Wow! What A Busy Week!

Wow!  This week we shared a LOT of information with you.  Let's do a quick recap of this week's events!

On Monday, we gave a short rendition of last weekend's events.  The cheetah habitat is really coming along now!  It looks like next week we should be pouring concrete!  We welcomed a new board director and said au revoir to another.  Plus we shared the cutest video of little Gideon!  To read Monday's posting, click HERE!

On Tuesday, we rolled out our latest Razoo project called Big Cats Need Dental Care Too!  We know the amount we are trying to raise is rather ambitious, but we know our supporters will come through for our cats in their time of "dental" need.   Please click HERE so you can see how you can help Tacoma, Amol, Aramis, Apollo, and Tyjar receive the dental care they desperately need!  Thank you!

Who loves babies?  We do!  Wednesday's posting was about our Babies plus a special Okemo tribute written by Cheri.  Cheri was Okemo's Cat Companion and she was blessed to have formed a loving bond with two of our special tigers -- Grumpy and Okemo.  Thank you Cheri for sharing your thoughts and memories of Okemo--they were precious!  Click HERE to check out our Babies and to read Okemo's tribute!

On Thursday, we asked the question, can tigers misbehave?  Oh yes they can!  Click HERE to read all about our Brats, Sultan, Iona, and Kaiya!  Plus, you have an exciting opportunity to help In-Sync Exotics win up to $2500!  All you have to do is like the Razoo Sweepstake Facebook page, write as much or as little as you want about why you are wild about In-Sync Exotics!  Easy right?  Takes just a few moments to complete the process, but the rewards could be huge!  So click HERE to show your support for In-Sync Exotics today!  We thank you again!

Putting for Paws!

Have you visited our Putting for Paws Golf Tournament webpage yet? Well if you haven't, then you don't know what you're missing!  Last year, we were able to raise a little over $7,000 for the animals, thanks to the golfers, kind sponsors and donors!  This year, with your help, we hope to raise over $10,000 for the animals!  

Here are the details:

WHEN: Monday, September 17.  8:30 a.m. Tee Time

WHERE:  Old American Golf Club in The Colony

FORMAT:  4 Man Scramble, Shotgun Start

The Old American pays homage to the environment on which the course was built. Preservation of the wildlife and resources surrounding the course were innate to the design.  Careful attention was paid to the conservation and utilization of water throughout the course. Native grasses, trees and plants are used in order to preserve water as well as create intentional wildlife habitats. An abundance of wildlife makes its home on the course, including wild turkeys, deer, coyotes and birds of prey, such as the Red Tail Hawk, which nests the immense oaks to the left of #13 and the right of #16.

This year, we have several exciting golf contests plus some terrific prizes from our sponsors and donors!  This should be a day of fun, whether you are an experienced golfer or just learning the game.  Team and single players are welcome! Ready to register?  Great!  Click HERE to register for this great event and remember to invite your friends to play!

Can't make the golf tournament, but you want to sponsor one of the holes?  Geat! Click HERE for sponsorship information!  To make a golf prize donation, click HERE!  Thank you for supporting In-Sync Exotics!

We hope you enjoyed this week's blog posting and will join us again next week for more informative, funny, and interesting blog postings on our wild ones!  Remember, we are open for tours Thursday - Friday, so we look forward to your visit!   

.

Brats!

Is there such a thing as a "bad mannered" tiger?  Oh yes, and we have three! Meet our "Brats," Sultan, Kaiya, and Iona!

                  Sultan                                  Iona                                  Kaiya

Our "Brats'" story:

A Texas entertainment facility purchased Iona, Kaiya, and Sultan from a breeding facility when the tigers were cubs, dragging them all over the country to be used as exhibits.  For $25 at Six Flags Over Texas and the Mesquite Rodeo, you could have your pictures taken with the cubs, until they became of age where it was no longer safe for strangers to handle aggressive baby tigers.

So, when the tigers’ usefulness ended, the entertainment facility set out to find new homes for the three cubs.  When we were contacted, we agreed to take the cubs, with the intention of keeping one as a playmate for one of our young tigers, and re-home the other two tigers to other reputable facilities. 

The relocation plans fell through, so we kept the three tigers!  We welcomed 17-month old tigers Iona, Kaiya, and Sultan to the In-Sync Exotics’ family on April 27, 2004. 

Iona and Kaiya

We learned that Iona and Kaiya were sisters and little Sultan was their  buddy. The three tigers were filled with boundless energy.  What we didn’t expect were three very unruly tigers!  From day one, the tigers were a handful—pooping and peeing everywhere and what’s worse is they played and walked through their poop, tracking it throughout their quarters on their paws and tails! Oh, the smell!! It took what seemed like forever for the tiger cubs to settle in and get used to our routine.  They were cranky.  They were demanding.  They were brats!

