We are having a tremendous impact on the community and the excitement is building. Just to highlight several of our key programs:
In our last newsletter, I mentioned that the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine for the 2nd year asked Cat Haven to be the lead agency for its monthly Spay Day Program. Through that program, our partner vets and three contracted days at the Spay Baton Rouge facility, we have spay/neutered
almost 500 felines in the first 3 months of 2009. At this rate we will help prevent the birth of between 2,500 and 5,000 unwanted felines already.
Adoptions also are ahead of last year at this time. Although our adoptions are less than what we want or need, over 75 felines found loving homes in the 1st quarter. More important, many were adults. The shelter continues to allow us to rescue and now adopt adult cats in need of new forever homes.
On the volunteer front, we welcomed 24 volunteers to our orientation meeting on March 8th. Based on the number of new volunteers we welcome each week to the Cat Haven family, a second orientation meeting is already scheduled for October. After a very successful year, Sandra Daire is moving to help our Revenue
Generation effort. LeeAnn Coffey agreed to be our 2009 volunteer coordinator and will send additional information as the date nears. Even if you don't actively volunteer, please feel free to attend and learn more about Cat Haven's program.
Our building continues to provide value to our feline rescues and volunteers. We are now housing about 20 cats in the shelter side as they await adoption. The Building committee is already developing the plans for the Feral/Fix-A-Feline Spay/Neuter Clinic. To support this next major expenditure, the Revenue Generation committee has begun grant
writing and planning for future needs.
Finally, because this is our 10th anniversary, the 2009 Cat Tales and Cocktails committee is in high gear. Please visit the fundraising section to learn more about this extraordinary event.
John McChesney
