LSI employee-owners contribute to the monthly Jeans Day fundraisers at LSI in exchange for the opportunity to wear jeans the last Thursday of the month. From left to right: Ray Gottry, EAAC Good Works Committee chair, Ed Turner, Vice President of International and Training Service Programs at LSI, and Good Works Committee members Alex Schreiner and Joe Connors. (Photo by: Keith Q. Hudgens, LSI)

Opportunities to be helpful or supportive not only benefit the recipient but also the giver. For individuals, that benefit often manifests in an increased sense of personal satisfaction, happiness and joy.

When businesses offer this type of support, the intangible, internal element of giving may be less prominent. However, one local company, LSI, has found a way to involve employees in corporate charitable giving that is just as rewarding for the employees as it is for donation recipients.

At LSI, an employee-owned training company based at Cecil Commerce Center, employee-owners are directly involved in choosing some of the 501 (c) (3) organizations the company supports, and they do it in a way that is rewarding for all who choose to contribute.

“At LSI, we observe casual Fridays which allows for a more relaxed dress code each Friday,” said David Edwards, director of Human Resources for LSI. “A few years ago, we implemented an employee-owner driven program that allows participants to make a donation of $5 or more in exchange for a Jeans Day Pass for the last Thursday of the month.”

Anyone with a Jeans Day Pass can choose that additional day to wear jeans each month.

The funds generated from each Jeans Day event benefit a different organization, and the chosen beneficiary is announced on LSI’s internal homepage prior to the sale of passes. The recipient of the July 2018 Jeans Day fundraiser is Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary.

This continues the tradition which began as a quarterly event in 2014. The quarterly event was so robust and popular company-wide, it evolved into a monthly event, often raising hundreds of dollars for deserving, local charities.

The specifics of the Jeans Day program are managed by LSI’s Employee Advisory and Advocacy Committee and all proceeds go directly to the chosen charitable organizations.

Multiple employee-owners approached EAAC Good Works subcommittee chair, Ray Gottry, about adding Catty Shack Ranch to the charities the company supports.

“Recently, on three separate occasions, different co-workers came to me suggesting we support Catty Shack with one of our Jeans Day events,” Gottry said. “That was my introduction to Catty Shack. I researched the organization to verify all requirements established by the committee were met and then took the suggestion to the LSI Board of Directors.

“We look for organizations that benefit the friends and neighbors of our employee-owners so they often are based in Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties. Our most popular charities are those that benefit the military, children and animals.”

Representatives from Catty Shack plan to visit LSI in late August to give a presentation about the organization, its mission and residents, and accept the donation.

“Catty Shack runs entirely on donations and we appreciate everything we receive whether it is monetary, materials or time and effort put in by our volunteers who perform the many daily tasks on-site and keep the rest of the community informed about Catty Shack,” said Kurt Lessenthien, Catty Shack adoption coordinator. “It is always rewarding when people go out of their way to do something to help and we appreciate all the support we receive.”

A little giving can go a long way toward increasing personal satisfaction. At LSI, employees and management work together to find creative ways to achieve this higher level of personal satisfaction through work and giving back to the community. LSI is excited Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary will be one of the local organizations it supports.

Story submitted by Cari Boyce

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Ann Frizzell began volunteering at the ranch nine years ago to help cope with the loss of her dear horse, Sidra, and has become a go-to person who wears many hats and jumps in to help where the need is greatest on any given day. A seasoned tour guide who particularly enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion with children, Ann also helps with the preparation of food and assisting with some of The Littles, most recently helping with the care and feeding of Piper, our new, blind fox.

Ann averages an amazing 500 hours of service each year when she is not attending ballet and jazz dance classes, practicing yoga, traveling, or at home enjoying the company of her Ibizan hound, Lyl Red, and her Afghan hound, Magellan. And to think her love of animals all began on her grandfather’s farm in Minnesota where at four years of age she was given the very serious duty of naming the cats!

