VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

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Q: I have been feeding a stray colony for over a year and recently someone is removing and throwing out my bowls and shelters. What can I do? (Part 2)

A: As promised in the last issue, I have a follow up to that question and an update to the situation. When I last discussed this, we were looking to relocate the cats and were preparing  an information sheet that would be passed out to local businesses. The relocation possibility did not pan out, however we did pass out the information sheets and the tampering did stop. Now, everyone knows what's going on and who to contact for help.

As it happens, I went to handle a related issue in this same location. The caregiver had been hearing a cat crying from inside a large warehouse. After talking to the owner, we arranged to meet the next morning when the warehouse opened, in order to release the cat. But just the noise of opening the big doors scared the cat deep into the warehouse. The owner agreed to allow a trap to be set inside the warehouse overnight and the next morning we had a very dirty, scared, female cat.

Communication is the key to these issues. Talk to people and let them know you are there to help. When faced with the options of TNR or calling the County to catch and euthanize the cat, most people will want to work with you.

Have a question for Trapper John? Send an email to info@folsomfelines.org.

(Continued from page 1)

Each year, the event has attracted more attention.  This year, people driving by the
parade of walkers on April 3 honked their horns and waved in support.  Part of the attraction was the number of dogs.  Eleven dogs walked the 5K route with their owners.  Lisa James, FFR adoption volunteer, walked her two retired racing greyhounds attired in  "I love cats" tee shirts while other volunteers took turns walking Lisa's energetic and active Italian greyhound.

At the celebratory lunch after the walk, Tracy praised the group for exceeding the $2500 CatWalk 2003 goal.  Tracy recognized one outstanding Board Member/volunteer for bringing in the most pledges; Sharon Franck brought in $480 in pledges! 

Janet Bennett, co-founder of FFR, stated that with the money collected from this walk, dogs as well as cats can be given the sterilization surgery.   The spaying of 1 female cat can mean the prevention of 30 litters (approximately 150 kittens) over the 10-year period she is productive.  The neutering of 1 male cat can prevent him from fathering up to 2,500 kittens a year.   Each year millions of healthy and lovable cats and kittens are euthanized at shelters and pounds in our country because their numbers greatly exceed the available homes. 

When the lunch party came to a close, John and Janet Bennett thanked the walkers for their active and enthusiastic support of FFR and the spay/neuter programs.