Q: I recently relocated to Marietta to be closer to family. My daughter-in-law said there was a cat shelter nearby that has yoga. Where is the shelter and tell me about it?
A: Your daughter-in-law was talking about Good Mews Animal Foundation founded in 1988. It is one of the few virtually cage-free, no-kill cat shelters in the state and the first in the metro Atlanta, according to their website.
“We have the absolute best volunteers, fantastic staff and amazing donors,” said vice president of Good Mews, Elizabeth Finch. “It’s a culmination that makes our shelter successful.”
“The roughly 5,500 square foot free-standing building was designed and built from the ground up so it can function as we need it to,” said Finch. “This is one of the things that sets us apart.”
Cages are used only for intakes or isolation. Once past the initial couple of weeks or no longer contagious, the cats can enter the cat area.
“This is cat heaven,” said Finch. “Allowing for natural light, the external walls are windows. Designed for the cats - tons of cat trees, perches, scratch posts, kitty TV, down to the color of the walls. 80-100 cats can comfortably fit in this roaming area.”
Kittens are not forgotten, she said
They have their own room that “includes a separate air system to help support their immune system as they are more prone to upper respiratory infections and kitty colds,” added Finch.
Adoption at Good Mews is thorough.
“We have fantastic adoption counselors that help match a cat to a forever family,” said Finch. “Often times, the cat will choose the person or family.”
Yoga with the cats has been in place for about three years.
“It really helps the shy cats become more socialized,” said Finch. “I think it’s because participants are getting on their level and meeting them where they are at.”
Sound Journey is another class offered. Through the use of Tibetan singing bowls and other sound instruments, an environment of peace and reduced stress is created. Finch said, “she wants to call it kind of a natural Prozac.”
Reading with the cats is for children in grades 1-8. “Some cats really flourish in it,” Finch said. “It also helps teach the children how to interact with cats. It’s a win-win situation.”
Last year they opened their own surgical suite with an on-site vet. “We purposely remain very fiscally responsible and we do that so that we can steward our donor’s money in the best possible way,” said Finch.
Good Mews is located at 3806 Robinson Road, Marietta (770-499-2287).
For more information, visit goodmews.org
New to the area or simply have a question about this place we call home? Send your requests to atlactualfact@gmail.com
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