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3 | PUPSUNITE.ORG Publisher Carolyn Hayes Designer Myra Stacey PrintandWebDesigner.com Contributors Rebecca Griffith Dottie Smiddy Mitch Aultman pupsunite.org Disclaimer: PUPS will not be held responsible for any article or story content provided to us by a freelance or contributing writer. All articles, stories, and photos are freely given contributions. No portion of this magazine may be reprinted without written permission from the publisher. PUPS, PO Box 49 Tremont City, OH 45372 pupsdigest@gmail.com pupsunite.org Autumn Leaves Brunch and Auction............................................................ 2 Message from the Board.............................................................................. 3 Kitten Season................................................................................................4 How Quickly Cats Can Multiply Chart..........................................................5 Our Journey: Building an Art Studio and Cat Rescue................................... 6 Looking Through Her Window..................................................................... 8 History and Initiatives of PUPS .................................................................. 10 Honoring Our Volunteer Jane Kline. .......................................................... 11 Dot’s Connection: A Home for Checkers.................................................... 12 History and Impact of the Auction.............................................................14 2025 Autumn Leaves Pictorial. ..................................................................15 Travel Auction Getaways You Can Win....................................................... 16 Touchless Love............................................................................................ 18 Find Hidden Objects in Picture. .................................................................19 in thisissue messagefrom the board THE FABRIC OF EXPERIENCE When we slow down and pay attention, we start to notice the quiet ways everything connects— people, moments, choices, even the “small stuff” we often overlook. Those details matter. They’re the threads that shape the story of our lives and the communities we share. BUILDING MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS Strong relationships are built through shared experiences, trust, and understanding. When we recognize what links us, we deepen our sense of belonging. At PUPS, we nurture those connections with care, helping a compassionate, supportive community grow. HELP FOR A FELV KITTEN We saw these connections in action when a neighborhood cat colony needed help. Neighbors united to learn humane trapping and set up feeding stations and shelters through Trap-NeuterReturn (TNR). Several litters were cared for, and some kittens were adopted. Two tested positive for FeLV—one didn’t survive, but the other, Checkers, did. Sharon Everhart fostered Checkers until weaned and contacted P.U.P.S. for help finding placement, while we gathered FeLV/FIV resources to guide next steps. A REFLECTION OF PURPOSE Compassion is rarely one big act—it’s a chain of small choices. Each step matters, and together they strengthen the network of care that holds a community together. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS PUPS depends on strong partnerships and generous support, including adoption partners LiFeline Cat Rescue and PetSmart Charities, plus veterinary support from Northside Vet Clinic, Enon Vet Hospital, His Hands Extended Clinic, Urbana Vet Clinic, and CALICO-TNR through the Greater Dayton Humane Society Clinic. Champaign County Animal Welfare League also assists with adoptions at times. Grants have helped sustain this mission, including support from the Springfield Foundation, the Ohio Pet Fund, and a January 2026 grant from the Doris Day Animal Foundation. We’re deeply grateful for these foundations and every individual donor who makes this work possible. 2026
PUPSUNITE.ORG | 4 Every year, as temperatures rise, animal rescues brace for what’s known as kitten season—a time when unspayed cats give birth in large numbers, often overwhelming shelters, rescues, and veterinary partners. For PUPS (Pets Uniting People Society), kitten season means preparing early, acting quickly, and leaning heavily on community support to protect the most vulnerable lives. WHY KITTEN SEASON CREATES A SPIKE IN NEED During spring and summer, unaltered cats can produce multiple litters in a short period of time. Many of these kittens are born outdoors, without medical care, proper nutrition, or protection from illness and predators. As a result, rescues like PUPS see a sharp increase in: • Orphaned or abandoned kittens • Litters needing immediate medical evaluation • Nursing mothers requiring support • Emergency hardship cases involving illness or injury Without intervention, many of these kittens would not survive. HOW PUPS PREPARES Preparation is critical. Long before kitten season peaks, PUPS works to ensure resources, partnerships, and funding are in place to respond quickly and responsibly. Preparation includes: • Joining forces with veterinary clinics for wellness care and vaccinations • Planning for spay/neuter services to prevent future overpopulation • Securing foster placements when possible • Stocking key supplies such as kitten food, formula, and medications Every kitten that enters the PUPS program receives age-appropriate wellness care before adoption—making certain they are healthy, protected, and ready for a safe future. THE REAL COST OF KITTEN CARE Caring for kittens goes far beyond