Journals > Shelter Makeover > View Entry

Hi Richard,
Just wanted to thank you & your staff for visiting the shelter & for creating such an awesome contest. I applaud you for creating ZooToo & reaching out to the endless numbers of animals everywhere that need our help especially in these tough economic times. My deceased father 'discovered' Cat Welfare back when I was just a kid. He enjoyed the companionship of the stray cats & would share what he had with them. In return they accepted him 'as is, with no strings attached' and together they formed a strong bond. He believed in spaying/neutering back then as well as annual shots. I remember us getting their newsletter back then and how exciting it was to see how they were making a difference. The same holds true today but I'm old enough now to help out in a small way. Fostering kittens has really been rewarding over the years. To know that you're helping to mold and shape a little person that will soon go into his or her new home is really great. Giving them a better life is what its all about whether they are a youngster or an adult. Many others have said it & I will say it again please choose Cat Welfare for the Shelter Makeover. The money will be handled responsibly and the felines of Central Ohio are in dire need of this monetary help. Thanks for all you do! Sincerely, Mary P.

I am SO excited! The convention is only one week away, one week until we find out which lucky shelter will win the million dollar makeover! I still cannot believe that I have been on this ZooToo journey since November of last year--it seems like a lifetime ago. WOW! Although I, sadly, cannot attend the convention, I will be on the edge of my seat waiting to hear a first-hand report from our very own Kindra Hill, who will be attendance. Oh Kindra, don't forget to take lots of pictures while you are there!

For all cat lovers, June 1st is Cat Welfare's annual open house. There will be food, raffle prizes and beautiful cat art for sale done by our very talented cats! It will be a lot of fun, so come join us!!!

Sorry guys,

This post has nothing to do with CWA, but this was a journal entry from Zootooer "mgagnepn", who is trying to help a shelter that is shutting down in Indiana. I have pasted her journal entry below, in the hopes that someone reading this can help out:



Please read the notice below. It involves rescuing dogs from a shelter that is closing their doors. I can't imagine the torment the shelter owner and staff must be going through, knowing that the puppies were saved, only now to watch them die anyway. So please, if you have been thinking about getting a dog but were still unsure, take a look at the pictures in the link and see if you wouldn't like one of the puppies, or if you can chat with your friends, and forward this on to others, maybe they want a dog or know of someone who is looking. Bottom line, the more of us that are aware of what is going to happen, the more we can all help. That is possibly notifying other shelters, foster care, etc. From the bottom of my heart, I hope you read this and feel as compassionate about it as I do and send this on to others. I can't imagine any of these poor pups having to be put down for no reason. Thanks Shelter Closing in June: All Dogs Will Be Euthanized - Please ADOPT and Pass This On………


Hello everyone! My name is Christie and I volunteer with Animal Education and Rescue in Libertyville. We have a working relationship with a shelter in Marion IN and the shelter manager there is a wonderful soul. They unfortunately are closing at the end of June (roughly) and any animal there on that day will be euthanized. Two other volunteers and myself went down to take pictures and bios of their dogs. Please click on the link and look at these sweet dogs! There are many different breeds, each dog needing a home, otherwise they will get euthanized the day the shelter doors close. There are no if’s, and's, or but's or maybe's...it’s going to happen!

picsbycindy.com

Wouldn't it be amazing if those doors closed and there was not one single soul left behind to die? We are their only hope in finding homes and not living out the rest of their days on death row. This is no small feat, don't get me wrong, and yet it is not an impossibility. Heck, you just might know someone at work who has been looking for a dog...well, here you have it! We told them we would try to help place as many as we could in rescue groups. We are reaching out to all of the area rescues asking if anyone can help. I chose to reach out to the bully breed rescues as I own a pit mix and am fostering a pit bull and I LOVE them both dearly. I have included a link to the pictures that Cindy Falstad took that day. If you can help please let me know by e-mail or phone 847-371-1147 or 847-404-8143… Transport will be provided.

