Feline Friends Network

The Meowy Month of May

Yes, it's here! The month in which the good people of Stratford, especially those who have cats or care about cats, find out about Feline Friends Network – who we are, what we do for both cats (and people) and how people can show their support. Thanks to those who are volunteering for this event and MANY thanks to Val Pinder who organized it!

Every Saturday in May, FFN will host an educational display at a pet food store. Free literature, advice and Pat's crafts. Look for the canopy in front of the pet food stores. Feel free to check us out and bring along friends who might want to learn about us.

And Yes – the BIG CAT will be in attendance at each location! Bring children! (or give him a hug yourself!)

• May 5 11 – 3 Feed- All
• May 12 11 – 3 Global Pet Foods
• May 26 11 – 3 Pet Valu

One Cat at a Time, FFN is Making a Difference

Pat Burnell

Feline Friends Network sponsors a cat every month at the OSPCA shelter to speed adoption. We usually choose older or difficult to adopt critters. To date for 2012 we have helped Little Bit, Dubey and Shade along their way towards a forever home. This month we are giving additional sponsorship to Kaleigh, a 4 year old calico who has been returned to Douro Street because she talked too much and needed too much attention! If you enjoy conversing with cats and have lots of love to give, check her out. She is so depressed at the moment any attention can only help. All this is possible because of your financial support of and personal commitment to Feline Friends.

Home at Last

Cheryl Simpson

Remember Bambi – the formerly aggressive "community cat" from one of our Stratford managed feral colonies?

"Bam" is now Kim Cameron's "handsome prince" and is quickly adjusting to the cushy indoor life. Kim adopted Bambi on April 20th, and even though he still feels the need to "call" to Kim regularly to make sure she is nearby, Bam's trust is growing in leaps and bounds. He now happily accepts the love of both Kim's daughter and grand daughter and is beginning to understand, at last, that he has "come home". Thanks to all who made this happy ending possible, and a special thanks to the staff at FeedAll who worked their usual magic to find yet another wonderful home for yet another wonderful cat !

Working Together: Voices to Help Those Without Voices

Carol Rankmore

On April 23, 2012, Larry Baswick made a powerpoint presentation to our City Council asking that Council consider setting up a new committee called the Animal Welfare and Control Committee with representatives from groups in Stratford who are concerned with the welfare of both domestic and wild creatures. These groups, such as the OSPCA, FFN, the Stratford Naturalists, the Dog Park Association, etc could work together, discuss current issues related to their mandate and make recommendations to City Council for action. Larry explained that other cities such as London, Calgary and Windsor have successfully created such committees. We will keep you informed. Thanks to the dozen or so FFN members who attended the Council meeting to show support for Larry and his team of Cheryl Simpson and Carole Huband.

Perfect Cards for Spring!

Artist Nancy Taylor's second card in her "Gypsy Cat" series is available for a donation of $3 at Feed-All, Coventry Vet and the Buzz Stop (all in Stratford). The card is blank with FFN information on the back along with the caption: "Pretty is one of Stratford's managed colony "Community Cats."

We're getting low on food for the ferals. If you would like to donate cat food - either wet (any kind except No Name) or dry (Purina or Whiskas is preferred).Please drop the food off at the home of dedicated FFN volunteers Dianne and Wayne Yundt, 522 William St, Stratford. Please call first 519-273-0744. The feral cats thank you!