Pam's TNR Blog Christmas 2011

Week before Christmas 2011

This was one of the busiest weeks of the year! Suzie and I trapped 13 cats for the Tempe clinic on 12/18. Three additional cats were caught the next night for a total of 16 cats from this location. I did another job at two locations in one neighborhood on Tuesday night for a total of 23 cats plus three cats the following night for a total of 26 cats on that street in central Phoenix. It was interesting that a neighbor on the next street emailed ADLA about some missing cats he was feeding...turns out they were being fixed that very day! He was grateful we could help. The entire neighborhood contributed donations towards this effort. This was an example of what people can do in their neighborhoods to help stabilize the free-roaming cat population. It works at lot better than simply complaining about the cats and causing ill will among neighbors.

On Wednesday night we had a mass trapping in 85019, our target zip code. Free-roaming cat spays and neuters in this zip code are being funded by PetSmart Charities over a two-year period. This is to show that targeted s/N of cats works to stabilize the cat population and to see if fewer cats end up in open-intake shelters. Suzie was trapping at three locations and helping me trap in an alley where a caregiver we had helped previously was feeding five cats. Grant was trapping in a nearby apartment complex where the gentleman was also feeding 12 cats (or so he said).

Trapping "Alley Cats"

After we finished in the alley, Suzie headed off to check traps at her other jobs and I met up with Grant at the condos. Grant had called me saying "there are LOTs more cats here...can you bring more traps?". I asked "how many" and he said about 25 traps! I only had four more traps in my car having loaned some to Suzie who was short on traps. When I got to the feeding station at the main dumpster, he had 12 traps filled. As it turned out, there were cats living in an abandoned condo where they had access  through a hole in the wall. It was trapping nirvana! Unfortunately, we did not have enough traps. And additionally, we did not have enough vet slots for the next day (Thursday). We'd have to come back next Wednesday night to trap the remaining cats. It was difficult leaving knowing there were cats needing to be fixed. There was a little humor that night despite the desperation...a cat got up in the dumpster and found some crab legs. Grant found him munching on his dinner!  

Early Thursday morning Suzie and I headed back to the alley and trapped one more cat for a total of five cats. We had a total of 30 cats at two vets including my three from the second night trapping at the previous nights location. This was from six locations! There were also six more cats at these two vets, three were also from 85019 making this a total of 30 more 85019 cats in 2011. And I'll be back out there next week to round off the year with not just one (at the dumpsters) but at another location across Camelback Rd. on Monday night to trap 20+ cats.

Below is a photo of a kitten sitting in a mess of "stuff" left on the patio at the abandoned condo. We'll try to catch her next week. The photo was taking through the broken locked gate that provided access to the hole in the condo wall where the cats live...

Kitten on the Condo Patio

Suzie did catch the last calico mother cat at one of her trapping locations. It turns oout I had been after this cat last summer. We started comparing addresses andI'd trapped for a neighbor there previously. This cat went to the vet on Friday. I'd like to thank Suzie and Grant for their tireless efforts in trapping, transporting, and aftercaring cats. We need twenty more of you!

We can all make a difference in the lives of homeless cats. We are fortunate to have PetSmart Charities helping us fix cats in 85019. But we also need help fixing homeless cats in other parts of the valley. It is the end of 2011 and we all want to pay less in taxes. Consider a tax-deductible donation to the ADLA Spay Neuter Hotline. Specify "TNR" when you send in your donations. % of donations go pay our veterinarians for spay and neuter. And please patronize our wonderful vet clinics. Without them our TNR program could not exist. We are on track to fix over 10,000 cats in 2011. Please help us make 2012 an even more successful year...Thank you.

Donations can be mailed to:

The Spay Neuter Hotline

P.O. Box 33093

Phoenix, AZ 85067

Thank you for your support and have a Happy 2012!



Pam's TNR Blog - December 2011

December 2011

We started off December by trapping 83 cats in the first week. And, ALL 83 cats were trapped in our target zip code, 85019.

The first job was for 37 cats; 33 cats the first night and four cats the second night. Grant, Barbara, Suzie and I trapped this first night and even filled all but one trap left out over night incuding a couple extra Suzie trapping in the morning in the alley when checking traps. The second night yielded only one cat but thanks again to Suzie's perserverence, three more were trapped in the alley once again. I do have to thank Suzie as I had a broken knee cap and could not do much lifting. Still, I was able to lift empty traps and bait traps.