Richard,
It was nice to meet you when you visited Cat Welfare - the home of "cats by the tracks" (railroad tracks, that is) in Columbus, Ohio. Thank you for your visit and your journal entry. I know the task ahead for you and the ZooToo team is an arduous one. All top 20 shelters represent a league of ZOONATIC animal lovers who truly need a financial boost. In recalling your various visits, I trust we made an impression, not because we did or did not have a marching band or several hundred supporters to greet you, but by our success record - a record of quietly benefiting the lives of homeless cats with little money and a whole lot of love for 63 years.

Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,
Vivian Lermond

I became aware of Cat Welfare about two years ago when my girlfriend started volunteering for the orginization. Ever since, we have made it a point to go there as often as possible to play with the cats. It was there where we met, and adopted, Aurora...the latest addition to our family. Her friendly 'lap cat' mentality perfectly suited Boo's insatiable curiosity and playfulness and Azrael's amiable nature. It was through the knowledgeable and loving staff there that we were able to bring her into our lives.

We are both avowed 'cat nerds' and are thankful that Columbus has such a wonderful shelter for these animals that we have such a passion for. Everytime time we visit, everyone there is so loving and friendly that it is impossible to not feel a connection with everyone there and leave with a smile on your face.

Due to my hectic work schedule I am not able to full-on volunteer, but when I have time to go there and play with the cats...I make it my mission to share as much affection with every cat that I am able to. As my girlfriend mentioned in a previous comment, we will soon be getting tattoos of the Cat Welfare logo. We are already avid collectors of tattoos, but this particular peice of art will have extra special meaning in that it will be a constant show of love and support for these cats and a show of solidarity to the many fine people who so enrich these cats lives on a daily basis.

In many ways, Cat Welfare has become our home away from home.

So glad you enjoyed Cat Welfare, Richard. Cat Welfare has a special place in my heart. I adopted my Maria from Cat Welfare a year ago after fostering her. She was a feral kitty - but you could see her potential. Being feral, she didn't adjust well to life in a cage. I took her home and she blosomed into our most loving cat. I thank Cat Welfare for bringing such a wonderful kitty off the dangerous streets and into my home.

Thanks Richard for coming to visit our humble shelter. I was amazed when I began to volunteer here because the cats are all happy and the staff knows all 300+ by name and history. We certainly don't have the biggest shelter or the biggest group of volunteers, but I believe we have the biggest hearts and we love our kitties.

Thanks for this great program and the opportunity to get the make over of a LIFETIME!!!

I just read Mary P.'s (marysworlld) journal entry on why CWA should win the million dollar makeover. It was so beautifully written and touching, I just knew I had to share it with all of you. I'm posting it below:


Back when I started fostering kittens over 10 years ago I wanted to help mold & shape these little guys into the kittens that everyone wants to take home. The kittens that get adopted are playful, friendly, plump and out going. I set out on a mission back then with my exceptional support team of my household cats to make a difference in the cat world of central Ohio. Along the way as I was shaping these little guys one by one they started changing my life as well. Smokey was the first foster kitten that I had to adopt from CWA. He was found on a construction site. Then there was Peaches who was found in a field with an eye infection. Then Pickles who was so dehydrated but blossomed soon after we got her and got her rehydrated. Then Stubby who was so timid and shy that a staff member asked if i could take him home and work with him. I did and he slowly allowed me to see the real him. I had no choice but to add him to the ranks. Last but never least was Kid. He had lost his brother and was all alone in the world. We were the only family he knew. As a result of his messed up respiratory system he ended up with the herpes virus. It doesn't slow him down though. He is a wild child at heart. He plays hard & enjoys his life & his family. Each one of these guys has added so much amusement and companionship to my life. Being associated with this shelter changed my foster kittens lives as well as my own. For as long as I live I will always be thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in these deserving cats lives. Cat Welfare has made an impact on our community with their low cost spay/neuter program but there are a tremendous number of cats that are in need. Also due to the space restrictions of the shelter they can only house up to 300 cats at one time. If they had more space they could add more services and help more cat owners. Central Ohio needs for Cat Welfare to get this makeover because without it our unwanted/stray cats can't get the care that they so badly need. With a state of the art building and design they would be in a position to affect a lot of lives. There would be so many ways that they could reach out and help the community. Please choose Cat Welfare for the shelter makeover and help Central Ohio take care of our cat community.

