In our neighborhood - the woman who's accused of "starting things" technically didn't either. Her neighbor did. They fed, but provided no winter shelter, water, etc. Then when they moved, the "accused neighbor" took up the feeding, but I think it that time things were getting out of control numbers-wise, people just weren't realize this (partially bc most of the colony is all grey or all black - so unless lots of them are standing together, it was hard to know many weren't just new sightings of the same few cats. Then the persecuted person who took over and had now had a large number to feed, had barely heard of TNR (plus trapping just sounded scary to her) - - but was instead told the ferals would be euthanized at all the area vets/shelters/etc. Plus she was feeding in her driveway where all could see - - so it drew attention to the large numbers. I finally talked to her, taking the Alley Cat Allies materials to her, and after most of a summer convincing her tNR was a good thing, for her and for the kitties.
So now she's TNRing alot - - - but she's still viewed as "the one who started it." And she's harassed too by just a few neighbors. Even though we've - jointly with them and one other neighbor - gotten numbers down. But as you know - just a few VERY vocal neighbors can whip everyone into a frenzy, PLUS can really make things uncomfortable. But I remind her - like you - she's keeping hundreds and hundred of babies from being born. So tonight we're talking to some of the nicer neighbors about the new ones we sighted, then we may approach the really crazy ones about what we're doing and why. And ask if we can trap in their yards to grab the new ones we just saw. Hopefully they'll understand what we're trying to do - - -- but wish us luck. You definitely know all too well it doesn't always work!
But SO glad others are seeing the value you've brought. And when you figure out how to disengage emotionally, let me know! Keep up the good spirits!
So now she's TNRing alot - - - but she's still viewed as "the one who started it." And she's harassed too by just a few neighbors. Even though we've - jointly with them and one other neighbor - gotten numbers down. But as you know - just a few VERY vocal neighbors can whip everyone into a frenzy, PLUS can really make things uncomfortable. But I remind her - like you - she's keeping hundreds and hundred of babies from being born. So tonight we're talking to some of the nicer neighbors about the new ones we sighted, then we may approach the really crazy ones about what we're doing and why. And ask if we can trap in their yards to grab the new ones we just saw. Hopefully they'll understand what we're trying to do - - -- but wish us luck. You definitely know all too well it doesn't always work!
But SO glad others are seeing the value you've brought. And when you figure out how to disengage emotionally, let me know! Keep up the good spirits!