food and shelter. Each kitten typically requires: • Initial wellness exams • Vaccinations • Deworming and parasite prevention • Spay or neuter surgery • Follow-up care as needed These costs add up quickly, particularly at peak times season. For a nonprofit focused on hardship cases, managing these expenses is a constant challenge—but one PUPS willingly takes on to ensure no kitten is left without care. HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP Kitten season is not something PUPS can handle alone. Community involvement is essential. You can help by: • Donating to support medical and wellness care • Providing supplies such as kitten food, formula, litter, and blankets • Sharing PUPS’ mission and educational resources • Supporting spay and neuter efforts in your area Even small contributions have a significant difference when multiplied across dozens of kittens in need. PREVENTING THE NEXT KITTEN SEASON One of the most effective ways to reduce the strain of kitten season is prevention. Spaying and neutering cats does more than protect their health; it also stops future litters from being born into hardship. At PUPS, prevention and compassion go hand in hand. Every kitten we help today represents not only a life saved—but countless future lives protected. Kitten Season How PUPS Prepares and How the Community Can Help
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PUPSUNITE.ORG | 6 PURCHASING THE BUILDING In 2022, Gina and I purchased a building that was previously an eye doctor’s office. The building is located just down the street from where we live, and we often rode our bikes past it. Gina had always hoped to buy the building and transform it into an art studio. After the purchase, Gina set up her studio, and together we each chose our own rooms in the new space. OUR CAT RESCUE EFFORTS For 25 years, I have worked as a letter carrier and regularly encounter stray cats. I make it a point to either feed these cats myself or provide food to those who care for them. When we moved to this neighborhood in 2019, I became a T-6, which means I cover five different mail routes when the regular carriers are off. This change led me to meet even more cats in need, especially on one route which I began referring to as my “cat route” because of the high number of strays I encountered. I discovered the Springfield Lost and Found Pet page and started posting photos of the cats I saw to connect them with people who could help. Through this group, I met Tanya Stewart, who came to my cat route and picked up a tiny kitten from me. Our friendship grew as I visited her home and dropped off food and litter to support her efforts with rescue cats. FOSTERING AND EXPANDING THE CAT HOUSE In 2023, we fostered our first mother cat, whom we named Banshy since it was around March. Banshy had six kittens, and we helped care for them until they were all adopted. We decided to keep two kittens from this litter. The following year, in 2024, Tanya and Dottie began visiting our shop, bringing cages and helping us officially start our cat house. Dottie and Tanya assisted with vaccinations and keeping records. Now, we have four cages in the reception area for cats and three cages in a quarantine room. OUR JOURNEY Building an Art Studio and Cat Rescue
7 | PUPSUNITE.ORG There is also a back room for kittens that have been tested and vaccinated, where they wait until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered. The front room is designated for cats ready for adoption. COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND GROWTH We have held several adoption events and a fundraising event, which featured items donated by PetSmart. Each year, we continue to improve and organize our space, making it more effective for rescuing and caring for cats. Jane Kline now visits the cat house to help socialize our cats, and By Rebecca Griffith her contributions are invaluable. We have also seen a growing interest in volunteering from the community. Our Facebook page has helped us reach more people, increase donations, and build stronger ties with our Enon Village neighbors.
PUPSUNITE.ORG | 8 Susan Pike stands by her back window, letting her gaze drift across the world outside. There’s something magical about the view—a feeling that takes her back to childhood, when wonder was as natural as breathing.
9 | PUPSUNITE.ORG Through the glass, she sees nature in all its glory: deer staring at the tree branches, birds flitting about, sunlight dancing on leaves, and the quiet presence of all the surroundings remind her of days gone by. Susan’s love for animals runs deep, a legacy from her mother, who grew up on a Virginia plantation where creatures great and small were always part of the family. That tradition shaped Susan’s world, filling it with the warmth and companionship of pets. Inside her home, Susan’s love for Pomeranians shines through. That lifelong passion began in childhood, sparked by a tiny, cherry-red Pom owned by her Aunt Claudine—a little dog that completely stole her heart. Today, her furry companions are the lively “Pike’s Party Poms,” each one a natural in front of the camera! Every Pom boasts a unique personality, and together they’re pure joy in motion. Now, as a member of the Pets Uniting People Board (PUPS), Susan channels that lifelong passion into action. She’s not just an animal lover—she’s a champion for rescue animals, working tirelessly to help them find new beginnings and a second chance at happiness. For Susan, every glance through her window is more than a view—it’s a reminder of the bonds between people and animals, and the hope that every creature deserves.