While enjoying trips to Europe to see the sights and learn about the people and cultures, Ann’s greatest adventures have been to the far corners of the earth to see beautiful creatures in their natural surroundings. Ann has visited all seven continents where she has seen a wide array of animals too numerous to mention but special memories include: riding and bathing an elephant in Laos; kissing a giraffe in Kenya; riding a camel in Egypt; and holding a 20-pound eagle in Mongolia.

We thank Ann for her remarkable service and wish her good fortune on her future adventures; this year she is heading off to Peru, Bolivia, and South Africa. We know she will have many more interesting stories to share!

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We love to celebrate special events at Catty Shack Ranch! Because we are so fortunate to be able to care for our beloved residents, we mark the anniversary of their arrival at the Ranch and if we know the date, their birthday. In March, we honor 2 of our residents on their milestone days.

March 1st is Sheba the bobcat’s Arrival Anniversary. She’s been with us since 2012 when she was rehomed from Wild Adventures in Georgia. We are her “Florida retirement home” as she joined us when she was about 16 years old. Now at 22, she is our oldest resident. She enjoys days in the filtered warmth of the sun, watching all the activity around her as her neighbors Callie and Cody the coatimundis play and on the other side, the pumas prowl. She naps and rests in soft blankets and cedar chips in her den box. A girl can get used to such a pampered life!

We have a new March birthday to celebrate this year. Piper, our little grey fox will be 3 years old on March 14. She just arrived at the Ranch in December, from a facility that had suffered hurricane damage and asked us to provide a forever home to some of their animals as they recovered from the damage. She has been housed in the medical building and spends nice days outside in a temporary enclosure next to Tippy and Chula. Because she is relatively small (half the size of Tippy or Chula), her special cake will have to be cupcake sized! Typically we serve our residents a cake only they would love – raw ground turkey mixed with evaporated milk and water, frozen in a heart-shaped pan. We do have heart-shaped cupcake pans so we are ready to celebrate. As Piper’s birthday approaches, we are busy working on her new permanent enclosure next to Tippy and Chula. Piper is a very special fox – she was born totally blind to a wild mother fox who was being treated in a wildlife rehab center. So she will enjoy her own special habitat.

Come visit the Ranch to bring your own personal greetings to Sheba and Piper. Happy Anniversary Sheba and Happy Birthday Piper! We love you!

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We are thrilled to announce our newest Partner for Paws, Paragon Wealth Strategies! Paragon Wealth Strategies LLC, located in Jacksonville, Florida, is a fee-only financial advisory firm specializing in well-researched retirement income strategies. Most of their client relationships include financial planning, retirement planning, and holistic wealth management which includes retirement income planning, tax optimization, risk management, loss prevention, and legacy planning (also known as estate planning). They also specialize in investment advising and 401K rollover services.

Paragon opened in 2004 and after the financial crisis of 2008, worked to create a firm that put their clients best interests first, becoming independent of Wall Street. Their goal was to create a cost-effective alternative to the abuses, conflicts of interest, and poor levels of service that we observed at leading Wall Street and retail financial services firms. In addition to caring for their clients individually, and maintaining consistent and timely communications, they are a “fee-only” firm meaning they earn no commissions or revenues from any financial product and have no sales quotas to meet. Lastly, Paragon Wealth Strategies are proud to be fiduciaries – bound by law to put their clients’ interests above their own. Paragon strives to be the best financial adviser in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra for retirement-minded clients who desire holistic wealth management, without proprietary influence, delivered by a team of experienced financial professionals who care about them as individuals.

Two of Paragon’s primary owners, cat lovers themselves, visited the sanctuary in 2017. They were inspired by our mission and couldn’t help but get involved. Shortly after, they became our newest Caregiver level partner and we couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with them! Many of their clients, retirees and those close to retirement, are searching for meaningful volunteer opportunities to fill their spare time. Catty Shack Ranch seemed a no-brainer suggestion to those clients. Upon speaking with their Managing Partner and Chief Operations Officer, I learned that a couple of Paragon clients had visited the sanctuary which inspired the owners’ visit! And while chatting with their COO, I, of course, had to ask if they had a favorite big cat. Although she couldn’t speak on behalf of all staff members, she shared with me hers – the black panthers, having a soft spot for all black cats herself.