Each "brat" has a unique story.  For instance, did you know Kaiya is blind in her left eye which is darker in color than her right eye?  We don't know what happened to her eye only that she has a scar that extends across her nose coming from the corner of that eye.  Because her other eye is crossed it's sometimes difficult to tell what she's looking at since she seems to be looking about 10 feet to the left.

When we questioned the previous owner as to what may have happened to her, the reply was that he just didn't know.  Kaiya's vision problems don't seem to bother her at all.  She is very active and loves to play in the pool!

Sultan & his red ball

Iona has a more peaceful attitude than her sister, Kaiya. She will sit with us at the fence and loves for us to talk to her. Iona will moan and groan with pleasure just to have you by her side. We have nicknamed her "Seal" because sometimes when she moans she makes a sound like a seal. Even though she is not as energetic as Kaiya, she does love to be in the pool with her sister.

Sultan, which means king, is just that—king of the brats! Our boy has a macho attitude about him that says, "Look out everyone, here I come". He is not a bully; he just wants all to know that he is in charge, especially his gal pals.

He is very handsome tiger—he always looks like he has a dirty face.  He is very dark in color and even darker around his face. Sultan will be the first to find even the smallest mud hole after a rain storm and roll in it until he is completely covered in yuck.  He is into everything and everyone else's business (so nosy!).   Like the girls, Sultan loves to play in the water especially with the big Safari ball.  

Sultan and Iona

We just love our “Brats!”

RAZOO!

As you know, our "Big Cats Need Dental Work Too" is off to a good start, but we still have a long way before we reach our $10k goal.  We'd like to thank everyone who has donated thus far!  Yay!  

For those short of cash right now, we have another way you can support us! Razoo just reached a $1 million milestone this week raising funds for non-profits and in honor of this fantastic achievement, Razoo is giving away 100 Charitable Giving Cards!

Enter the Sweepstakes and you could help us win up to $2,500!  You will need to have a Facebook account to enter the Sweepstakes.  Go HERE to enter! Please don't forget to share this information with your Facebook buddies by posting this announcement on your page!  Thank you!!

Special Events

This month we are hosting a B-I-N-G-O night on August 25th!  It's not too late to RSVP!  For more information, click HERE!

Next month, we are hosting Putting for Paws Golf Tournament! 

We'll pass on more great information about this special event tomorrow - this is just a preview!  Click HERE for more information about our golf tournament!

We hope you enjoyed today's blog posting and will join us again tomorrow for more news and updates on our wild ones!  Don't forget to let us know your reaction to this posting by clicking on one of the reaction buttons below--and share this blog posting with others please ~ Thank you!

.

Babies!

Baby Mohan!

Last week, we were remiss by not sharing with our readers why we call two groups of tiger the "Babies" and the "Brats."  So let's correct this little oversight by introducing you to the "Babies!"  

On August 17, 2000, seven tiger cubs were rescued from a Texas inhumane breeding facility.  The cubs, ranging from 2-4 months old arrived in poor condition and required medical treatment.  We welcomed home, Boris, Emma, Eric, Lucca, Mohan, Nadia, and Saber--our babies!

Our "Babies"

Since the cubs required round the clock care, we started calling them "babies" because calling out their individual names took up a lot of time! You can often hear us saying throughout the day "it's time to feed the babies," "it's time to give the babies their meds," or "it's time to move the babies," that eventually, we stopped calling them by their individual names until they got older!  Now you can hear us yelling out "Mohan, it's time to get out of the pool!" "Emma, it's time to come in!"  "Lucca, leave Nadia alone!"  "Saber, it's dinner time!"

Even though it's been 12 years since their rescue (to the day this Friday!), we still affectionately called Emma, Lucca, Mohan, Nadia, and Saber our babies.

Sadly, two of our babies, Boris and Eric, are no longer with us.  Boris passed away on August 10, 2002  from impaction of the cecum and Eric was put to rest after a year long battle with cancer on April 21, 2007.

                                          Boris                                                     Eric                     

So let's meet our 12-year old "Babies!"

                       Lucca                                       Nadia                              Emma

Saber & Mohan

Tomorrow, we'll introduce you to our "Brats!"

In the meantime, we'd like to share with you a special letter we received from one of our volunteers who participates in our "Cat Companion" program.  This letter was written in memory of Okemo, our precious tiger, who recently joined Boris and Eric across the "Rainbow Bridge."

