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TNR Sterilizations Approach 1,000
Since our TNR (trap/neuter/return) program began in March, 2000, we have funded the sterilization and vaccination of over 950 unowned outdoor cats living in approximately 190 different Washtenaw County colonies. By the end of this year, we expect that number to reach 1,000. Although no one enjoys seeing cats living outdoors, it is the only viable solution for cats that were not socialized to people during their first 8 weeks of life. By sterilizing them to stop their reproduction and providing them with daily food, water and outdoor shelter, these cats can live a reasonable life similar to that of squirrels, rabbits or other wildlife. If you are caring for unsterilized outdoor cats or know someone who is, contact us to see if they qualify for our feral cat assistance. In addition to funding the veterinary work, we can also provide some free food to offset some of the personal costs of managing these cats.
Note:
During Q1 of 2003 we plan to extend our sterilization efforts
to the pet cats of low-income families.
Next to outdoor cats, this group comprises
the second largest source of kittens each year.
Details will be posted to our web site once the program is finalized.
Barn Cat Heaven
If you have never seen feral cats first hand and would like to see them in a natural setting, call for an appointment. We'd be happy to show you how beautiful and peaceful they are. Or visit our web site, TLConline.org, and click on Facilities to take a virtual barn cat tour. |
The "Katherine Hepburn" of Cats
Megan's story epitomizes our Older Cat program. Her first 15 years were spent as the loving companion of an elderly Ann Arbor woman. When she had to move to a nursing home, it fell to her daughter to find a new "home" for Megan. And ours was the home she found. At her age, as loving as she was, she was virtually unadoptable. Our retirement home provided her a safe haven to live out the rest of her life. For three years, Megan reigned proudly over our small colony of older cats and touched the hearts of all who knew her.
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Life in our barn can be pretty nice when you have a kind neighbor
like Maury Robbins bringing you his wife Edna's
special homemade treats each day.
Their feral friend, Robin, joined our colony last summer
when they discovered him living on their property,
precariously eating food next to an active fox hole.
Although they moved him to our colony for safe keeping,
they continue to care for him at our farm --
Robin and his colony mates meet Maury at the door
with delicious anticipation.
Although feral cats are naturally wary of people,
they do form special bonds with those who regularly care for them.
On a cloudy October Sunday we said goodbye to Megan --
the matriarch of our older cat colony.
She was one of the first cats we took in.
With beseeching eyes, she looked right at you
whenever you entered the room.
She'd stand up on her perch, pull her shoulders back,
and watch you until you came over to say hello.
She had such dignity and essence that one
of our volunteers tagged her "the Katherine Hepburn of cats --
and so she was.
When her time came and she passed away,
we held a memorial service for her at our little "chapel"
to pay our last respects.
Some ashes were spread in front of the chapel
and the rest given to her guardian's daughter.
Shortly before Megan's passing, her guardian had also passed through.
The daughter took Megan's ashes to the grave of her mother
to reunite the pair after their brief separation.