Finally, I would like to point out a connection that both Paragon Wealth Strategies and Catty Shack Ranch shares – both of us work to make retirement the best it can be! Paragon will help you retire and live a life as easy as the big cats.

Support from local businesses is vital to Catty Shack’s continued expansion, enabling us to further educate our community while providing the best lives for our animal residents. The Partner for Paws business sponsorship is affordably priced starting at $250.00 for one year. Partner for Paws is a great value for any size business and sends a clear message to employees, clients, and the community of your philanthropic dedication to our world’s wildlife. For more information on becoming a business sponsor, you can visit our website to view available sponsorship levels or contact our Business Partner Coordinator at Jordan@cattyshack.com. You can view all of our current Partners for Paws here.

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Flooding during Hurricane Irma

The local weather can present many threats to the safety of the residents of the Ranch.  These threats involve, not only physical injury but may create a situation that results in their escaping their habitat into an unfamiliar and cruel world.  The lightning, thunder, and wind are frightening enough, then add a tree falling on their home and, Wow I’d jump out too.

The Ranch staff works to minimize the damage done by these storms, by carefully planning steps to avert the disasters these storms might bring.  The first step, of course, is becoming aware of a potential weather-related event.  The Director and his staff monitor national weather forecast much the same as everyone else.  When severe weather looks like it will affect the Ranch, all sources (Doppler from the local airport etc.) are evaluated to determine what plan should be implemented and when.  Another important pre-storm activity is inspecting and evaluating the health of each tree that could become a threat if it was blown over onto a habitat.  A tree professional assist’s the staff to cull out any questionable vegetation.

Florida weather can deal many cards, from lightning out of the blue, to tornadoes that can accompany storm fronts, to Derechos that that can yield hurricane winds with no warning, to named hurricanes that are tracked from Africa.  When a threat is determined imminent, a crew in a truck is dispatched to a predetermined observation location to wait out the storm.  The crew is made up of senior handlers that are very familiar with each cat at the ranch.  Each crewmember is familiar with administering sedation and the use of capture equipment, including paw poles, and loops.  Some very tasty morsels are also on board, which would help lure the cats to a safe area.  Flooding, a Standard Florida threat, is negated by, no major bodies of water near the Ranch and the cats would climb onto the safety of their shelters.

So what happened during the two hurricanes to come through in 2017.  The crews loaded up and proceeded to the designated location where they uneventfully watched the storms blow through.  There was peripheral damage to several areas of the Ranch, but the animals did not have any problems.  In fact, the observers indicated that the cats seemed to enjoy the commotion and didn’t get at all excited.  Some of them climbed onto their shelters and seemed to bask in the wind and rain.  In any event, we appear to be ready for whatever 2018 blows our way!

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March 3 is observed globally as World Wildlife Day (WWD).  Each year’s event has a different theme and this year’s focus is closely tied to Catty Shack Ranch’s mission, purpose and heart.  This is the year of “Big Cats: Predators under Threat.”

World Wildlife Day is a day to celebrate the varied forms of flora and fauna found all over the world and to raise awareness of the benefits that protection and conservation of all forms of life provide to mankind.

Typically the definition and interpretation of “big cats” includes the species in the genus Panthera – tigers, lions, jaguars and leopards.  For WWD, this definition has been expanded to include cheetahs, snow leopards, pumas and clouded leopards.  This enlarged collection of cats reaches more of the global (human) population.

We all can name some of the threats to existence faced by these big cats (and many other species):

– Loss of habitat and loss of prey

– Illegal trade and poaching

– Human/wildlife conflict

– Climate change

Behind all these serious threats lie human activities.  Just as humans are causing this harm, humans are the only ones who can resolve the growing crises and alter our behaviors to protect, conserve and replenish these majestic species.

Consider these somber facts:

– The tiger population has dropped 95% in just over 100 years.