A Visit With Okemo 

I have been trying to find the words to describe what a visit with Okemo meant to me but couldn't.  Then I heard the words to a country song and thought, that’s it!  “Gonna put the world away for a minute, pretend I don’t live it”…time with Okemo is gonna wash my blues and irritations of the day away!  As soon as I opened that gate the day’s events were left behind “and I think I might have found me my own kind of paradise.”  Actually I know I did...it was like being Over the Rainbow.

When I met him, he had me at first chuff.  I had just lost my first companion Grumpy 10 days prior to my meeting him.  When I looked into Okemo's beautiful round eyes I saw the same sparkle, innocence and wonderment that Grumpy had and it just warmed my heart.

Over the course of time we bonded and formed a friendship that I will cherish forever.  Something that words cannot describe is the feeling I got at seeing the sparkle and joy in his eyes at seeing me.  And it dawned on me the other day, that he saw that same joy in my eyes at seeing him.  And then when he would come out of the den just to see me, it just melted my heart.

One of the things he would do, that I just loved, was if he would walk off and I would turn my back and not be paying attention to him, he would come up to the fence and head butt at my leg.  I would turn around and he would be waiting for nose and ear scratches.  That was the best.

I would love too when he would come and tell me good night.  He would go in his den and clean himself (as only Okemo could) and then he would come out and over to me for a little scratch time and then back in the den he would go and clean a little more.  And he would come back out, give me a few chuffs and a little more scratching and then he would go back in and lay down to take a nap before dinner.  It was like he was saying “good-night”.  And I knew once he laid down, the visit was over and he was going to be down for the count…at least until dinner.

I used to love to sit next to him and watch him watch the trains go by.  He would always have this innocent wonderment in his eyes.  I would try to figure out what he was seeing.  Was he trying to figure out what type of animal it was…was he trying to figure out how to catch it…or was he just staring out into time and space.  I guess we will never know.  But at those times I would also think about the strength and power of the beautiful wild tiger I was sitting next too but the calm and the peace that emanated from him was contagious and spirit calming.  I laugh that I go and sit with a tiger to unwind from civilization.

Over the course of the last few months it got to the point that I wouldn’t even have to say a word.  He would see me and head for the fence. Or I would wave at him and here he would come.  What was the absolute best was when he would lay down at my feet through the fence, and just sit there while I read my book.  Usually no words were exchanged; it was just being close that mattered.

After we lost him, I realized that once again, God had let me live yet another desire of my heart.  I have always wanted to work with exotic animals as a trainer.  But what I shared with Okemo was a friendship which was built over time just by sharing time together.  I have said on many occasions that special moments spent with him were what being a cat companion was and is all about.  

Cheri

A Simple Act of Love - Annette Creekmore

The bond between our volunteers and exotic wild animals is very special--it's what makes In-Sync Exotics different from many other wild animal sanctuaries.  The love and respect shared between human and animal  has healed many hearts.

So, two mighty tiger paws and echoing lion roars to all animal caretakers who make a difference in the life of an animal under their care!  Sometimes the best reward is a simple chuff, chirp, or even a loving look... Thank you very much, Cheri, for sharing your special memories of Okemo with us.

We hope you enjoyed today's blog posting and will join us again tomorrow for more news and updates on our wild ones!  Don't forget to let us know your reaction to this posting by clicking on one of the reaction buttons below--and share this blog posting with others please ~ Thank you!

.

Big Cats, Dental Treatments, and B-I-N-G-O!

You may have noticed that our Razoo projects have been animal-care specific as we share with you, our supporter, what it costs to house, feed, and maintain our beautiful animals.  

This Razoo project focuses on dental care for our big cats!  As you can imagine, our over enthusiastic tigers and lions love to play a little rough. Sometimes, a little too rough, resulting in fractured canine teeth!  Our big cats' teeth serve an important function in their lives and it is beneficial to surgically save them.  

Unfortunately, the type of surgery our big cats require is rather expensive. We need your help!

We have four tigers and one lion, requiring root canal therapy and one tiger requiring root canal therapy and a tooth extraction. Our vet has examined all five big cats to ensure their broken canines did not pose an immediate health risk. Even still our vet recommends our big cats undergo root canal therapy as soon as possible in order to avoid possible future infections.

Who requires dental work?  

• Tacoma requires one tooth extraction and 2 root canals because he was just a little to enthusiastic playing with his Jolly ball in the pool;
• Amol requires four root canals because prior to his arrival at In-Sync Exotics, Amol's teeth were worn down from playing with his only toy at that time--a drill stem pipe;
• Aramis and Tyjar arrived at In-Sync Exotics with four broken canines requiring four root canals each;
• Apollo requires one root canal because he was just a little too enthusiastic with his tire swing on the playground!

The cost of performing the required surgeries is about $2,000 per cat.

Can we count on you to help us provide dental care for our tigers and lion?  

