Week in Review--And What A Week!

Another exciting week at In-Sync Exotics comes to a close! 

We started the week off with news about the much anticipated In-Sync Exotic calendars!  We expect the calendars to be ready from the printers today, so if you live the local area you should be able to pick-up your calendar this weekend!

We'd like to extend a very special thank you to Motheral Printing for donating their printing services and to Clampitt Paper Company for donating the paper for our 2012 calendar!  Their tremendous generosity made this calendar possible--so two big and small cats' paws up to both companies!  We cannot thank you enough!

On Tuesday, we covered the introduction of Aramis and Eve, two former Poetry lions, as they finally meet nose-to-nose in the same quarters for the first time at In-Sync Exotics!  For the last few weeks, Aramis  spent quite a bit of quality time with Aurora and Layla without incident.  We were a little anxious about the introduction of Eve to the boy because she does have her fangs and claws, while Aramis does not.  But fear not!  It looks like Aramis and Eve are getting along just fine!

Aramis and Eve!

Wednesday, we provided an update on the cheetahs' "Fast Track" habitat fundraising project on Razoo.  With the combined funds raised on the project site, private donors, and Chase Community Giving Program, we are only short about $5,000 to make the cheetahs' dreams of a specialized habitat just for them come true!  We pray we can raise the needed funds by the end of the year so we can start breaking ground in January. 

If you can make a contribution towards this very special project, no matter what the size of the gift, we would truly appreciate it and the cheetahs would love it!  Thank you!!

Great news was abound on Thursday!  First, we reported on the health status of Crimson and Chloe.  We were blessed to learn that both Crimson and Chloe are doing so much better than originally expected! 

Veterinary care is an important part of our animal care program, so whenever we can catch a potential health issue before it becomes a major problem, we know we are fulfilling our mission in providing the animals with top-notch health care!

Next came the great news that Global Federation Animal Sanctuary's director, Patty Finch, stated in yesterday's press release that "The veterinary care at In-Sync is beyond great.’ Not surprising news to us, but it was certainly welcoming recongition of our efforts as we provide our wild ones with the best medical and enrichment care possible!

Needless to say, we will have more exciting animal updates to share with you next week, so be sure to check back with us daily!  Also, if you haven't noticed, we have added more wonderful products to the gift store.  Have you seen our Otis and Keenan mugs yet?  They're adorable!  We'll be adding more products to the store each week, so be sure to check back often! 

In the meantime, don't forget about the fabulous bake sale fundraiser event benefiting our animals on Monday!  Great gifts for your family, friends, boss, co-worker, client, etc, are waiting for you to purchase at the Premier Place Building's Lobby from 8am to 6pm!

If you haven't had an opportunity to see the wild cats under the twinkling Christmas lights, then you're in luck!  You still have several days left to see our firsky wild ones at play--click here for the "Christmas with the Cats" tour schedule! 

Everyone here at In-Sync Exotics hopes you have a wonderful and safe weekend!
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‘The veterinary care at In-Sync is beyond great’ says GFAS director!

December 8, 2011  

In-Sync Exotics Earns Verification from Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries 

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is honored to announce that In-Sync Exotics has achieved GFAS Verification.

"One thing that really stands out for us about In-Sync Exotics is the great veterinary care, and the deep commitment of staff to the big cats housed there," states Patty Finch, executive director of GFAS. “Safety is also stressed, with a second fence not just around the compound, but around each enclosure. There is also a unique form of enrichment, in which cats rotate in and out of a number of playground areas, giving each cat a chance to explore the smells of the previous cat in the playground. Each cat receives at least 7 to 12 hours in the grassy playgrounds every day, complete with large swimming pools and waterfalls.

The GFAS Verification means In-Sync Exotics meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals, meeting thorough and peer-reviewed standards established by GFAS, which is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue centers. The verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors worldwide and government agencies to recognize In-Sync Exotics as an organization that is worthy of support for sustainability and development.

In-Sync Exotics has been a nonprofit organization since March 2000. States founder Vicky Keahey," In-Sync Exotics is unique because the facility provides a loving home for animals that most other sanctuaries are unable or unwilling to accept due to health or age-related problems.  We are well-known for taking on challenging medical animal cases, giving cats, which others have given up on, a second chance at a rich and fulfilling life.”