– The lion population has plummeted 40% in only 20 years.

– Despite international commercial trade having been prohibited since 1987, almost every body part of the tiger still has a market.

We all can do our part to change the dire future these animals face – become aware, examine and change our habits, educate one another about the values (and right to life) these animals have.  Contribute (monetarily and/or through work efforts) to organizations locally, nationally and globally whose mission is to raise awareness of the big cats’ plight.  This gives these organizations more resources and more clout to fight for these animals and to avert the growing crises they face.

It will be a very sad and tragic day if the only big cats in the world exist in captivity or as mounted specimens in museums.  Together we can and must make sure this does not happen.

Take a photo with the 2018 Action Card and share on social media to show your support! #WorldWildlifeDay #PredatorsUnderThreat #WWD2018 #DoOneThingToday #iProtectBigCats

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Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region/Albert Herring

When you hear about big cat conservation, it’s often lions in Africa or tigers in India. While lions and tigers deserve all the attention they get, other big cats deserve equal attention, and one of those felines lives right here in Florida: the Florida panther. Let’s discuss this beautiful cat’s current conservation status.

What are Florida panthers?

Florida panthers are similar to cougars (also known as mountain lions, pumas, etc.). In fact, the Florida panther is a separate subspecies of cougar (Puma concolor). Some people argue that panthers are too similar to cougars to be considered a separate subspecies, arguing that they’re classified that way for political reasons. Whatever the case—even if genetic testing causes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service to classify panthers as just a “distinct population segment” of cougars—they’re likely to remain protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Panthers look almost identical to cougars, their northern, southern and western counterparts. Tan fur, dark ears, yellow eyes and long tail. A large adult female and a small adult male are around 100 pounds each. Many biologists, conservationists and researches consider them the biggest of the “small cats,” but since only lions, tigers, jaguars and some leopards are larger, we consider them a “big cat.”

Where do they live in Florida? How many live in the wild?

They’re most dense in South Florida, places like the northern Everglades, Big Cypress and surrounding areas. That’s where the vast majority of the females live, although a couple recently crossed the Caloosahatchee River, injecting some excitement and optimism in conservationists. Some males have roamed into rural parts of central Florida and perhaps north Florida, but are not breeding there.

There are close to 200 adults in the Florida wild.  There’s a margin of error attached to that number, and population estimates usually exclude kittens, some of which grow to adulthood and some of which do not. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s goal is to grow the population to either three separate populations of 200+ animals or one continuous population of 600+ animals.

What’s the biggest challenge facing panthers?

Photo courtesy of Fiona Sunquist

In short, roughly 20,000,000 people live in this state, and it’s growing at a rapid rate. With more people comes more development. And with more development comes habitat destruction. Today, while some panthers do pass away from intraspecific aggression (in which animals attack members of their own species), most pass from roadway collisions. Panthers simply need vast, continuous space (see the Florida Wildlife Corridor) to diversify gene pools and find substantial prey bases, and we’re not accommodating those needs as much as we should.

How do panthers benefit the environment?

All apex predators (alpha predators, or at the top of the food chain) contribute to healthy ungulate (hoofed animal) populations. For example, panthers often prey on the old and weak deer, which can help make the stronger even stronger. Besides that, panthers make the wild even wilder. To know a healthy population exists is exciting. To have the potential of seeing one is more exciting. (Don’t be scared if you do spot one; there has never been a documented attack on a human.). And if we can help the cat thrive, it’ll be one heck of a model to help other apex predators thrive.

What’s next?

The federal government will review the big cat’s status. It could remain a separate subspecies and continue to be labeled as “endangered.” Or, it could be considered a normal cougar, yet still get the protection of an endangered species. From there, the state, along with all of the conservation groups fighting for the animal, will either alter or continue with their plans. Plans can include public awareness and education, acquisition of private lands, conservation easements, connecting swaths of land, helping manage panther prey bases and much more.

How can you help?