As you know, In-Sync Exotics is a federally and state licensed non-profit 501(c)(3) rescue facility dedicated to providing a safe haven for unwanted and abused exotic cats. That means all donations are tax deductive as allowed by law! 

Our primary mission is the health and comfort of our cats—we take in animals that most other animal sanctuaries turn away due to age or physical handicaps. We protect and provide these animals with a lifetime home realizing that their environment, exercise, and personal attention are key to their well-being. We provide healthy diets, medical care, immunizations, and whatever else is necessary for the physical and psychological well-being of each animal within our care.

Our secondary mission is to educate the public on the unique attributes and characteristics of our residents; the realities of irresponsible and/or illegal exotic wild animal ownership and captive breeding; and the need for stronger and enforceable legislation against those who abuse exotic wild animals. By visiting schools, churches, organizations, etc., through our Community Outreach Program we hope to educate as many people as possible on the work we do, and the amazing animals in our care.

We cannot provide an outstanding level of animal care without your help! You are the lifeblood of our sanctuary and we need your support so we can provide the very best dental care.

So please show your support for our big cats' dental health by making a loving and generous contribution today! $10 or more will make an impact on the health and well-being of our animals. By making a tax-deductible gift today, you are making a positive difference in the lives of our beautiful cats!

We humbly thank you in advance on behalf Tacoma, Amol, Aramis, Apollo, and Tyjar--we truly have the best supporters ever!

B-I-N-G-O!

In-Sync Exotics will be hosting the game you know and love at the Hyatt Regency North Dallas in just two weeks! B-I-N-G-O starts at six o'clock and will conclude after the 8th game! There will be one prize for each game, unless we happen to have multiple winners!

Food and drinks (including alcoholic beverages) can be purchased from the hotel bar.  The hotel will provide us servers who will come into the room and take your order so you don't even have to leave the game for your refreshments!

What a great way to spend a Saturday night and help the animals of In-Sync Exotics!  Proceeds from this exciting event goes towards our animals' care, so RSVP today and be sure to bring along your family and friends.

To RSVP, please click HERE!  Click HERE for our flier (so you can make copies and pass on to friends and family - hint hint!).

Good luck everyone!

We hope you enjoyed today's blog posting and will join us again tomorrow for more news and updates on our wild ones!  Don't forget to let us know your reaction to this posting by clicking on one of the reaction buttons below--and share this blog posting with others please ~ Thank you!

.

We Had A Busy Weekend!

Weekends at In-Sync Exotics are very busy with volunteers taking care of animals, providing assistance to visitors, and working on the cheetah enclosure!

The first panel went up last Friday!

Each week, we get a little closer to the big day when Sam and Kodi move into their new home. The last of the chain link fencing should go up this week.  Once the fencing is secured, we'll pour the concrete for the walk ways and den areas and install the gates. Then, we'll build the cat's dens and bring in their enrichment items!

Huge thanks to everyone who came out this weekend to help us hang the fencing!  It was hot work, but it was worth it!  The habitat is looking great, everyone!

We will keep you updated on the cheetah's "Fast Track Habitat" enclosure's progress as we get closer to the big day when the cheetahs finally move into their spacious new home!

Board Changes

The vision and direction of In-Sync Exotics' mission is guided by the sanctuary's Board of Directors.  This month, our board said farewell to Lynne Travis, Director of Grants. Thank you Lynne for your service to the animals for the last two years; we are thrilled you will continue to help us out on special fundraising projects, like our Fall Photo Shoot, scheduled for Saturday, October 13th!  So, it really isn't farewell, but au revoir, Lynne, au revoir! 

Elizabeth Chamber is no stranger to In-Sync Exotics as she served, for the last two years, as our Intern Coordinator.  Elizabeth accepted the Director of Grants board position so she could help us seek out public and private grant opportunities that will help fund our larger projects (new vet clinic, larger commissary, and separate office space).  Welcome to the Board, Elizabeth!   

Judy Chapla (you may remember her as the volunteer sharpening her knives in the Commissary wearing her Big Kitty Meat Market apron in our wonderful new video and was selected as Volunteer of the Year 2012) accepted the position of Intern Coordinator.  Little did Judy know that with great works comes great responsibilities!  Thank you, Judy for taking on this new responsibility!

Gideon!

We end today's blog posting with a cute video of our newest In-Sync Exotics' resident.  In case you haven't heard, our little Naomi turned out to be our little Gideon!

We hope you enjoyed today's blog posting and will join us again tomorrow for more news and updates on our wild ones!  Don't forget to let us know your reaction to this posting by clicking on one of the reaction buttons below--and share this blog posting with others please ~ Thank you!

.