The caregiver was so greatful for our help. He had called several years ago and never followed through. One of our schedulers called him as he was on the list of caregivers in the 85019 area. Because he did not do TNR previously his colony had multiplied exponentially. He was also grateful for the cat food I brought him as feeding 37 cats on a fixed income can be challenging. He was truly in need and these the the caregivers we want to help through our PetSmart Charities grant for 85019.

Alley across the street

where many cats were trapped

Suzie gettin ready to release cats in the cold morning

One ear-tipped cat happy to be home!

As if 37 cats was not enough, we needed cats for our Saturday clinic in N. Phoenix. We needed about 20 cats so I picked a 15-20 cat job in the 85019 zip code. Well, 15-20 turned in to 41 cats total! We trapped Friday night having to make an emergency run to Suzie's for more traps and having to double some cats up as well. We had 30 cats in on Saturday and trapped again Saturday night ending up with 16 more cats for Monday's clinic. Of 38 total traps only one trap was empty and we fear it tripped on its own. We did see more cats there so another round may be necessary. This job involved three caregivers in a neighborhood.

Still, we were happy with 83 cats in one week although this was certainly not a record. I had intended to enumerate the # of lifting and hauling steps but somewhere along the line I lost track!     

I am now at 2046 cats trapped in 2011. I am hoping to break my previous record of 2084 in 2010 and I think I will. This broken knee is a problem but I've never let broken bones stop me before. The immobilizer works great...I just have to move more slowly.

My usual plea for $$$...Please consider a Holiday gift to the many homeless cats on the street in our community. We can spay or neuter one cat for a $25 donation. This will prevent a litter of kittens in the Spring. Thank you for your support!

            



Pam's TNR Blog - November 2011

November 2011

November 2011 was a busy month for trapping. I trapped and fixed 171 cats in November despite the yard sale and Thanksiving! Those darn holidays always curtail trapping. The yard sale, however, was a huge success. We raised over $2,300 for spaying and neutering feral cats! So far in 2011 I've TNR'd 1,902 cats and hope to break my record of 2,084 cats TNR'd in 2010.

As always there are too many special and rewarding experiences to cover in this blog. The most memorable job was a colonly of 41 cats trapping in one night. This one was exciting because the caregivers indicated she had 20 cats and it turned out she had 41 cats! The photos included here are of "before" and "after" the cats were fixed. These were some of the most healthy and well cared for cats I'd ever seen. what was truly amazing is the spottlessly clean environment the caregivers maintained. I was impressed. This was "cat management" at its finest...

Before Trapping

After Trapping



Earlier in the month I helped Grant trap another large colony. We trapped a total of 26 cats. Thank you Grant for helping this caregiver in need. It took several nights of trapping and trips to three vets but ALL the cats are now fixed. It is so important to fix ALL the cats in a colony. One producing female can ruin the entire effort - those males roam great distances to get romance. Then follow-up is required for newcomers. Nothing about TNR is easy. I always say "they could not pay anyone enough to do this job". It can only be done by dedicated and committed volunteers...those who care enough to go the extra distance to make a difference.

Feeding feral cats comes with a tremendous responsibililty. If you decide to feed free-roaming cats, be prepared for a long-term committment. Cats must be fixed, fed, provided with shelter and veterinary care if necessary. And do not forget that you will have to be there for them meaning vacations may be few and far between. 

To help more caregivers in need we need donations. Many non-profits are asking for donations this time of year but a donation to ADLA for TNR goes a long way. 100% of donations are used to pay our wonderful veterinarians for surgeries. What better way to end the year then to prevent kittens in 2012. Make this your New Year's resoution - I am making it mine.

Donations can be mailed to:

The Spay Neuter Hotline

P.O. Box 33093

Phoenix, AZ 85067

Specify "TNR Program" in the memo.

Thank you for caring about the cats!

