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The

 JAZZPURR JOURNAL



VOLUME XIII                          Number 1                           Spring 2003





In this Issue


It's Going To Be a Wonderful Conference
The City of Windsor and the No-Kill Solution to Cat Overpopulation
Mohawk's Story
Volunteer Recognition
From the Mail
How To Keep Cats Out of Your Yard
Tribute to Liza Jane
Yardsale
Kiddy - Cat Camp
Memorial
Jazzpurr Park



It’s Going to Be a Wonderful Conference!

 

Tellyour friends and neighbours - tell everyone you know - email the world - let them know that they HAVE TO come to this.

The first Canadian No-Kill Conference - it’s about time! There are many no-kill shelters in our country. This conference will bring them together. There are shelters that are wondering how to do it - THEY HAVE TO COME!

           The experts will be here:

Dr. Karen Overall- her book: “Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals” is a bible in solving cat and dog behaviour problems.

Dr. Mary Lou Randour- author of the AniCare program for treating animal abusers and “Animal Grace: Entering a Spiritual Relationship with our Fellow Creatures”.


Dr. Susan Little- talking about clinical programs for feral cats

Leslie Bisgould- Canada’s top animal lawyer


And Many More


Hearing any one of these fabulous people is worth the cost! We’ll have great social events too!There is a 30% discount for all Jazzpurr members. Register before June 2nd.


Please - check the enclosed flyer or go to our web site for full details.www.jazzpurr.org






The City of Windsor and the No-Kill Solution to Cat Overpopulation


     As you all know, we have been making presentations on behalf of animals to Windsor City Council for many years. Most importantly, we have brought the no-kill solution to the problem of companion animal overpopulation to Windsor and Essex County and have been the strongest proponents of it. At our suggestion, Windsor City Council formed a committee to implement a no-kill solution. To our great shock, Jazzpurr Society was not allowed membership on this committee. We were however, allowed to respond to the committee’s report. The committee’s report advocated a two-year trial run on the west side of the city consisting of setting traps in people’s back yards, housing caught cats at the Humane Society one night; taking them to a clinic for neutering; housing them one more night and then releasing them. They will be microchipped and ear-tagged, but will receive no vaccinations (not even rabies) and no after-care of any kind. Including the cost of microchipping, the cost will be $240/cat. Residents will be instructed to keep all “owned”cats inside so that they will not be trapped and will be offered free microchipping. Below is our response in bulleted slide format.


Who We Are:

     Founded in 1991 as a no-kill animal protection organization

      Incorporated as a Non-Profit in October of 1992; Registered Charity in May1993

      Representing: Jazzpurr Voting Members and Friends plus 8,000 Windsor Families who care for stray and feral cats; Jazzpurr Members and Friends are united in the belief that “killing is wrong”


We have been advocating forNo-KillSolutions to Windsor City Council since1993:

 

     1993: Unanimous approval for registered and supervised foster homes

      1996: Unanimous approval for opening of first no-kill shelter

      Participated in dozens of international conferences/workshops on no-kill: established a wealth of information

and international connections

      1998: Unanimous approval for Windsor/Essex County’s first Trap/Neuter/Release program after committee of veterinarians and JSAP staff adapted policies and procedures to our situation.

      Now 5 years of experience. Have converted hundreds of stressful feral situations into managed, neutered, vaccinated and cared-for colonies.

      Along the way: periodically reviewed and revised our policies and procedures so that now we have a smooth, efficient, effective operation.


Response to the Committee’s Proposal

 

     Thrilled that the city has accepted our repeated recommendations to consider the no-kill solution

      Thrilled that City Council formed this committee

      (Personally) Thrilled to see that the Humane Society is participating. It was been 12 years since my first meeting with H/S. For an institution to change its organizational culture and belief system is not easy. If often requires a change in leadership; that the current leadership is giving serious consideration to reverting to a no-kill shelter is worthy of considerable commendation.

      Thrilled that the committee came forward with concrete proposal

        Disappointed:

              That it is not a comprehensive no-kill program, but only a small out-of-context component of an effective program. This by itself, may doom it to failure.

              We know that no-kill programs work; we do not need to do an expensive pilot study

              We know that communities save vast sums of tax-payers’ money through no-kill programs

              We know that all members of the community benefit from implementing these types of humane, compassionate policies and procedures that eliminate the barbaric killing of animals just because they do not homes with humans.


What is a Comprehensive No-Kill Community Program?


FIRST: Education

      Advocacy for tolerance of cats as urban wildlife

      Encourage and validate empathy, compassion

      Provide information on animal repellants

      Mediate neighbour-to-neighbour disputes


SECONDLY: A full-time spay/neuter clinic

      Access to free or low-cost sterilization programs with incentives (San Francisco SPCA gave $5/cat brought in)

      Full-Time Sterilization Clinic

      With Veterinary Services of One FTE DVM and two FTE RVT’s:

      6,000 cats per year

      Cost: $250,884 or $41.81/cat

      Includes rabies vaccination


        Why A Full Time Clinic NOW?

