Two Years and Counting...

Happy Friday!   I'm sitting at the computer today with a calendar that has nothing staring back at me, no cats sitting in my garage or waiting at the clinic and a peaceful Saturday and Sunday on the horizon.   Given that I have some time to actually breathe, my mind realizes that WIFCaP celebrated its 2nd anniversary last month in a whirlwind of  trappings, spays, neuters with a couple rescues sprinkled in for good measure.

Rescued Kitten

I've been sitting here thinking about how and where we started, comparing it to where we are and what we are doing today.

Two years ago, Mrs. Gray, Zeva and the rest of that little family were newly fixed and their feeding station brand spanking new.  Mrs. Gray wouldn't even think about approaching me, let alone allowing me to stroke her, scratch her ears or allow me to spend some eating time with her and her daughter.  Who knew she would become the darling of WIFCaP, a superstar in her own right and a purrfect example of a feral cat living her outdoor dream life?

Mrs. Gray

Two years ago, I was whining on face book about why small grass roots efforts like ours couldn't get 501c3 status because what grass roots effort had the money to pay a lawyer or figure out the tax forms needed to gain such status.  Today, we are enjoying this status thanks to a wonderful foundation that helps the "little guys" that are trying to enter the world of animal advocacy!

Two years ago, I made a pact with myself that unless the donations came in, we could not and would not be able to continue.  Thanks to the wonderful people that I've still never met in person, who trusted us and risked their funds to help us get a start in TNR.  Today, all of those that started with us on the ground floor, are still there along side, encouraging and supporting in every way possible.   The money always comes when we need it and so far, Ive been able to keep my pact...and the work of WIFCaP goes on!

Two years ago when our hair-brained idea gelled and formed into what has become Western Iowa's Feral and Homeless Cat Program, I was hoping we could help cats in the Walnut - Avoca area.   Little did I know that in two years, we have been able to help over 20 communities in an approximate 50 mile radius of Walnut.

It's good to reflect.  It's good to remember, both the good parts and the sad.   While we celebrate the over 500 cats we have medically assisted and over 400 "spa treatments", we mourn the loss of even one small helpless creature.  Unfortunately, it's the losses that stick in our memory and leave a sore spot on our hearts. Its the hard times that force us to stay in the reality of our plight...we cant save them all, but we can give it a dang good try!

Amy, Linda and AVCheryl

I think today also about how thankful I am that God has allowed me good health and lots of energy.   Believe me, this WIFCaP journey is not for the faint of heart or weak of body and spirit.  However,  this is the best "job" I've ever had.   I get a "fat" pay check nearly everyday.  It comes in the form of those that help me...without Cheryl and Doc Schultz at the clinic WIFCaP could not operate at all.   They are my rocks!  Kris is my "level-er", keeping my fanciful mind and heart in check with reality and also being a great helper with marketing and social networking.  ALL of our volunteers...Becky who cares for 3 feeding stations, Cheryl, who feeds and cares for many at True Haven,  Linda who is ready to help at the drop of a hat, Sandy, Adrian and Amy who are the best foster mamas ever!  And all our new volunteers that are eager and waiting in the wings to help with future trappings and events.  It comes in the mailbox whenever there is a package that holds a donated item, coupons to help with food costs or a check that will help us do yet another spa treatment.  But mostly my pay check comes in the form of a frightened furry kitty in a trap, one that I know will now get the medical treatment it needs and deserves.  I never feel badly for them when they are in that cold, metal , scary thing.   They don't know it yet, but their life will now better...and its because of YOU...all of you, who are reading this.

And so we wrap up our first two years in "business".Whether you have donated time, money, items for auction, or even if you have only posted a comment of encouragement...we need you ALL and I, personally want to thank you for sticking with us on the WIFCaP page to see what a small grass roots effort can do! Happy Anniversary EveryOne!!

As Our Year Comes to a Close and a New One Begins!

The final 2011 edition of The Walnut Bureau came out last week!  On the front page, 2011 in Review included our very own Amber and Einstein!!!  

 Also chosen as a top story, was the creation of Western Iowa Feral Cat Program!

Here's a bit of a close-up of what the Bureau had to say about our program.

"Feral Cat Program Started"
Western Iowa Feral Cat Program was started in Walnut this year to provide a humane way of reducing the homeless cat population.  Best of all, it's all done with contributions.  The program receives no funding from the city, state or federal government."