Pam's TNR Blog - October 2011

October 2011

It has been a busy October so far! The most exciting event was the first Arizona Humane Society (AHS) clinic on October 11th. There were 75 cats in the door including cats from several large colonies trapped by me and Suzie. I brought in 27 cats from three colonies and Suzie brought in 29 cats from three other colonies. It is exciting that ADLA is now partnering with the AHS to reduce the number of unwanted cats and kittens being turned in. Many are euthanized due to lack of space, are not adoptable because they are too young, un-socialized or unhealthy. Trap-Neuter Return (TNR) continues to be the most humane and effective methods of stabilizing free-roaming cat populations and of reducing cat euthanasia at open intake shelters such as the AHS.


The photo above was taken at the colony at a motel on Van Buren. These cats would never have been fixed had not Sharon, a neighborhood activist, had not taking action. I've worked with Sharon for years helping to sterilize tame and feral cats in her neighborhood. Very few caregivers in this neighborhood can afford to fix their pets...least of all the free-roaming cats they are feeding. TNR would be "world away" from them if not for Sharon's involvement and persistence. We are truly making a difference. Sharon makes sure all cats and dogs are spayed and neutered in her neighborhood and is relentless in her efforts. I am happy to have been a part of this effort over the years. Thank you Sharon. The photo above was taken after 21 cats were released at the motel on Van Buren near I-17...where they were eating a welcome breakfast!
October has always been our busiest month and this year should be no exception.


I'd like to thank the Spay Neuter Hotline (SNH) for starting a TNR program in 2009 so we could continue to sterilize over 10,000 cats/year. Personally, I have been doing TNR since 2003. My involvement with the SNH goes back to 1992 when it was started to help bring low-cost a first attempt to those in need. The SNH is celebrating its 20th anniversary this coming year. We've come a long way since then but not far enough...especially where free-roaming cats are concerned. However, things are changing and thanks to visionaries like Jan Raven, TNR in Maricopa County is approaching a level not seen by any other community in the country and perhaps the world. Thank you Jan for your efforts to get TNR going in the valley. In 2011 we hope to sterilize more than 10,000 feral cats thanks to all our caregivers, volunteers, donors and grantors and everyone who has helped make ADLA's Spay Neuter Hotline's TNR a tremendous success!

To sign up for the TNR program please call the Hotline at: 602-265-7729 (SPAY) or email: feralcats@adlaz.org.

Pam's TNR Blog - September 2011

September 2011

As of 9/26 I'd already TNR'd 167 cats in September. Had a couple of HUGE colonies. Most memorable was the one this week - 51 cats! I am going to emphasize again - Please do TNR before your colony becomes this big. It is less expensive to fix a mom cat and three kittens then it is to TNR 51 cats. Besides, it is a LOT more work. The photo here is of one of the cats fixed this week. Notice the ear-tip. Cats are ear-tipped to identify them as spayed or neutered. A good way to tell if a cat has an ear-tip if you cannot get close enough is to take a digital photograph and blow it up on the camera or on your computer. I
did this yesterday after releasing the last 21 cats and when I got home and downloaded the photos - I saw one cat I missed. Thank goodness it looked like a male.

Last week was especially busy trapping one 49 cat colony and one 51 cat colony. Thank you Andrea for all your help. I started this week on Saturday trapping in Buckeye, AZ. This is 52 miles from my house and I am already, on Monday, up to three round trips to Buckeye. Andrea went with me on Saturday night and we toured the town while waiting for the cats to go in traps. Not much going on there but is interesting to see other towns in Arizona once in a while. Today, 9/26, I have 15 cats at the vet from this location. Had to leave at 5:15 AM to beat the traffic to pick up four more cats trapped overnight. I arrived home from the vet at 8:45 AM. The good part is I got to listen to an entire CD of my eight CD book. It's over 10 hours long! There will be one last night trapping for the last three cats...I hope to finish the book!

Tuesday it is off to trap three 85019 colonies with Suzie. The 85019 is our target zip code for TNR in 2011 and 2012. Thank you PetSmart Charities for funding this important targeted TNR project. We are hoping for about 30+ cats. The logistics of trapping at several locations in one night can be challenging but it saves a lot on gas and time. I hope to have trapped over 200 cats by the end of September.