(marysworld)

One of the things I love the most about Cat Welfare is that it is such a kid-friendly and family-oriented shelter. We have children that volunteer at the shelter, accompanied by their parents. I have seen mother-daughter volunteer teams, as well as father-son pairings, at the CWA. Not only it is a great bonding experience for the families, the cats benefit from the care and love given to them by these volunteers. AND, most importantly, CWA is teaching the next generation some fundamental values including compassion towards all creatures, responsible pet ownership, and being pro-active about ending pet overpopulation once and for all.

I am so proud of Cat Welfare. This organization has the best interest of each animal in mind in everything they do. Whether it be fun entertainment for the kitties or more serious medical needs, Cat Welfare does its absolute best to give 110% to the cats of Central Ohio!

Yay for cat welfare. I love when my boyfriend & I have time off. We go pet the cats. It is such a great loving time with the cats! They are so sweet, and it just makes you feel so good to give them love!

We love it so much that we are going to get the cat welfare logo tattooed on us! Really. Hopefully this week! I am excited! I want to look at it and just feel the warmth the cats bring me. I also hope people ask what it means....and I can take that opportunity to spread information about the shelter!

I love everything that they do for the cats & the community! I think that they could do SO MUCH good with the prize money. They deserve top prize! (top prizes for the top cats! ) YAY cat welfare

Thank you so much for your visit and for admiring the cats of Cat Welfare and the dedicated team of people who love them. Cat Welfare is a very special place. The staff and volunteers really take the time to get to know each cat personally. We know about their little likes and dislikes, their quirks and their characters.

Some of the cats are very old and may never find a forever home, but they are all the more dearly loved by the staff members.

I cannot think of a more worthy cause than Cat Welfare. I have five outstanding, distintive cats of elegance and grace who are all full of love. They are all alumni of Cat Welfare. They clearly were so well taken care of that they bear no psychological scars from an original abandonment. Thank goodness Cat Welfare was there for them to find a place until they were adopted.

Zoo Too has been a wonderful experience and education for me and for my family. We've read the news stories; we've read the reviews, and we have learned so much. It's been a great education.

I usually spend my Saturday and Sunday afternoons visiting my feline friends at the CWA. On one particular afternoon last November, a woman and two little girls walked into the shelter. I casually observed them as I petted and played with the cats in the main adoption room. Fifteen minutes or so later, I sauntered into the shy kitty room to give the residents a little TLC. One of the little girls followed me into the shy kitty room. She started to pet Sheba (who has since been adopted), and asked "Why are the kitties here [at the shelter]?" I told her very gently that the cats at the CWA don't really have a family, no mommy and daddy, to call their own: they are waiting at the shelter until someone adopts them into their home. In her quietest voice, the girl responded, "My daddy died recently. I guess they [these cats] are like me, right?" I didn't know what to say to this little girl, who, at a tender age of 5-7 years, saw the plight of these cats in her own suffering. I later learned that the woman who accompanied her to the shelter was a neighbour, and that the other girl was the woman's daughter.

The reason why I am recounting this experience is because many of us at the shelter see a little bit of ourselves, and the human condition, in the suffering of these cats. Anyone who has ever felt, at some point in time, unwanted and unloved. Anyone who has felt that they didn't belong, or that they were undervalued by society for whatever reason (eg., age, failing health, etc.). The plight of these cats resonates strongly with many of us. Personally, I always root for the older and the sick cats at the shelter, because as *my* parents get on in years I feel the urgency to care for the older members of our society, and as a child I was not in the best of health. I see a lot of myself and the people I care about in these cats.

