Page 5 - easel newsletter july 2020_Neat

EASEL News: July 2020

Volunteer (continued from page 1)

that it is the best match for both adopter she says. “There is a science or art to that to convert so many great applicants to
and animal. Then the best part occurs: part of the adoption process.” amazing adopters).
the adoption, the picture and then happy Behind the scientific approach Linda The shelter is currently holding 78 cats
family picture on our Facebook page. takes, it is her love of animals, which drew at this time. The shelter has gone as low as
Linda also assists with the intake process her to EASEL six years ago. 20. However, with the help of kitten season
and oversees the outlet PetSmart where The combination of her analytical skill and continued pulling from other over
some of the cats and kittens are showcased set with that passion, dedication and loaded shelters, we are at an all time high.
to aid in their adoptions. love of the animals, drives her. “There One unexpected positive to come out
Linda’s approach is thoughtfully tactical, are so many lovely people out there, but of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it has
as she employs her marketing background our procedures are very strict – probably helped adoptions tremendously, she says.
to the strategies she uses to assist with stricter than most.” “We used to adopt out between eight
adoptions. For example, her team evaluates and ten cats a week,” says Linda. “We are
“When I choose animals to go to whether they already have a veterinarian probably going to be close to 1,000 this
different places, or how they are placed if they have other pets in the household, year. At this point in the year, we already
and located within the shelter. It’s, in part, they look at whether their medical records adopted as much as we did in a full year in
about marketing,” she explains. “If it’s a for those pets are up to date, and they also 2018.”
black cat next to a black cat next to a black check to make sure potential adoptees are The pandemic has changed how the
cat, unfortunately that isn’t going to be being honest when they say they own or volunteers and staff can work at the shelter,
good marketing strategy. But if we place a rent – just to name a few. and Linda is putting in more time than
black cat next to a calico, next to a tabby, it “It can be difficult sometimes,” she ever, but Linda manages with the help of
gives variety without being overwhelming.” admits. “But as much as we always want her team Lois Martin, Lori Zorsch, Janet
Linda likens the process to helping happy adopters, our first and foremost Shrop, Sally Easter, Judi Lang, Georgia
shoppers in a supermarket see all of their concern is always for the animals welfare. Arvantis, Barbara Amideneau, Beth Briegel,
options via the way shelves are organized, In most cases people do understand that.” Kim Callea, Maryann Welsh, Susan Nelson,
and how grocers strategically place Under these guidelines, the team has Lori Kumar and so many other kitty
products on shelves to help increase sales, never had a problem adopting out its cat socializers, trappers and cage cleaners that
and, in this case, successful adoption. population. There are always cats to adopt keep the wheels moving.
“It’s based on the cats’ colors, their (EASEL pulls from over-loaded shelters “It’s a major team effort that produces
personalities, so that when people are or overloaded shelters to save animal the greatest success.”
looking at them, they are seeing variety,” lives. Easel’s stellar reputation allows us

Pet Adoptions

We are still holding adoptions by appointment once an adopter is approved. You can
fill out an application online by clicking here. A phone interview is conducted prior to
meeting pets.

Additionally, pet stores are considered essential, like grocery stores. So, our cat
habitats at Petsmart are occupied with cats that the public can meet. Social distancing
practices are in effect when pet meet and greets take place.

CONTACT US

PHONE / WEB ADDRESS ADOPTION CENTER

(609) 883-0540 4 Jake Garzio Drive Everyday: 12 noon - 3 p.m.
info@easelnj.org Ewing, NJ, 08628 Wednesday Evenings:
www.easelnj.org 5-7 p.m.

(Near Trenton-Mercer Airport off I-295,
behind the municipal building.)

5