Please pass the word about the Spay Neuter Hotline's TNR program for free-roaming cats. We operate in the metro Phoenix area and fix about 10,000 cats/year. Most caregivers, or feeders, do their own trapping with our guidance. Traps are housed at "trap depots" throughout Maricopa County and we use a number of veterinary clinics throughout the valley. This program is a seven day/week operation. The Spay Neuter Hotline is part of the ADLA, The Animal Defence League of Arizona and the TNR program has been in existence since March of 2009. Since then we have fixed almost 25,000 feral cats!

If you are interested in our TNR program please call the Hotline at: 602-265-7729 (SPAY) or email: feralcats@adlaz.org
Stay tuned for October, National Feral Cat Month. We have lots of exciting things planned including a 20 year party and fundraiser and a big feral cat S/N event (TBD).

Donations are always welcome!

Pam's TNR Blog - August 2011

In August I trapped 147 cats...It was hot and at times I wanted to simply give up. Aftercare is a problem and often involves unloading all the trapped cats the night before in the garage to be kept cool The garage is a lot cooler thanks to the swamp cooler(s) running 24 hours/day in the summer months. The motor broke on one cooler and had to be replaced (thank you Grant!). Sometimes there are up to 40-50 cats in my garage including the ones trapped by Suzie. Nothing about TNR is easy...and summer makes things a LOT more difficult.

There were many memorable trapping jobs this summer...probably too many to even write about. The week of the 15th I spent in Buckeye. This required six round trips @ 52 miles each way totalling 312 miles. The good thing was I almost finished one book on CD. I'd recommend it: "Quantum Man; Richard Feynman's Life in Science". Feynman is one of my heroes and his life inspires me to keep tackling difficult, sometimes almost unsolvable problems...like that of homeless cats. Besides, having majored in Physics I am fascinated by the lives and accomplishments of great physicists and he certainly was one. Books on CD are great for long trips...BTW I trapped a total of 18 cats during this adventure over four days. Of course I trapped one last male the morning of the second release and had to drive all the way back to Buckeye to release this one single cat. It always happens this way. I had this happened in Gila Bend and El Mirage. Suzie once took one male cat back to Aguila!

The other memorable trapping the week of 29 August was in the W. Valley. The caregiver donated extra for immediate assistance. I love these kind of jobs...more $$$ for the SNH to help more caregivers in need (a growing list BTW - we need donations badly). There were about 10 cats and I trapped six the first night. The second night I trapped four more. I trapped the last kitten in the AM with the trusty drop-trap. This was challenging as he almost got out from under the dropper that was on unlevel ground (beware - this can happen with small kittens). I had to fix that and use the squirt gun on the far side while holding both trap doors up. this was in we dirt of course and I must of looked crazy - fortunately there was no one there to see me. The three kittens were too young and sick to fix so the caregiver is fostering them until they are bigger and healthier. And, there is an 11th cat, a male, still out there. Grrrr...

I did drop-trap two last cats for a very grateful caregiver last Friday night (9/2). What a rush! there is nothing like getting the last cat, especially when it is the breeding mother cat.

As the weather gets cooler in September I am hoping to ramp things up and hopefully beat last year's trapping record. I am shooting for 2,100 cats this year.

If you are feeding feral cats and want help with trap-neuter-return (TNR), please call the Spay Neuter Hotline at; 602-265-7729 (SPAY) or email: feralcats@adlaz.org

We operate valley-wide (metro Phoenix area) and have caregivers using our TNR program from as far away as Miami (AZ), Casa Grande, and Cordes Junction. One person even came from Agua Caliente! I had to look this one up on the map and it is beyond Gila Bend.

Contact us if you are interested in volunteering or in donating to help caregivers and cats in need. Donations can be mailed to:

The Spay Neuter Hotline
P.O. Box 33093
Phoenix 85067
Specify "TNR" in the memo


I'd like to thank all our volunteers and supporters who are making our TNR program a success!

Poachers in AZ: May Commission meeting

Thanks to everyone who commented on our FB posts about two of the poaching cases on the May Arizona Game and Fish Commission agenda! We thought it would be easier to answer some of your questions and provide more information on the blog.

The two cases we posted came-out of Mohave County. That's impressive! Each case had unusual elements and either local law enforcement or Game and Fish stepped-up at the investigation, arrest or prosecution phases.