Finch adds, “It is important for the public to know that donations are just as needed years after a big cat is rescued, as at the time of the rescue. Too many donors only give when a cat needs rescuing. I hope more people consider automatic monthly donations from a credit card. That is the kind of ongoing support these cats need and deserve….so that In-Sync Exotics can continue to provide the same high quality of care that they do now, for the lifetime of each cat in their care.”

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries worldwide.  The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting sanctuaries is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence.  GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and hidden animal exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit.  These founding leaders sit on the GFAS Board of Directors to continue guiding the organization’s work in a collaborative manner.  They represent top leadership from Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, World Society for the Protection of Animals, American Anti-Vivisection Society, National Anti-Vivisection Society, and International Fund for Animal Welfare.

www.sanctuaryfederation.org

About In-Sync Exotics 
Established in 2000, In-Sync Exotics is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue of neglected, abused and unwanted exotic felines. In-Sync Exotics believes that all God’s creatures should be protected and not destroyed due to problems with the animals’ ownership circumstances (albeit with private owners, zoos, or other animal zoos or sanctuaries). It is our dream that one day there will be no need for rescue facilities, but until that day happens, we will continue 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. In-Sync Exotics' board of directors consists of 12 directors dedicated to the care and operations of the sanctuary; ensuring sanctuary management is as transparent as possible for the general public's review and consideration.

http://www.insyncexotics.org/

Contact:  Patty Finch
patty@sanctuaryfederation.org
1-928.472.1173

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Time for A Medical Follow-up on Crimson and Chloe!

On November 16, 2011, In-Sync Exotics' Cat Tales reported Crimson's battle with a devastating kidney disease known as renal failure.  At the time, we didn't know for sure if she an acute or chronic condition.  Blood work tests led us to believe that Crimson suffered from chronic renal failure--a progressive, irreversible deterioration of kidney function--as her creatinine and BUN levels were significantly elevated.  However, there was a chance she had treatable acute renal failure, resulting from perhaps a bacterial infection.  

Since her original visit with the vet on November 10th, we've been drawing and submitting her blood for testing to see if her creatinine and BUN levels improved or worsened. 

On Wednesday, we received news from the vet.  Her last blood draw revealed...

...her creatinine and BUN levels were elevated--but just slightly!  Based on the improved creatinine and BUN levels,  her vet now believes Crimson may have had acute renal failure, possibly from a kidney infection!  It appears the medication Crimson took destroyed her bacterial infection and she is now medicine-free.

Needless to say, we are thrilled with the good news.  Crimson is now eating with gusto, enjoying everything placed in front of her. 

Thankfully, our cougar is happy and playful once again!

Now for Chloe's medical update:

One week ago, Cat Tales reported on Chloe's trip to vet for an ear hematoma.  While she was there, her vet did a full body check, at Vicky's insistence, because of the slight "pooch" extending around the mid-section of her body.  The vet did not feel any lumps or abdominal distension, deciding that the "poochy" look was due to "air belly."

On Sunday, Vicky noticed the "poochy" look appeared to be slightly larger, so a vet appointment was scheduled for yesterday.  Once again, Chloe was placed in an animal transporter and taken to the vet where she was sedated.  Seven x-rays were taken of Chloe's mid-section in the hopes of discovering why her tummy area appeared "poochy."  Her heart, liver, and kidneys were thoroughly examined.  Finally, the vet rendered his medical diagnosis and you will NOT believe what he discovered!

Turns out Chloe has gas! 

Chloe is at home and resting comfortably after her trip to the vet.  Again, we are very thankful Chloe is A-okay and that the gas will eventually work its way out of her body.  We will be monitoring Chloe's gassy condition to ensure the offending air eventually leaves her body!

It is very important to closely monitor the health condition of each and every animal at In-Sync Exotics.  Since cats of all sizes tend to hide their illnesses from others, any changes in behavior or diet must be taken seriously--often this means a trip to the vet's office.   By taking a proactive medical approach with our cats' health care, we are able to reduce or alleviate any pain or suffering the cats may try to hide from us and we are able to address the causes of their health issues. 

Thankfully, we were able to address Crimson's acute renal failure before it became irreversible and needless to say, we are relieved that Chloe only suffers from gas! 

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