Kits, Cats, Kittens: Elizabeth Makes Room for Them All
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- Written by Andrea Seiden
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No doubt that you have heard the age old expression, cats have nine lives. In fact, many cultures promote the notion that cats are invincible and have multiple lives. In Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. And in Spanish-speaking parts of the world as well as Italy, Greece, and Brazil, people believe that cats have seven lives.
Nine, seven or six we may never agree. But one thing is for sure, Elizabeth Ward dedicates much her time to ensuring that a cat’s current life is just a little bit better.
Over the years she has volunteered much of her time in animal shelters such as Paws Crossed (formerly Pets Alive), a no kill animal rescue in Elmsford. Elizabeth shares that, “Many animals are rescues from the South where people frequently don’t spay or neuter their pets and most shelters have high kill rates.” She goes on to say, “Animals are my passion. I can’t bear seeing these helpless animals not get the love and care they deserve.”
While volunteering, Elizabeth has been captivated by many of the felines and, ultimately after passing a rigorous screening, has brought many home to live with her family.
For starters, there was the ginger, Mickey, a rescue who lived to be 14 years of age and a constant companion. “He seemed to have a blue jean fetish and would climb into anyone’s lap if they were wearing a pair. Naturally, jeans became the family uniform since it ensured Mickey’s attention.”
Then there’s Felix a 10-year old cat with a loud meow who signals when he’s hungry (Apparently, cat’s meows are a way of talking to their human owners. Who knew?) Once he reaches his bowl he demands to be brushed while he eats.
Maya was the Houdini of the bunch. It wasn’t unusual to open a dresser drawer and find her sleeping on a pile of sweaters, or peek in small box and see her securely tucked inside or even look in a bookcase and find her napping on stack of old of National Geographic magazines.
During the pandemic, Elizabeth and her husband Andrew fell in love with Casey, a little cat living in foster care. “We Zoomed with the foster mother – while the cat soundly slept in the background. It was a leap of faith to adopt the cat, but the foster mother rightfully assured them that little Casey was playful and affectionate.
Once while going to CVS to pick up a prescription, Elizabeth noticed a beautiful, long haired white cat sitting in the back seat of parked car. “The cat seemed to call out to me, and I stopped in my tracks.” She tapped on the window with her index finger and the cat followed. The cat initiated a game of tag, batting at Elizabeth’s finger with her little paw from behind the car’s windshield. The cat was so engaging that Elizabeth forgot to go into the 
pharmacy. Suddenly, a teenager came out of the CVS and asked Elizabeth if she wanted the cat. He explained that the cat belonged to his grandmother who was unable to care for the cat due to her own declining health. The teenager introduced himself as Carlos and went on to say that he had tried to surrender the cat to a Westchester shelter, but was refused because he was a minor. The cat had Elizabeth from the moment they made eye contact. There was no turning back. Before you could say catnip, she agreed to take the cat from Carlos – provided it got along with her other pets.
Elizabeth encourages people to consider visiting a rescue like Paws Crossed or the New Rochelle Humane Society when thinking about adopting a pet. You’ll inevitably wonder “who rescued whom?”
Would you like to feature your pet in the Pet of the Week column? Email us at PetsofDale@gmail.com.
Pet of the Week: Royal Lineage
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- Written by Katy Goldman
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Meet Obi Wan the Corgi (also known as Ben on a day to day basis). He is two years old, and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi born in Arkansas in April of 2021. He moved to Scarsdale later that summer.
His owners, Katharine and Hyun of Greenacres, like to say that Obi Wan is distantly related through his Corgi cousins in Wales to her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's dogs! He enjoys chasing squirrels and chipmunks, as well as playing with other dogs, and he welcomes pats and belly rubs! His favorite place to walk is the Bronx River Trail where he gets to watch a little tennis action at the County courts, and of course, chase more squirrels!
Reggie We Couldn't Have Done it Without You
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The following was submitted by Diane Loft:
We always wanted a standard poodle. Jordana, Hayley and I went to the Greenwich Dog Show, asked for the best poodle breeder, followed her home, loved up the poodle with the green collar and received a phone call that the dog was ours!
And Reggie far exceeded our expectations. Born December 17, 2010, Reggie is the best of the best! He’s extremely intelligent, good natured, mischievous, playful, fun loving, beautiful, adaptable to a variety of lifestyles and activities, highly trainable, and highly protective! He’s the whole package! Brains, beauty and brawn! And he doesn’t shed! Everything you could want in a canine companion.
Reggie cannot speak, but his actions tells us he is loyal and devoted companion and aims to please. You can’t help but stop, look, admire, and smile! His stance seems sophisticated and dignified.
My children, Jordana and Hayley, grew up with Reggie by their side, a constant source of happiness and love. Their snuggle buddy, walking buddy, hiking, ball catching, swimming, reading, TV and road trip buddy. He has such a wonderful temperament and his happiness requirement is simple; to be loved and wanted by his family. We lavish attention on him. I love 
when he follows every move I make in the house from room to room, the way he runs to the door when you ask “do you want to go out?” or to the car when asked “do you want to go for a ride” or does flips when asked “do you want to go to the dog park”.
When the TV goes off at night he walks into his bed, head perched over the side, with a wink and a smile he says “good night. I love you” and we admiringly say the same back to him as I think “Reggie, I truly couldn’t have done it without you!”
New Paws on the Block
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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After spending so much time out in Scarsdale during the pandemic, little Franny, a sassy chestnut colored Lagotto Romagnolo, was not ready to go back to the city once her owners decided it was time to relocate to the Upper East Side. Franny loved her regular walks on the Bronx River, play time at Ward Acres and exploring Red Maple Swamp during the lockdown so much that she was able to sway her owners, Alli and Josh Seiden to buy a home on Brite Avenue. According to Alli, “When we went back to the city, Franny missed Westchester’s many paths and outdoor spaces.” To get her point across, she should would stand on her hind legs for hours looking out their apartment window, and bark at the cars speeding down First Avenue. “We were so worried that Franny would disturb our neighbors and we would be evicted, that we called a dog whisperer for advice. But nothing he said did the trick.” That’s when they realized they would have to pack their stuff and move to the burbs.
Lagotto Romagnolos, are Italy's adorable 'truffle hunting dogs’ who need plenty of daily exercise. And, now that Franny is back in Scarsdale and nosing her way around the neighborhoods, she is happy and content. Alli, Josh, and Franny are thrilled to call Scarsdale home. If you see a quiet little dog with teddy bear good looks, be sure you welcome her to the Dale.
Would you like to feature your pet as the Pet of the Week on Scarsdale10583? Email us here!
Ollie Makes Everyone Happy
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Meet our Pet of the Week, Ollie, a member of the Kayle Family of Greenacres Avenue.
Sarah Kayle writes, “Ollie is a 3 and a 1/2 year old Cockapoo rescue. He is so sweet and cute with a fun personality and we were so lucky to get him! He is very interactive with his family and other dogs. He loves to play with his toys, dig holes in the sand on the beach and retrieve balls and frisbees.
Ollie loves to hang out at home and also come with us to all the places we take him. He is very cuddly and affectionate and makes everyone around him extremely happy!