Each month the Commission hears poaching cases as part of its regular meeting agenda. They are always heard on Friday at 2 pm. You can attend in person at Game and Fish Headquaters (Carefree Highway 1 mile west of Interstate 17, north of Phoenix, online at AZ Game & Fish website or at one of six regional offices around the state.

Poaching cases come before the Commission for license revocations and civil assessments AFTER poachers have been convicted (found guilty) and sentenced in criminal court. These cases are misdemeanors so they are adjudicated in municipal or justice courts around the state.

Thanks to an Operation Game Thief tipster--Steven Wannebo, a Minnesota resident, was arrested by Arizona Game & Fish while he was checking his trap line and booked into Mohave County jail on four counts of setting leghold traps on State Trust Land, three counts of trapping within a half mile of a residence, cross country travel and driving on a revoked license. He pled guilty and was fined $3,200.

Edwin C. Jess drove a golf cart (in front of several animal lovers- he said) to a pond adjacent to Riverview Resort Golf Course. He then attacked a great blue heron that was landing on the pond, beating him to death with a golf club. Jess was charged with animal cruelty and killing an animal out of season and was convicted on both charges. There is no season for great blue herons. ADLA was pleased to see animal cruelty charges filed along with the criminal violation of Game & Fish statutes.

The Commission revoked both mens' licenses to hunt, trap and fish in Arizona for five years and imposed a civil assessment for the "value" of the animals taken. Those revocations typically result in revocations in the poachers' home states and other states where they may hunt or fish.

Operation Game Thief's number is 1-800-352-0700.

Pam's TNR Blog - Summer 2011 Update

Summer 2011

I cannot believe it is already August! Yes, I am a bit behind on my blogs but it has been a very busy year so far. So far this year I've trapped and fixed 1261 free-roaming cats. Kitten season was one of the worst ever in my opinion. There were times when I was wading in kittens and could do nothing...though I always try to follow up and TNR kittens later, if they survive. It's a challenging part of what we do. Fixing entire colonies is important and often requires a lot of time and effort (and expense).

Suzie fostered one litter of newborn kittens with a feral mom for several weeks. These kittens were dug out of the mud under a stack of plywood in a back yard full of junk. The kittens went up for adoption with a local rescue group. These were the lucky ones. Numerous other kittens from this same trapping job were TNR'd I think there were nearly 40 cats fixed at this location. A situation all too common but one we are trying to prevent. Hopefully some of them survived - they were only about six weeks old. One never knows but hopes. This was a very poor caregiver who needed out help desperately - he was lucky. Many caregivers are not so lucky and feel helpless...There are so many sad stories out there - I hear then, day after day.

This black mother cat was fixed along with her five kittens. These cats and kittens has a caring feeder who I'd helped previously. He was very grateful and donated generously. Still, there are many more are out there needing our assistance, help with trapping and transport but mostly needing financial assistance - and especially in the E. Valley.

the worst thing that can ever happen to a cat born on the street is to not be fixed. And despite years of effort it is beginning to seem hopeless. Yet a part of me still believe we can stabilize free-roaming cat populations. This year, The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) had record numbers of cats and kittens being turned it and more than ever before being euthanized for lack of space - meaning too many cats and not enough homes for them. We thought things were getting better but I am beginning to wonder. Sometimes we need to hit bottom before acting. So what can an individual do to stop this endless cycle? Here are some ideas.

Spread the word about spay and neuter. Unsterilized pet cats that are the #1 cause of cat homelessness. If you have or know of someone with a mother cat and kittens, tame or feral, help them get the cats fixed. Call the Spay Neuter Hotline for assistance: 602-265-7729 (SPAY). Encourage caregivers NOT to turn them in to an open-intake shelter like the AHS or MCACC. chances of getting out alive are slim. The most common call me receive is for a single cat having kittens in someones yard. Breaking the breeding cycle early avoids having to TNR a colony of 40 cats later. It is a lot less expensive and a LOT less work. I know this because I do the back breaking work every night. And most importantly, donate money to help with the cost of TNR for those who need help. Donations can be sent to:

The Spay Neuter Hotline
P.O. Box 33093

Phoenix, AZ 85067

100% of donations targeted for TNR are used to pay for spay and neuter of free-roaming cats. Your donation is tax-deductible. And spread the word. TNR is the most humane and effective method of stabilizing free-roaming cat populations.