I am thankful that a place like CWA exists that makes a life-long commitment to its residents. No cat is euthanized to make room for 'adoptable' cats, and once a CWA cat always a CWA cat. Myra, the cat that is now visiting nursing homes giving comfort to the residents, was adopted out and returned 4 times. Each time when the adoptive family could not honour its commitment to Myra, CWA was there to bring her back to her family at the shelter unconditionally.

I LOVE, *LOVE* the CWA! As much as the cats enjoy the company of someone who visits regularly and frequently, I feel even more blessed to have the pleasure of knowing them and making a little bit of a difference in their lives. There is something magical at CWA, and I find great comfort in going there.

I first visited Cat Welfare in August of 2006 when a friend's cat died and I wanted to make a donation in the cat's memory. I went in person because I had been wanting to volunteer at a shelter but wasn't sure I'd be able to handle seeing cats without homes. Well, I've been coming there every month to pet the cats since and, though I've teared up a few times thinking how much I would like all these cats to have homes of their own, mostly I've been thrilled to see the care and love that these cats get. Outside of a loving home, there is not a better environment for them to be than the one they are in. The staff and volunteers amaze me with their boundless energy and love for cats. My admiration went to a new level when the Zootoo contest started. I had gotten a few e-mails asking me to participate and I thought...why not? We probably won't win but it's worth logging on a few times and asking friends to join. The more time that went by the more I got involved. How could I not with all of the tireless people who would e-mail every day and tell us WE COULD DO IT. And we did - how unbelievably exciting! Throughout the contest I gained even more respect and admiration for those connected with Cat Welfare. I read all of the reviews for Cat Welfare on Zootoo and found even more reasons to love it and everything it stands for! I can't say enough about what a wonderful place it is...filled with wonderful people and wonderful cats! I'm proud to be associated with such a wonderful organization.

I am very hopeful that CWA will receive one of the bigger gifts in this contest. They are very good with money - a little goes a long way. But there are so many things that would give our cats pleasure, comfort and safety. The shelter could do more for the wonderful spay/neuter and trapping functions they offer the community. MAIE05

As another volunteer who was unable to be present for you visit, I left a card at the shelter so that I could be there 'in spirit'. Like Mary, our three cats are all from CWA... all the cats who have ever adopted me have been 'strays' or 'misfits'. So many people have already expressed how wonderful and unique CWA (and every creature involved) is and how important it is to our community.

Friends sometimes suggest I spend "too much time" and am "too involved" in CWA - saying that perhaps I shouldn't be so focussed on "animal rights" when there are so many other issues that need work. I remind them and anyone else, that this is not about animal rights, but human responsibility.

Collectively we have created this abundance of abandoned creatures. We must take care of them while working to educate everyone that no cat (or dog) 'needs' to experience giving birth, that every pet should be microchipped, that a systematic Catch, Fix, Release program will do more good than random killing of ferals.

The people of CWA make me proud- not because they 'got top 20' but because of every 'little thing' they do to make this a better world. Grandiose verbiage? perhaps.

But not overstated one bit.

Its been a great experience. CONGRATULATIONS! I think I may have seen my cat in "your rescue"! I've called for 2 days, left cell and work numbers, and I can NOT GET ANYONE to resond! How does a person try and claim a cat if located in your shelter??? I've been "touching #4" on my key pad as your machine says "touch 4 for lost and found" Ive left my work # and my home # and I can not get a person to call me back. PLEASE CALL ME.....its been a long hunt since last summer! And Im in such hopes my "MATOBA" is there........

I am a huge fan of Cat Welfare. They truly care about cats, and they do so much for the cat community. I donate to Cat Welfare over the local Humane Society. All shelters need money, but I would rather support a no-kill shelter with mine.

The Cat Welfare just came out with two new T-shirts to raise money for the shelter AND bring awareness to the shelter as well as the importance of spay and neutering. One of the shirts is yellow with green print and it reads, "Make your kitty an itty! Spay or neuter." CUTE!!!! For anyone who's interested in becoming a walking billboard for spay & neutering, here's your chance!

