Sunday, August 28, 2011

It Starts With Us

A couple years ago while on a walk, John and I noticed a slew of cats at this house. Soon after that I stopped to ask the residents if the cats were spayed/neutered.

An elderly couple lived at the house and had started feeding a cat. Then another appeared and another. Eventually there were over 18 cats and we found out none were spayed/neutered. I knew we had to do something or they would continue to breed and eventually pay with their lives.

So I talked with them about humanely trapping, neutering and returning them. I let them know that we would pay the costs and all they had to do was give us permission to be on their property. They agreed.

So the trapping began and John and I successfully trapped and neutered them all. Mission accomplished.

A friendship developed between the four of us and we frequently went to check on this elderly couple. Sometimes taking food and gifts at Christmas. They loved the visits and we enjoyed being there.

Now fast forward to today. Sadly the woman passed away 2 years ago and her gentleman companion was left. He continued to care for the cats and we continued our visits.

Unfortunately 2 weeks ago he felt he needed to return to Ohio where his son lived. He moved but the cats remained. There was no way he could relocate them, which we knew. Sadly though the cats were not just going to stop showing up each day for food. They had been fed for many years now and the routine was embedded. John and I knew we had to step in.

So we have taken over the job of feeding this colony. My heart breaks because I know they must wonder where their previous caregiver is. And to make matters worse, the daughter of the deceased person who now owns the house…. plans to put the house up for sale.

I am more than distressed. Once this happens we will lose access to the yard to feed. So now I’m in the process of trying to find someone with another colony or a barn and some acreage that we could relocate them to. I haven’t had any luck yet but I am hopeful.

In the meantime, we will continue to provide food for these cats. The daughter refuses to feed them but does let us access the yard, which is good. She wants to have the cats euthanized. Sigh. That’s not in our plan.

We need prayers and hope. This situation is of no fault to these animals. It just breaks my heart. Hopefully with the current real estate market, we will be afforded the time needed to find a solution.

Spaying and neutering is of utmost importance. It prevents situations just like this one. There are low-cost options available everywhere. Please help those that cannot help themselves.

Until next time (when I hope I have better news),
Hannah




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