PUPSUNITE.ORG | 10 FOUNDING AND EARLY EFFORTS In December 2010, Pets Uniting People Society (PUPS) began its work as a pet protection network. The organization was established to support not only a single rescue effort, but also to assist various other groups committed to animal welfare. PUPS aimed to create a collaborative environment where pet protection and rescue organizations could unite their efforts for greater impact. FORMATION OF THE ORGANIZATION During the spring of 2011, a group of dedicated pet lovers convened at the Clark County Public Library to organize a community forum. This gathering led to further discussions and, ultimately, to the incorporation of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Pets Uniting People Society (PUPS). The founding directors, Judy B. and Carolyn H., brought in a PUPS’ board: Susan P., Dottie and Dave S., and Stacey P., who played a pivotal role in formalizing the organization and establishing its mission. HISTORY AND INITIATIVES OF NEUTER/SPAY PROGRAM PUPS established a neuter/spay program specifically designed to help dogs in hardship and community cats or strays. The goal of this program was to ensure that animals needing this service could be “fixed,” thereby preventing further multiplication of already abundant stray and community pet populations. This initiative has proven highly effective in reducing the number of unwanted animals living within the community. COLLABORATION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT PUPS has built a network of partnerships with numerous organizations and individuals. By working together, PUPS remains informed about the needs of the community, especially concerning neutering, spaying, and overall wellness programs for pets. These collaborative efforts have enabled the organization to better serve both animals and residents, making a significant difference in local animal welfare.
11 | PUPSUNITE.ORG At Pets Uniting People Society, our mission to improve the lives of animals and foster compassion in the community wouldn’t be possible without the steady, behind-thescenes dedication of our volunteers. Their time, patience, and love for animals are what turn good intentions into real outcomes. This year, we are proud to recognize Jane Kline as our Volunteer of the Year for the extraordinary care she gives to the cats. RECOGNIZING JANE KLINE’S OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION Jane does something that’s easy to overlook—but absolutely essential to every successful adoption: she socializes the cats. Several times each week, Jane comes to spend time with the kitties, helping them feel safe, comfortable, and confident around people. She sits with them, talks to them, plays with them, and gently builds trust—one cat at a time For cats who have come from uncertain or stressful situations, that consistency matters. Jane’s visits help shy cats relax and come out of their shells. They help energetic kittens learn calm, friendly interaction. And for cats waiting a little longer for the right home, Jane provides companionship and stability that makes all the difference Dottie Smiddy presenting Jane Kline her certificate HONORING OUR VOLUNTEER THE QUIET WORK THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING Socialization isn’t flashy work. It doesn’t always show up in photos or headlines. But it is often the turning point between a cat staying anxious and withdrawn—or becoming the kind of pet who confidently greets a potential adopter. Jane’s presence helps prepare cats for home life: handling, gentle interaction, and the feeling of being safe with people again. Every time a cat finds a family, there’s a chain of care behind that happy ending. Jane is a vital link in that chain. A HEARTFELT THANK YOU Jane Kline represents the very best of what volunteerism looks like: consistent, compassionate, and deeply impactful. Her dedication has improved the lives of countless cats at The Cat Shop and strengthened the work PUPS is able to do for our community. Thank you, Jane, for showing up week after week, for giving your time so generously, and for helping our cats take the next step toward loving homes. We are grateful for you—and honored to celebrate you as our Volunteer of the Year. JANE KLINE
PUPSUNITE.ORG | 12 By Dottie Smiddy Sharon Everhart reached out to me in search of the perfect companion for her beloved FeLV kitty. I immediately thought of Rachel Cardenas of Joliet, Illinois, who had been hoping to find a playmate for her feline friend. Wanting to make a strong first impression, I carefully selected some of my favorite photos of Checkers, hoping they would capture not only his unique markings and playful personality, but also his gentle, affectionate nature. Along with the photos, I included a couple of short videos that showcased Checkers’ charm—one where he was chasing a toy mouse around the living room, and another where he cozily curled up in a patch of sunlight, purring contentedly. Rachel, whose kindness was immediately apparent in her enthusiastic responses, was thrilled to receive the updates. She replied almost instantly, expressing her excitement and eagerness to meet Checkers in person. It was clear she cherished her FeLV kitty
13 | PUPSUNITE.ORG deeply and was committed to finding a companion who would bring joy and comfort to both. Our conversation quickly turned into arranging a meeting. Sharon suggested meeting at her home in Enon. Although Rachel couldn’t bring her kitty to initially meet Checkers, she was eager to meet Checkers and could see how the match would be perfect. Discussions were about best practices for introductions— especially with an FeLV diagnosis— talking through slow transitions, separate spaces, and careful observation. As we finalized details, we also shared a few stories about our pets and what we’d learned through fostering. By the end of the call, I felt hopeful: this didn’t just sound like a good match—it sounded like the beginning of a new little family dynamic. The anticipation of that first meeting filled us both with joy.