Wow. I watched your video and as an avid cat lover, it was touching to see you guys help so many cats! How many cats can you have at your facility at one time? I am probably taking a trip to Columbus sometime in June and I would love to visit your facility. Well, keep up the good work!

I was so happy to see the fish tank on the video!!! That is a very recent addition! It was donated to us by Studio 35 movie theater--fish and all--and the cats were more than excited when I set it up late one night at Cat Welfare about 3 weeks ago. It is the best entertainment for the cats and the customers! Definately, a unique conversation piece for a cat shelter.

I LOVE the video clip of ZooToo's visit to the CWA!!! I watched it at least 6 times today. I was so excited to see the CWA 'regulars'! About 20 sec into the video, I caught an aerial view of Margherita the calico (she's lost quite a bit of weight!), followed by Attila, an orange-and-white long-haired cat. In the back room, I could make out Lia, Romeo and Jumpy (he has one folded ear). Then there was Graham (the grey kitty) on the wall ledge at 1 min into the video--wow! he seems to have lost his shyness! I got a kick out of seeing a close-up of Mitten's paws (he's the one with extra toes), and Speedy napping on the shelf beneath him. Richard was standing right in front of Butter Bean's cage in one of the shots. LOVE the fish tank! And I couldn't resist laughing when I saw Powder sleeping on that green thingy (is that a child's booster seat?) next to the tank. Of course, there were a LOT of unfamiliar feline faces, and many of the ones that were there in February, when I last visited, I couldn't find in the video. Seems like the adoptions of the older, shyer cats have been on the increase recently.

I loved seeing the reaction of the staff and volunteers on the video! It was so funny to see Cathy at the computer, pretending that it's 'business as usual,' but that little grin on her face gave her away! It's so obvious that she and the others on the video were tickled pink to have ZooToo pay our shelter a visit that day! And Kindra, you look sooo exhausted but still so peppy, like the Energizer Bunny! No wonder, you've worked so hard championing CWA. I wish I could have been there, but since I wasn't, I'm savouring every second of that video!

Please check out PennyOnTheFloor's journal entry of April 22, 2008. It's a beautiful tribute to CWA!

Thank you, Zootoo, for visiting the Cat Welfare Association shelter in Columbus, Ohio. It was a lovely day for a celebration. We are so excited that we earned a place in the Zootoo Shelter Makeover Top 20 to be considered for the Big Prize. As the owner of a former Cat Welfare kitty and a volunteer, I can say that I have seen the shelter from both sides... and it is the little shelter with heart no matter how you look at it.

Thanks so much for your visit - what an exciting time for all the humans and especially our kitties. As I walked in to find the shelter standing room only - I chuckled when I looked at how the cats were handling all of this commotion. They felt the excitement as well. It was a very special day for all. I saw a quote on one of Kindra's emails that said "In the heart of every stray is the singular desire to be loved." I sincerely believe that in the heart of all humans is the singular desire to be loved and to give love." And that is the magic of Cat Welfare - where the desire to be loved by our kittes and the desire and need to give love by the humans - come together in a very magical way. It's why I continue to spend time at the shelter and relish the experience. I am hoping and praying for the big monetary prize in the shelter makeover - but we've already been winners through this very unique experience ZooToo and you have offered us. MAIE05

