Welcome Amanda! You are just the expert I have been hoping to find here. I have a fairly unique situation that is going to be affecting a large number of managed colonies in my area, Anderson, California. I work for a Feral Cat Rescue who has been very active with TNR for more than 12 years now. We estimate the number of otherwise doomed feral cats the founder of our organization has saved to be in the thousands.
She has even turned her personal home into a sanctuary for the cats who were not able to be returned to their original place of capture, and has spent conservatively in excess of $100,000.00 building secure perimeter fencing to enclose the property and a medical treatment/quarantine room to house cats requiring Veterinary care or observation time prior to being moved into the resident population.
The Owners of Stillwater Cat Haven are both retired professionals who worked hard to save enough money to provide them with a comfortable life in their golden years. They are both very dedicated toward helping to make a difference and have focused their efforts on taking control of a very "out of control" feral cat explosion in our community, establishing 17 colonies throughout the area. All colonies are closely monitored and fed daily. Any new cats are immediately trapped and sterilized, tested for disease and vaccinated, then evaluated for possible adoption potential or return to the capture point.
Several years ago the demand of caring for so many animals forced the founders to seek help. Volunteers are constantly scouted for and pleas are posted in every pet store, local community bulletins and public adoption events. Most volunteers turn out to be undependable and employees had to be hired to take on the labor involved in caring for the facility and outlying colonies.
As all good things eventually come to an end, the founders are facing the eventual closure of their sanctuary due to their own declining health and age. The retirement money is almost gone and campaigns seeking donations haven't proven worth the effort. There are no family members willing to step up and take over the operation and cost involved in continued care for these feral cats and the only outcome foreseen is the county animal control stepping in and euthanizing the 200+ resident animals.
All resident cats are current with their vaccinations and have been sterilized. Many have become friendly and have freedom to share the living area and grounds of the sanctuary. Some are still considered "feral" and live in spacious enclosures on the property full time. Every feral (or tame) animal is cared for by staff and founders with the same devotion as you would give a family member. The eventuality of this incredible project coming to an end is no longer just a future concern, it has become reality.
The initial inspiration for this operation was a grant given to spay and neuter feral cats called "Maddies Fund". After that grant money was used up, the founders simply continued on using their private savings and have relied on advice given by Alley Cat Allies for many situations encountered along the way. The founders are registered as 501 (c) 3 non profit animal sanctuary and rescue in accordance with state and Federal laws. All employees are paid and taxed appropriately and records of every animal are kept documenting medical care given and individual history. This is not just some nutty cat person's backyard hobby it is a legitimate operation in dire need of help.
Certainly the Alley Cat Allies have run into this situation at some point and we would like to know how it can be resolved. As much as it breaks our hearts to know our work must end, we think it would be better to ask for help NOW rather than wait for the day when we can no longer buy food and the county has to take over. Do you have any thoughts or advice that might help us?
She has even turned her personal home into a sanctuary for the cats who were not able to be returned to their original place of capture, and has spent conservatively in excess of $100,000.00 building secure perimeter fencing to enclose the property and a medical treatment/quarantine room to house cats requiring Veterinary care or observation time prior to being moved into the resident population.
The Owners of Stillwater Cat Haven are both retired professionals who worked hard to save enough money to provide them with a comfortable life in their golden years. They are both very dedicated toward helping to make a difference and have focused their efforts on taking control of a very "out of control" feral cat explosion in our community, establishing 17 colonies throughout the area. All colonies are closely monitored and fed daily. Any new cats are immediately trapped and sterilized, tested for disease and vaccinated, then evaluated for possible adoption potential or return to the capture point.
Several years ago the demand of caring for so many animals forced the founders to seek help. Volunteers are constantly scouted for and pleas are posted in every pet store, local community bulletins and public adoption events. Most volunteers turn out to be undependable and employees had to be hired to take on the labor involved in caring for the facility and outlying colonies.
As all good things eventually come to an end, the founders are facing the eventual closure of their sanctuary due to their own declining health and age. The retirement money is almost gone and campaigns seeking donations haven't proven worth the effort. There are no family members willing to step up and take over the operation and cost involved in continued care for these feral cats and the only outcome foreseen is the county animal control stepping in and euthanizing the 200+ resident animals.
All resident cats are current with their vaccinations and have been sterilized. Many have become friendly and have freedom to share the living area and grounds of the sanctuary. Some are still considered "feral" and live in spacious enclosures on the property full time. Every feral (or tame) animal is cared for by staff and founders with the same devotion as you would give a family member. The eventuality of this incredible project coming to an end is no longer just a future concern, it has become reality.
The initial inspiration for this operation was a grant given to spay and neuter feral cats called "Maddies Fund". After that grant money was used up, the founders simply continued on using their private savings and have relied on advice given by Alley Cat Allies for many situations encountered along the way. The founders are registered as 501 (c) 3 non profit animal sanctuary and rescue in accordance with state and Federal laws. All employees are paid and taxed appropriately and records of every animal are kept documenting medical care given and individual history. This is not just some nutty cat person's backyard hobby it is a legitimate operation in dire need of help.
Certainly the Alley Cat Allies have run into this situation at some point and we would like to know how it can be resolved. As much as it breaks our hearts to know our work must end, we think it would be better to ask for help NOW rather than wait for the day when we can no longer buy food and the county has to take over. Do you have any thoughts or advice that might help us?