  I'm so happy they included us as one of the highlights of the year.  Love how they emphasized that no funding comes from the city, state or federal government.  Like that's something to be proud of.  

This week I will be working on a year end review of our accomplishments!  I cant wait to report on all we've done!

A huge thank you to everyone that has been involved with WIFCaP in any way.  Whether it be an donation, adopting one of our lonely felines, time spent helping or even an encouraging comment on  face book.  We need you ALL.  We are hoping that you will stick with us through 2012 and beyond!  Just wait to see what we can do as we all pull together!

The Spider Mansion!

This is the 2nd feeding station that we set up in Walnut.  It's an old abandoned house that we've seen cats living in.  Its a mess...all windows are broken, its totally falling apart.  We first dubbed the structure "The Mansion", but having walked thru it, we have decided "The Spider Manson" is a way better fit!

These pics of the windows and the inside of the porch, show the destruction.  I've seen cats fly down into the hole to hide when we come in.

 

There is feces and other litter everywhere.  Including evidence of drug usage.  This place is being used not only by cats, but by people too.

Anyone know what this is???

I must admit I felt a little like CSI when "touring" this place.  I didnt have a flashlight, but I wish I'd had a gun....just in case!

It is on the city council agenda for next month to be abated for abandoned and nuisance property. 

In the meantime, we will continue to feed the kitties here.  This coming up week, I will start to trap here and see what we find.  I dont know if there are 2 or 12! 

Hello? Are you Ready???

While Lucy hung out at home, we held our first ever real WIFCaP (Walnut Iowa Feral Cat Program) meeting.   Cheryl, Pam and Kathy were so excited to have four people come to hear about our new program and give ideas and support to this new project.

This will be a great and fun way to give some of our younger residents the opportunity to gain some leadership skills and do something good for their community.  McKenna and Mariah are taking the responsibility of making posters and fundraiser cans for our downtown businesses!  We are eager to see their creativity.

We visited our cable company and have arranged to have some public access TV advertising to inform the public of what we are doing and how important it is for them to spay or neuter their own pets. Our cable station also makes videos of area activities and we dropped a major "hint" that we would like to be featured on one!

We have a volunteer to help drive cats to and from the vet!

We had a lady attend who volunteered the backyard of her house for a feeding station and she also donated a bucket of dry food!

We will be running a press release in next weeks newspaper.We will send copies to several area newspapers as well and hopefully get some additional "press".

We will contact Omaha Steaks to see if we can obtain more Styrofoam coolers for shelters. Hopefully, free.

We will begin looking for donations of food from places like Petco, Purina, etc. and begin researching grants.

We will be asking the city of Walnut to make a monetary donation for food and vet services.

We have four cats identified as needing to be the first four to take in.  There is "Big Daddy" (nuff said) who hangs out at Cheryl's shop and most likely has fathered many of our local ferals.  There is a gray mama cat who reportedly has five or so kittens living behind a vacant house just off main street.  There is a tabby/white male that loves to fight with my cats and then there is a black that shows up at my house around 6pm every night on his "rounds"..


Our fund right now has $53.00 in it...

Honestly, to be blunt, our need right now is money or food donations.  We must buy food and have enough on hand to continue feeding.  If we start, we must continue.  Cats love routine and once they know they will be fed, they will be watching each day for us to come.

So MUCH was accomplished today and we are happy.  "One step at a time" keeps echoing in our heads, and we are fighting the feeling of being overwhelmed.  There is much to do, but passion and our love for these furbabies will win over any fear we have.  

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Please stay tuned for news about Walnut's Feral Cat Program!

If anyone is watching this blog, please dont give up on us.  We are trying so hard to organize a feral cat program in our little town, and are having a "time" finding time to put things in place. Thanks for your loyalty!

Hello Again!

Hang in There...we are still active and well!

This picture of possum is such a great picture to start this blog post off on. Wow, its been nearly a year. I think the word "burn out" would fit how I had been feeling. Take Pity on the Kitties is still alive however. I will try to bring more frequent updates on our feral efforts and also boast and post about my kitties whenever I can.

I will be attending the March City Council Meeting to request funds to purchase a new live trap for TPK. The "season" is upon us and its time to try to round up some of our ferals and get them in for their "fixes".