Richard,
I am still basking in the glow of your visit with your Zootoo crew (or maybe it is the sun burn from the beautiful day!) and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your inspiring speech and visit. We at Cat Welfare Association are very lucky to be blessed with an amazing staff, volunteers, members and support from our community. There is a lot of love in our 63 year history and I hope that you felt that on your tour.
As you and I discussed on the ride from the airport to the shelter it is very challenging to be a cats only shelter. We do not have the dog loving donor pool to draw from or the opportunity to have events that appeal to dog owners. We rely entirely on the cat loving members of our community and what a great number of people here in central Ohio that is! There are now more cats than dogs in American homes but it is still a "dog" world out there. I thank you for the awareness that Zootoo and the contest is bringing to cats and I have to say that being selected as the shelter to win the million dollar makeover would be a huge victory for cats across the country! It would do wonders in the arena of better protection for cats under the law and help raise cats to a level above second class citizens!
Cat Welfare Association has done amazing things in our 63 years and I know that we are just getting started. Our work will only be done when there are no more homeless cats in this country and spay and neuter is something that is automatically done for every cat. We would love to expand our shelter and services. There are an estimated one million stray/feral cats in Franklin County alone and CWA would like to help them all! As a limited intake (no kill) shelter we need people to understand the importance of adopting so that we can continue to help those cats that are not yet safely behind our doors.
I wish you safe travels on the rest of your tour and hope that you will remember Cat Welfare Association when you start putting together those envelopes for Florida. I know that we will never forget you or the wonderful experience that we have had with Zootoo.
I hope your cats are enjoying their special cat nip pillows!!
Kindra
Cat Welfare Association
Marketing Coordinator

How can I top Fay's comments? I am so very proud to be a volunteer member of this awesome non-profit organization. I have never worked along with so many compassionate, caring, intelligent, dedicated, hard-working, fun-loving.....need I say more? To be a part of such a wonderful group and to be able to interface with so many "broken/lost" animals, animals that at least now have a chance at being adopted or living their life out in the comfort of Cat Welfare, is a great blessing in my life. This organization obviously attracts the very best staff and volunteers, otherwise they wouldn't have kept in business for 60+ years. Thank you for your great speech and challenge for all to get the word out about these shelters and the issues surrounding them! Thanks to our great marketing person, Kindra, who is one of the best cheerleaders I've ever come across!

Thank you for visiting Cat Welfare. Everytime I go to the shelter I am reminded of the song from "Cheers" . . . "Sometimes you want to go where everybody know your name" All of the 300 Cats at living at Cat Welfare have a name and the staff know them all!! I think it speaks volumes about the respect and caring that the animals here are shown. While many many "family" matches are made, there are also many cats that will not be adopted, but thanks to the shelters no-kill policy, these cats will be able to live their lives in a healthy and loving environment. There are a group of volunteers who routinely take some of the long time resident cats on nursing home visits which benefits both the cats and the community. While great things are being done at Cat Welfare, I am sure you all can see that they could definitely use additional financial support which would enable them to maintain, and expand their desperately needed services. They have demonstrated extremely strong fiscal responsibility - the make the most out of what they have and the number one priority is "the cat residents". The volunteers are extremely hard working and loving. You mentioned the thrift shop that raises money for the shelter, but it also provides a service to low income members of the Columbus community which I don't think many people realize. The shelter volunteer coordinator also has special opportunites for teens and children which are educating a future generation of commuity members who care about humane treatment of animals. You are such a great model not only of providing financial support for this worth cause but also of generating enthusiasm for it. I am sure there are many shelters worthy of financial support and it will be extremely difficult to decide who amoung the many animals, staff and voluenteers is most worthy. While I certainly hope that Cat Welfare will receive financial assistance, I am also very greatful for the increased awareness you have brought to our shelter. We all cheer your efforts and hope you continue for many many years supporting animals and the people who love and care for them. The words "thank you" are not enough, but your heart should be warmed by knowing the amazing number of lives (both human and animal!) that you have touched for the better.

I think that cat welfare is GREAT! I moved to Columbus about 11 years ago, I had a cat that needed spade. The first place that some one told me about was CWA. They really helped me out.

So 2 years ago, I wanted to volunteer some where. I have been petting cats since! I love it. I love all the people at the shelter. I love all the help they offer to the feral cats of Columbus. I had a neighbor that neglected their cat when he got out of the kitten stage. I made sure he could get in to cat welfare. Now, he has been adopted into a loving home. It makes me so happy!

