EASEL Animal Rescue League has been selected to participate in a life-saving initiative that introduces advanced, positive-reinforcement-based behavior training and enrichment to shelter cats — as part of the Spring 2019 Semester of Cat Pawsitive Pro, The Jackson Galaxy Project (JGP), a Signature Program of GreaterGood.org. Supported by the Petco Foundation and Halo® pet food, this innovative training program aims to increase feline adoption rates as well as empower shelter staff and volunteers to maintain and improve cat “mojo.”
Jackson Galaxy (star of the television show My Cat from Hell on Animal Planet, and founder of JGP) developed Cat Pawsitive Pro with a team of feline behavior experts. Highlights of the program include:
- Improving cat “adoptability” and feline social skills, particularly for shy or fearful cats and long-term residents;
- Enriching day-to-day life for cats in shelters with physical and mental activity;
- Promoting the human-cat bond; and
- Teaching and empowering animal shelter staff and volunteers.
Cats who are exposed to the reward-based training methods of Cat Pawsitive Pro gain confidence, experience reduced stress level and build connections with staff, volunteers and potential adopters. The program can help a shy cat learn to feel comfortable coming up to the front of her cage to meet an adopter, a feisty cat learn to play nice, and an outgoing kitty learn to give an endearing “high five” to his visitors to seal an adoption deal.
“Watching the Cat Pawsitive Pro program catch on and bloom over the past few years has filled me with a deep sense of gratitude and awe that is almost indescribable,” says Galaxy. “The organizations that have gone through [Cat Pawsitive] Pro have experienced amazing results, both in the behavior and adoptability of their cats, and just as importantly, in the re-energizing of morale and imagination on the part of volunteers and staff. They have demonstrated clearly that this methodology saves lives. I couldn’t be more proud of our community’s work. Innovation, imagination and compassion are the ingredients to ultimately making sure that every cat who needs a home, finds a home, and stays in that home. With the help of Cat Pawsitive Pro, we will achieve exactly that.”
President of EASEL, Karen Azarchi said, “EASEL embraces new ideas and we are thrilled to empower our staff and volunteers to increase our cat adoptions and to lead the NJ rescue community by participating in a cutting-edge program, like Cat Pawsitive Pro.”
Cary Munschauer, a JGP feline behavior expert, will lead the program for the shelter beginning February 20. Throughout the Spring, EASEL staff and volunteers will participate in weekly seminars with Munschauer and will have direct access to the entire training team for specialized consultations about the cats in their care.
Galaxy will be sharing highlights of the program on The Jackson Galaxy Project Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
About EASEL Animal Rescue League
EASEL Animal Rescue League is a community-based 501(c)(3) action group based in Mercer County, NJ. EASEL’s mission is to reduce the number of unwanted animals killed in Mercer County, through the power of collaborative coalitions and community alliances. EASEL’s vision is a community where the human-animal bond is strong and an environment of respect for living creatures guarantees animals a healthy indoor home or safe habitat. In the last 7 years, EASEL has found homes for over 3,500 cats and dogs. For more information on EASEL Animal Rescue League including volunteering and donating, please visit http://www.EASELnj.org and visit EASEL Animal Rescue League on their FB Page.