Thank you for your continued support!

Pam's TNR Blog - January 2011

January 2011

The year started off with a bang as I was able to TNR 244 cats. As always, I feel like "The Red Queen", running as fast as I can to stay in place...all the while knowing kitten season is just around the corner. It always depresses me when I run into someone who says they are going to let a cat have kittens, negating my hard work to fix cats day after day. Let's face it, TNR is a difficult business. It requires back-breaking lifting and hauling not to mention long hours of waiting for cats to go into traps and cleaning and washing equipment. Still, one cannot ignore its importance and effectiveness. It is the most humane and effective method of stabilizing free-roaming cat populations.

Week of January 3rd

The first week of January began with trapping 23 cats that was to orinally be a colony of 12 cats. Often caregivers underestimate the number of cats they feed. This large colony was fed by an elderly gentleman who could never have done TNR on his own. Overwhelmed, he at last found the Spay Neuter Hotline and we were able to help him. There is however, one left to fix and this will definitely require the drop-trap. These last cats, usually the "mother cat who started the problem", are often the last ones to be trapped. Frustrating! (I did go back at a later date and caught this cat).

Week of January 10th

During week two I helped an elderly lady in a mobile home park (MHP) trap two cats. I've been helping her for years and a few more cats had shown up. It is VERY important to monitor colonies for new cats. Later in the week Suzie, Grant and I tackled five colonies in the central Glendale area. This was again one of our "marathon" trapping extravaganzas. We trapped a total of 61 cats over two nights at five different locations. This required visits to several vets and a lot of driving from place to place trapping, then releasing cats. The last seven cats were released on Friday morning at three locations. Thanks go out to Suzie and Barbara for enduring a second night of rain to catch the remaining cats...

I trapped another 10 cats in a central Phoenix neighborhood on Thursday and Friday nights. These were from three locations. I had to drop-trap the last difficult-to-catch cat late Friday night and it was released early Sunday morning. A week of trapping beginning Sunday night and ending Sunday morning resulting in 75 cats being fixed.

Week of January 17th

The week started off with 23 cats left over from the Tempe clinic on Sunday that had to go to two vets on Monday. I trapped Sunday night for six cats and also had them at the vet on Monday along with this crowd. The job Sunday night was a "high end" trapping job. The caregiver was donating extra for immediate assistance - a way to make $$$ to help the less fortunate caregivers. I also drop-trapped a cat later on Monday morning at another location - one that I'd been after for a long time.

Monday night the caregivers from Mesa came to pick up their 20 cats at my place and I went drop-trapping again to catch the last cat at Sunday night's location. I had to lay down on their kitchen floor hiding beneath the bottom of the French door in the kitchen to hide before pulling the string on the wary tortie outside on the patio. But I snagged her after about half an hour. What a rush! After picking her up at the vet I was off to meet Suzie and Barbara to trap in a MHP up in N. Phoenix. It turned out there was one more calico that fed across the street. I'd be back there in February...

The manger of the MHP claimed there were 20+ cats but it turned out many were already fixed. A lady there had done 12 cats a while back and had even picked up traps from me. We had traps out at about five locations and ended up with 10 cats that night and one more overnight for a total of 11 cats. There would be no second night trapping at this location. That was good as we had to drop-trap early in the AM at a park in Glendale and I had to meet Alicia to help trap 20 cats at a lady's place in W. Phoenix. This one was very important...

A couple of weeks previously Channel 12 "Call for Action" had done a story about a lady needing help with feral cats. She had contacted the AHS and they wanted to charge her more than she could afford to take the cats to their facility and no TNR assistance was available from them. They did mention ADLA's TNR program on the news as well. My friend Alicia saw the broadcast and called the reporter who put her in touch with the caregiver. She offered to help her TNR the cats and she was thrilled that someone cared enough to help her.

The park in Glendale - ADLA has an agreement with a Glendale park to trap cats there on a regular basis and there was one last cat under the office to snag. It was cold and dark but Suzie and I had him within minutes. After taking him to the vet I released the 11 cats from the day before at four locations in the MHP. I met Alicia and the caregiver with the 20 cats at the vet that morning. The caregiver was so happy she cried. These are the experiences one never forgets...