Reading this article and expanding your knowledge is a start, but there’s much more. Your best bet is to read some more in-depth content, spread the word, and, if you’re able to, donate to the cause. Here are some reputable websites where you can accomplish all of that:

• The Nature Conservancy
• Defenders of Wildlife
• Florida Panther Project

Click here to view previous and current year Florida panther litters, deaths, and depredations.

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From gallons of glue to digital thermostats, to green extension cords and toys for the big cats! We need grass seed and gaskets, chainsaws and rakes, fire extinguishers and loppers, trash bags as big as they make! So, my friend, I ask you humbly from my heart, please donate through the wish list, it’s a great place to start!

Please support Catty Shack through Amazon here.

These items ship directly to the sanctuary and gifts can be made anonymously. If you wish, you may include a gift message that contains your email address or postal address so that we may personally send chuffs (a thank you!) to you for your generous donation.

Thank you again from your friends, animal and human, at Catty Shack Ranch!

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Now that you are familiar with them feel free to call them coatis.  The name actually comes from the native Indian word for ‘nose’ and ‘belly’ and refers to the way they tuck their nose into their belly when they sleep.  Along the way, they have picked up the reputation of being mischievous, and coincidentally, the ranch has a coati named Mischief.  It may be a bad rap based on their intense curiosity and constant focused search for the easy feed.  A foraging band of coati is noisy communicating their intent, preferences, and mood with grunts, snorts, chirps, and squeaks.  And yes, the ranch has another coati named Squeakers.  A third coati was born as a pet in South Florida in June of 2015 and brought to the Ranch shortly thereafter.  He has been imaginatively named Cody.  Rounding out the coati population at the Ranch is his roommate Callie.  She is an older female that arrived at the Ranch in February 2011.  She is easy going and doesn’t seem to mind being berthed with an adult male.

The four coatis at the Ranch represent a broad spectrum of the species.  They present both sexes and a full range of color and facial patterns.  Their activity levels indicate their ages as they go about their lives at the Ranch.  It is essential to recall that this is their forever home and that volunteers at the Ranch endeavor to create a comfortable existence for them.  The coatis may not be able to roam the forest from tree to tree as their ancestors do in their native land, but no longer do they fear the predators (including man) that are out to get them.  All things considered, these very adaptable coatis appear happy with their lot here at the Ranch.  Native type meals are provided along with an occasional slab of rotting wood to allow them to probe for hidden insects.  Their enclosures have been designed to simulate, as much as is practical their native forest habitat.

Now, what can you do to make their lives more comfortable?  They love blankets (and marshmallows).  If you have any old blankets, just taking up space around the house, bring them in and the coatis will make good use of them.  Experienced volunteers can recognize when it’s time to exchange the blankets.  These same volunteers, with the vet’s approval, may also slip them a marshmallow.

For more info on each individual coatimundi go to the Catty Shack page and click on their picture in the RESIDENT section.

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On December 30, 2017 Tracy Collins of The TDC Experience came out to Catty Shack Ranch to help welcome our four new tiger residents! This visit was recorded for Facebook Live and on the video you can watch Tracy, along with her mother, meet our newest animals. They toured the facility with Curt and Jordan to greet Dozer (4 years old), Haley (15 months old), and siblings Rocky and Adrian (18 months old). All four of the tigers were relocated from a facility in South Florida that had sustained Hurricane Irma damage. To help welcome them to their new forever home, Christmas trees were given out for the cats to enjoy as an enrichment. Tracy and her mother had a blast watching the tigers rub, chew, and drag their trees around their enclosures.

While here, Tracy was given information about the veterinary care that the animals receive, insights into some of the exciting changes coming in 2018, and even a lesson on communicating with tigers. Tracy had a nice chat with two of our older female tigers, Czarina and Tamara. On the Facebook Live video feed you can hear the chuffs exchanged! You can view the Facebook video on here on Tracy’s Facebook page. You can also follow Tracy Collins and The TDC Experience on Facebook to find out about all the happenings in Jacksonville! A big “Thank You” chuff to Tracy for coming out to enjoy the newest arrivals!

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