As well as TNR to lower community cat population we also have a successful adoption program where cats at risk because of unsocial behavior are Rescued, Rehab'ed & Rehomed What if we spayed and neutered as many cats as possible in the 27 colonies we had come across to reduce the birth of kittens and consequently the number of cats overall. It seemed like an impossible endeavour but we decided to pioneer this thing called “Trap-Neuter-Return”. We educated ourselves on the subject, raised money and set about fixing so many feral cats it would make your head spin. During that year, we eventually fixed close to 300 community then known as feral cats. We faced adversities and criticism along the way but we pressed on. Today, to the best knowledge of our caregivers there are 5 colonies and less than 10 cats living a feral lifestyle in that particular area. Of course management of the area has continued over the years and other colonies in other parts of the city have been helped. When first TNR’ing a location it has its fair share of feral kittens so we found ourselves having to provide for them within our rescue, hence the Rescue, Rehabilitation, Rehome progams came to be. Today, the three R’s of 10 years ago have grown to mean so much more than when we started. RESCUE: We tend to take the cats and kittens that others turn away from. Socially and medically challenged mainly, many of which are awaiting euthanasia in other facilities. The list includes, but not limited to pregnant community cats, neonates, strays, injured and distressed, senior aged cats. Basically we will try to help any who have been turned down by mainstream shelters. REHABILITATE: We employ the use of time, patience, play and a sense of calm to help these cats that have no human social connection. For those needing medical intervention we provide the veterinary care. Neonates are bottle fed and don’t only grow with their siblings but are adopted as pairs to ensure they continue to grow to be the best companion pets they can be. Our programs take a lot of time and that time in care increases our financial costs way more than the TNR group we were of yesterday. RE-HOME: Our most bittersweet part of rescue. We currently have 6 Pet Valu adoption partner stores. Due to the social nature of most of our cats and kittens on intake, our Step 1 and Step 2 foster homes become very emotionally invested. LCL understands their need to know their “babies” are going to the best possible homes so we are very cognizant of including them through the process. Our organization adopts on “fit” therefore, the animal being applied for has to fit the environment it would potentially go into. Our process moves from written application, phone conversation, virtual family meet, and finally in family meet and greet. It may seem quite a daunting process as an applicant, but we try to keep it as light and positive as possible all the while making sure our little stars will feel right at home when they go. We also have other programs within our rescue one of course is our Rodent Wranglers which is basically our barn/shop placements. It is specifically designed for the cats that fit best in a more independent lifestyle. They remain socially challenged even after our best efforts. Sharing is Caring is our other. It is an 11th hour reprieve. Cats and kittens going through this program are usually facing immediate euthanasia for a treatable medical condition due to families being financially challenged. Most calls come in to us from the emergency veterinary clinics. When possible most cats are moved to our partnering vet clinic who provides the necessary treatment to us at a rescue discount. Providing we feel the home is where the cat should be we gladly return him/her to the family. So there you have it. LCL in a nutshell. A TNR group and so much more!