I love that CWA helps me help cats with their low cost spay/neuter program. I could not afford to get stray cats neutered/spayed on my own, but with that program I can help these cats! And help made a small dent in keeping the stray cat population down!

Thank you for being their CWA!
You deserve to win!

A bit "THANKS" to ZooToo for visiting Cat Welfare. I also agree that we have a fabulous organization of caring and dedicated staff and volunteers who love cats and work hard to promote their welfare. We are truly blessed to have a community dedicated to the health and welfare of the pets.

Today was truly magical. It was great to reconnect with my "cat friends" after a long winter. As always, there was exciting talk about the kitties and plams for future events.
We are, I believe, a devoted community who hopes to help even more pets. Thanks to Kindra and Gail and Cat Welfare and also thanks to the people from ZooToo who came to visit us.

CWA sounds like such a wonderful place! I'm so glad the cats have such a wonderful temporary home while waiting for a new family to take them home forever. I'm sure the cats also love the obviously devoted volunteers and staff who are so dedicated them and to helping them learn to trust humans again. You are doing such great work there; keep it up!

Dear Richard,

I am sorry I was not able to attend the ZooToo site visit at CWA today. A new (day-time) job early this year resulted in my relocation to Ottawa, Canada. I have, however, been "moonlighting" on ZooToo helping the wonderful felines of CWA inch towards a much deserved makeover for their shelter!

I am so grateful to you for coming up with the inspiration that is ZooToo. The awareness and recognition that it has brought to CWA and the many shelters across the nation are absolutely priceless. I am convinced that many of the 'un'adoptable cats at the CWA found a home recently because of you, because you made people in the larger community excited to support their local shelter and to run to that shelter to give a needy cat the forever home that it deserves. Kringle, an older cat that was returned to CWA after 8 years of living in a home, a cat that I feared might not be fortunate enough to be adopted twice in a lifetime (he is also the subject of my first journal entry), is now living happily with his new family. Tinkerbell, another older cat with a cloudy eye that had been at the CWA for several years, found her forever home recently in the arms of a loving, elderly woman. Kim, who came to the CWA as a feral and was by all accounts 'wild', was nurtured and loved at CWA, until that wildness subsided and she learned to trust humans--she was adopted during the Valentine's Day event at the CWA. For these cats, and many others at CWA (and many animals throughout the nation), ZooToo has given them the best gift of all: the chance to be seen, to be heard, to be loved--and finally, to leave behind shelter life in exchange for a forever home.

Thank you for believing in CWA! Back in 1945, 7 people saw the need for a no-kill cat shelter in the region. 1945, the year when WWII was ending and most people in the world and the US were eager to rebuild the economy, the social fabric, etc. SEVEN people did not forget the forgotten ones in our society--the animals that have no voice. The generations of CWA members & supporters that followed had big shoes to fill, but they did their forefathers proud! That is my conviction, based on everything that I have seen at the CWA. By shining a spotlight on the CWA, ZooToo has helped in immeasurable ways in helping us continue in this great tradition. In a region where there are an estimated 1,000,000 stray cats, and a euthanasia rate of close to 80% in other local shelters that do not have a no-kill policy, all of CWA's efforts, from taking in cats to providing low-cost spay & neuter services to the community, are making a dent in the cat crisis.

On a more personal note, helping CWA in the ZooToo contest has special meaning for me. You see, my 3 cats, the only cats that I have ever had in my lifetime, have come from CWA. CWA's no-kill policy has made that possible: they all spent over one year at the shelter and by all accounts are 'un'adoptable. They are Hannah, Tabitha and Ariel. When I look at them, I realize that they are still many Hannahs, Tabithas and Ariels at CWA, and many many more on the streets of Columbus. My efforts are for them, and for those less fortunate waiting for a forever home.

I wish all of the other 19 shelters much luck in the contest. Regardless of the outcome, animals somewhere will win, and at the end of the day that is all that matters.

Mary