Ten months ago the Venus Cat colony seemed a hopeless overwhelming endeavour and yet today I write to tell you the colony is in good shape. We have neutered spayed 65 cats/kittens – 16 were returned to the colony and we have just about found homes for all 49 kittens.
This has been quite a journey. Cats are always ready to help us learn. What stands out is that the Northern Bruce Peninsula does care deeply about the health and well-being of its stray cats and are willing to show it with financial and physical support.
The Venus family where the colony lives would like to thank everyone for their help and support. They don’t know what they would have done without it.
Thank you to all of you who made donations, bought food, litter, bowls, blankets, towels, toys, cat trees, beds; crocheted and knit blankets; came and trimmed the kittens nails, lent carry cases, live traps, helped with transporting everyone to the clinic. Then there were all the people who came and worked with the kittens to ensure they were human friendly; and of course to all those who adopted and gave these little kittens a chance at a forever home. Every single contribution made the difference.
Peninsula Pet Supplies in Ferndale under Allison’s direction were part of it all from the beginning. It has been a long journey at times seemingly with no end in sight. They set up a special account, taking in donations, helping with fundraising and always being there. I can’t thank you enough.
A very huge element to saving the colony came from the small group of volunteers at Northern Bruce Strays … none of this would have been possible if they did not neuter and spay the cats. Their dedication and devotion to the health and care of community cats is unwavering and we are forever grateful for their support.
To the staff at the Wiarton Animal Hospital who always took my calls and willingly squeezed us in when a kitten needed to be seen – it was much appreciated.
On a very personal note, a bow to Stephen my husband who you never saw or heard about, thank you for being such a foundational support. While I was home, the truth is I wasn’t always really there.
We now have a website thanks to Brianne’s creative skill that will help carry us into the future (venuscats.ca)along with a Facebook page that she so kindly takes care of. There will be more from us in the new year.
For now, have a very merry holiday season and know you live in a community where enough of us truly care for the well-being of animals and are willing to take action to care for them.
Karen G. Livick
