Ignorance is Bliss

I had another 'woman' yell at me at one of my feeding locations this morning telling me to "take those $#@%@$ cats away" and to stop feeding them.  She said she can't even let her nephews to play because she is afraid of them.  These four beautiful docile cats - she is afraid of them.  This fear of cats is generational for some of these people in poor, low income neighborhoods and I just don't understand.  They teach their children to be afraid, and it goes on and on for each generation.  I have never heard of a cat stalking and attacking a child, or adult, ever.  Have you?   What are the chances of it happening?  I approached her closer because she was yelling at the top of her lungs at 4:30 am. and she said if I came closer she would 'beat my ass.'  All I could do was walk away in astonishment at the ignorance of people like her, and hope that she wouldn't throw away the only meal these cats had for the day.

These are the vicious cats that live there.

A while back I asked for help with writing a note to the Editor of the Democrat and Chronicle after I was contacted by the city telling me I would need to remove my shelters from city vacant lots.  A friend went beyond the newspaper article, and wrote directly to the Chief of Staff and Mayor Warren on my behalf.  When she told me she had done it and I had not yet reviewed it before it was sent, I was a bit nervous because I don't want to appear hostile toward the city, as I have not yet been ordered to remove the cats 'homes' shelters.  But my friend, who is involved with politics in some fashion herself, was very professional in this letter, and went right to the important topics of my mission.  I am so very grateful.  I am so glad their are people like Susan that are just as passionate about animal welfare that can help me speak for the animals.  I don't do a great job speaking person to person for them - I am not a great communicator especially when I am so emotionally involved, except writing about them on my blog each day - since 2010!~   So, I share this with you now.

(Here is her letter to the Mayor and her Chief of Staff)

"Good morning to both of you. 

I enjoyed meeting both of you at Joe’s rally on Saturday.  I have been at the phone bank yesterday and will return today.  I have also been talking to dear friends of mine who are over looking Joe and are caught up with supporting another candidate. Anyway, the response from people at the call center was very encouraging.  We need civility in government and we need Joe to go the Washington.  Louise’s daughter’s letter of endorsement was wonderful.

My purpose in writing to you is to introduce you to my friend, Janine Wagner.  By day she works in Development  at RGH. She is loved and respected by the local cat rescue people.  She is really a  Mother Teresa  for the feral cat community I the City. The D & C has written articles about her.

For the past 2O years Janine has gotten up around 3 am every single morning with no breaks for vacations  or illness and she goes into tough areas of the city and provides shelters for feral cats who have miserable lives. She traps, neutered, and fosters then adopts  out the cats.  She spent thousands of her own money providing food and vet care until others encouraged her to have a 503 C status,

On average she provides a minimum of  40 trap and neuter missions.  She averages 60 rescues  per year and this year the number has risen to 122,  You can read about her as she has a janinethebean Facebook blog.

She is currently very distressed.  Someone from the City told her to remove shelters from the area as the City wants to prepare to sell the land.  Janine has been there for 20 years In undesirable areas. She picks up trash.  She is on a mission of compassion.  By feeding she helps alleviate misery. When the ferals trust her she traps and neuters in an effort to reduce the cat population.

I cannot speak for Janine as I only know How concerned she is.  According to her narrative someone in the City told her she should mow the properties.  I do not know what person said that.

I want to ask for collaboration for Janine.  What she is doing as a volunteer is amazing.
I always think of win win opportunities.  The City has the opportunity to evaluate the situation  and the benefit of her efforts to reduce the feral cat population.  Janine blogs and the rescue groups of the area are abundant and active.

As I mentioned to you both on Saturday I read the NYT and WP daily and I am heartsick about the cruelty and  dangerousness of  the White House.  I try to balance this by being kind and compassionate and by supporting good people and good causes.

In conclusion I respectfully ask that the city reach out to Janine on the property matter and to help her and also see this as an opportunity the City to be kind.  I think an article on this  in the D & C would be  positive for all included."

Thanks so much Susan...  

Have a great day!