There would be little time to rest. The Sunday clinic in N. Phoenix was on 1/20 along with the Tempe clinic the same day. We were trapping a BIG job in the Coronado area in central Phoenix on Saturday night. This was one of those "low-hanging fruit" trapping jobs. Over two nights we trapped 46 cats total We were only able to do 16 on Sunday along with the other total of 70 cats. Thanks go out to all those dedicated Coronado folks for organizing TNR in their neighborhood and raising money to help the cats! Special thanks go out to Andrea Del Galdo who is the driving force behind this effort. And thanks go out also to Barbara and Stephanie for doing a second night's trapping at this location.

Week of January 24

Between the leftovers and the additional cats trapped on Sunday night we'd have 27 cats going to two vets on Monday. In the midst of releasing the cats fixed on Sunday I was diverted to a motel downtown where they had trapped two cats unexpectedly. I'd be at the vet again later in the morning with those cats for a total of 17 cats. All told there were 27 cats at that vet on Monday including other caregivers who were also trapping for that day. But the week was just beginning...

Tuesday all 27 cats would have to be released. I might mention that one cat had to have an eye removal requiring it to be kept in a rabbit cage for several days to adjust to its surroundings. We named him "pirate". I'd have to go back home after release and pick up a rabbit cage to take to the neighbor who would be fostering the cat in the cage. Oh - and there was the release of the motel cats further downtown...continuing my "holding pattern on 7th St and another trip to the gas station - gas is getting expensive!

Wednesday would begin another adventure with the mobile...I did have finally one last cat to drop-trap and get to the vet on Wed. I'd be setting off for El Mirage mid-afternoon for a several day trapping job. We had arranged for the mobile to do a tame cat and dog spay day at a MHP in El Mirage. Originally we planned on doing ferals too but the response was so overwhelming we decided to do the tame animals on Thursday and bring all the ferals trapped over two nights in to Phoenix for the mobile on Friday. Barbara and Suzie came later and trapped one side of the park and I trapped the other side. We hit about 10 locations in the park total and and ended up with 44 feral cats on Friday along with two more cats we drop-trapped in the middle of the day! The mobile ended up doing 44 tame cats and dogs on Thursday in El Mirage. The park manager and residents were so happy we had helped spay and neuter a total of 86 animals. The ferals had to be done on Friday in Phoenix as there were too many animals to do on the mobile in one day. Thank you Grant for letting us use your parking lot to park the mobile on Friday.

The cats were released on Saturday morning in El Mirage. I'd be back in time to help trap and aftercare and another 25 cats for a clinic on Sunday, January 30th.

The Spay Neuter Hotline needs your help! We need to raise money to help caregivers and cats in need. Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to:

The Spay Neuter Hotline

P.O. Box 33093

Phoenix 85067

100% of donations go to spay and neuter feral cats. Thank you for your support.

Pam's TNR Blog - 2010 in Review

2010 Spay Neuter Hotline TNR Update

We did it! the Spay Neuter Hotline fixed over 10,000 feral cats in 2010. And I trapped 2,084 cats myself in 2010, a new record for me. Some additional highlights of my year included

- Biggest colony I trapped this year was 99 cats in Laveen (the photo to right shows a kitten from this large colony).

- Furthest distance I traveled to trap a colony was Cordes Junction.

- Most cats I trapped in a single month was in December with 259 cats.

- Fewest cats I trapped in a single month was in June with 118 cats.

AND the TNR program accomplished the following:

- Most cats fixed in one month was October with 1,024 cats TNR'd.
- Fewest cats fixed in a month was May with 717 cats TNR'd.

- Most cats TNR'd in one weekend was 196 cats at four clinics.

Although December 2010 statistics are not all in, we will be over 10,000 cats TNR'd last year.

It is now January 2011 and we are on our way to another record year. Thanks to all our volunteers and supporters for your commitment to our TNR program. We need your continued commitment to helping stabilize free-roaming cat populations in the valley. If you have a colony to TNR or are interested in volunteering to help others with trapping or transport, please call the Hotline at: 602-265-7729 (SPAY). Please consider a tax-deductible donation to help those in need. Donatons can be sent to:

The Spay Neuter Hotline

P.O. Box 33093

Phoenix, AZ 85067

We need your help!