PUPSUNITE.ORG | 14 HISTORY AND IMPACT OF THE AUCTION The Autumn Leaves Auction has become the heart of our group’s fundraising efforts, cherished by members and supporters alike. Since its inaugural event in 2011, this annual gathering has blossomed into a highlight of our community calendar, bringing people together in support of a meaningful cause. EARLY SUCCESS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT From the very beginning, the auction captivated local interest, drawing enthusiastic bidders and generous sponsorships from area businesses. Its early success quickly established the Autumn Leaves Auction as a signature event for the PUPS group, ensuring its place as a reliable and eagerly anticipated fundraiser year after year. LEADERSHIP AND GROWTH Under the leadership of our creative auctioneer, Tim Lile, and the wonderful support of Staci Shaffer, the auction has reached new heights. Their dedication and energy have infused the event with excitement, making each year’s auction a memorable experience for all who attend. 2026 AUCTION THEME AND HIGHLIGHTS This year, we’re excited to announce the theme for the 2026 Autumn Leaves Auction: “Foods and Travels, Near and Far.” The travel offerings are: 3 nights in New Orleans and 3 nights at Red River in Kentucky. We will have many different ethnic food cards available in the auction as well. EVENT DETAILS Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. Join us for a delicious breakfast and an unforgettable auction at the Springfield Courtyard by Marriott. We look forward to making this year’s event one of PUPS’ finest yet.
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PUPSUNITE.ORG | 16 RED RIVER GORGE NEW ORLEANS EXPERIENCE
17 | PUPSUNITE.ORG RED RIVER GORGE WEEKDAY GETAWAY (UP TO 10 GUESTS) Trade the weekday grind for a 3-night escape in the Red River Gorge—Kentucky’s iconic canyon country filled with sandstone arches, forest trails, and postcard views. Your group will stay in a 4-bedroom, 4-bath cabin with a full kitchen, roomy gathering spaces, two-level decks, hot tub, game room, and a fire pit for nights under the stars. Adventure options: hiking, zip-lining, kayaking, rock climbing, and a scenic visit to Natural Bridge State Park. NEW ORLEANS EXPERIENCE & FOOD TOUR (2 GUESTS / 3 NIGHTS) Head to New Orleans for a 3-night getaway for two, with your choice of participating hotels—then taste your way through the city on a 3-hour walking food tour in the French Quarter. It’s the perfect mix of culture, history, and the kind of meals you’ll still be talking about long after you get home. Concierge/ booking services are included to help make planning easy.
PUPSUNITE.ORG | 18 We don’t trap-neuter-release (TNR) these cats that need us without knowing that one day the day we dread to face will be realized. We know that each day we spend with these mesmerizing creatures could, at any time, be the last. We always hope it will never happen, but we know that their lives are not long by house cat standards; and, some live extraordinarily long lives by feral standards. That makes us happy because it gives us more time. They make us happy as our relationships develop. A whistle and four legs spring out of their hiding places as they recognize our signal, or the sounds of our cars, just a cat, just vermin, not worth anything, so, so very untrue. Love abounds between us and them. Trust is a measure of success, especially, when we’ve reached one and they respond to us, so contrary to their nature. We each have those little heart flips when something new happens. Each achievement, each new level of trust is important to us than any milestone in the average person’s life. Because we are doing the extraordinary, the unexpected work of reaching the lost hearts and souls of those who are abandoned. They aren’t just cats. They are the special ones we’ve chosen to dedicate ourselves to. None of this comes lightly, we sacrifice in many ways, none of which we complain about because it is our nature. It is what gives meaning to our lives. It By Mitch Aultman is also what will make the difference one day when people finally understand what it is that this insane and crazy person is actually doing. One day, it will all make sense to them. In the meantime, we celebrate our successes, we look forward to each visit we make with our special friends. Our hearts lift when they venture into new territory with us and finally break the barriers. We know we’ve made a difference and we know without a doubt that we matter. We know that they love us, when they trust us. We know the bond is there. We may never touch them, but still the love is there, the trust as well. That’s important. We’ve achieved something that we never dreamed in our early years would matter so greatly to us, but it does. And then one day, the day we know will come, the day it ends, our hearts break, our tears flow, and pieces of our soul remain with them as they make their way to their everlasting home. Their memories, their stories, their presence in our lives are what makes us different, what makes us “not crazy”, but compassionate in extraordinary ways. Touchless
19 | PUPSUNITE.ORG Find 10 Objects in the Picture
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