were able to raise a little over $7,035 for the animals thanks to the golfers, our kind sponsors and donors!

Sponsors

Cox's Fine Floors

BOCI Browning Oil Company Inc.

Texas Brand Bank

Jim Howard

North Texas Job Corp

Campbell Park Animal Hospital, Inc.

Donors

Southwest Airlines

Jack in the Box

Lowes of Murphy

Target of Plano

Target of Wylie

Dallas Mavericks

Texas Rangers

FC Dallas

Frisco Rough Riders

Carino's Italian Resturant

Dr. Delphinuim

Society Bakery

Heineken USA & Dieste

Dallas Stars

Erin Michael

Shaina Cox

Chemyn Reaney

Colleen Butler

Thanks to the Team In-Sync, our volunteers were able to obtain donations and helped get the word out about the golf tournament:

Jennifer Gillis

Jodi Payson

Shaina Cox

Erin Michael

Brandi Terry

Robert Saucedo

Helen Truman

Sue Diamond

Ruth Nimmo

Thankfully, we had a terrific team of volunteers who helped with all the behind the scenes tasks on the day of the event at the golf course:

From In-Sync Exotics

Ruth Nimmo

Lakshmi Nathan

Lynn Travis

Tom Dillon

Ken Crenshaw

Jennifer Gillis

From North Texas Job Corp:

Natalie Gayfield

Morgan Jackson

Brittney Wyatt

Zachary Hornung

Trenton Shepard

Jeremy Hernandez

Shalonda Enis

And a special thank you to the Woodbridge Golf Club tournament coordinator, Sara Holsted and Golf Pro, Eric Easter!  This event would have not been possible without your support!

Last, but not least, all of us at In-Sync Exotics wants to thank Colleen Butler for serving as this years’ In-Sync Exotics’ Golf Tournament event coordinator!  Can you believe it—Colleen is already making plans for the 2^nd Annual Golf Tournament!  Again, thank you for your service to In-Sync Exotics, Colleen!

Again, we at In-Sync Exotics thank all those who helped make this event such a fun and exciting success and we hope to see you next year at our 2^nd annual “Putting for Paws” Charity Golf Tournament for more fun, more surprises and more prizes that await you!



Middle of the Pack Team!

Lucky receipients of the engraved pooper scooper!



Team Photo

Team Photo

Team Photo

Team Photo

Team Photo



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