                        New Hampshire: an investment of $883,590 in spay/neuter saved the state $2,369,835 in impoundment costs

                        So successful that shelters are now importing animals from Central America to fill the adoption requests

                        Minnesota: $1.00 spent on spay/neuter saved them $18.72 over ten years.

                        88% of Windsorites support spay/neuter programs as opposed to “catch and kill” - Petitions, etc.

                        Jazzpurr has the facilities; does not have the operating funds: Looking for community support to make it happen


THIRDLY: Well Managed Feral Colonies

      Provision for life-long care of animals after sterilization either in “home” territories or through structured relocation programs;

      TNR programs that do not provide for this are severely criticized by professional organizations such as AVMA and advocacy organizations such as PETA.


Jazzpurr’s Long-Term Solution

        Jazzpurr Park:

                        2 acre property next to a city park that, with the City of Windsor’s permission, will become

                        A sanctuary for hundreds of needy animals of all kinds

                        A clinic

                        A learning and resource centre similar to Point Pelee’s facility


In summary: Urge you NOT to do JUST a pilot study

      Fear: lengthy delays in taking the necessary action to solve the problem: e.g. Western Super Anchor

      Failure of pilot study because of many problems in the design and the great expense ($240/cat)

      Can do a full-time clinic for $40/cat


If the only option is a trial TNR program:

      Please understand that we have been running a successful TNR program for five years

      Built on successful programs in other areas combined with the advice of local veterinarians


In order for it to have a chance to SUCCEED!

              Approach: make it totally voluntary: DO ITFORTHE PEOPLE, NOTTOTHEM

              Legal Ownership must be established

              Utilize a safe three-day trapping procedures with constant monitoring  

              AFTERCARE: Short-term medical monitoring and life-long feral colony management

              Rabies vaccinations essential; preventative rabies inoculations for all handlers

              Relocation provision: consider Animal Assisted Therapy Programs with Regional Children’s Centre and Malden Park Long-Term Care Facility

              Success Factors:

              Programs that are done FOR THE PEOPLE and ANIMALS

              Totally voluntary; Incentive-driven ($5 - $10 reward)

              Assure maximum safety for the animals

              Respect care-givers, support them, validate them

              Cost should be $60 - $75 (with microchipping) per cat, not $240

              Two-tiered: encourage those who can afford it to partner by taking animals to a regular clinic; many individuals and groups are enthusiastic partners and have brought business to clinics

              Provide free clinic service to those who

                cannot afford it.


        WE ADVOCATE: Full-Time S/N Clinic

              Most efficient use of $$$

              Cost of $40/cat

              6,000 cats/year


MOST EFFECTIVE IF VOLUNTARY AND DRIVEN BY INCENTIVES, NOT COERCION.






Mohawk's Story

by C. Bryant


Today as I sit here all cozy and warm

I look outside and watch the blustery winter storm.

It wasn't that long ago I was out in the cold,

And like many a stray cat, my story has never been told.

 

For life as a young kitten was really tough,

The children who had me were much too rough.

One day in self defence I scratched and I bit,

For I'd had enough of being battered and hit.

 

They became angry and I was thrown out the door,

When I begged to come in, I was told "you don't live here anymore."

Oh, where to find food, oh, where to keep warm,

Oh, where to seek shelter from winter's harsh storm.

 

Every day I looked for food and tried to survive,

I ate from the garbage just to stay alive.

My coat had become matted right down to the skin,

And with no food to eat, I had become very thin.

 

One day a SCAT volunteer, such a kind soul,

Put out a trap with a smelly food bowl.

With hunger gnawing at my tummy, I entered to dine,

The door crashed shut and I started to yowl and to whine.

 

My body was shaking and trembling with fear,

She looked inside and softly said "Oh, what a dear!"

She drove me to the vet and said "another from the trailer court."

At first their attention and love I did thwart.

 

It wasn't long before my mattes were shaved and I had a new look,

They called me "Mohawk" and entered me in their book.

 

I could never be sure when they took me from my cage,

Whether, if like the children, I was going to be the victim of their rage.

"Oh, what to do with Mohawk" Linda said to her friend,

"With this biting there seems to be no end.

 

He is tame, so putting him back in a colony won't do,

And the only volunteer who won't be afraid of him has to be you."

 

Soon I was loaded into a kennel and on my way to a new house.

This place isn't so bad, there's lots of food, a soft bed & even a toy mouse.

Now when I go to bite, my new Mom gently takes me by the scruff,

And says "No Mohawk", that's quite enough!

 

Life here is good, I can't believe my luck,

I have lots of food, love and I've become quite a suck!

Sitting in the window and watching the birds is such fun,

 

I can smell the fresh air and bask in the sun.

 

I love to help make popcorn and watch as it flies down the chute,

And dipping my paws in the melting butter is a real hoot!

"Oh Mohawk, out of the butter" I get threatened with a squirt,


But water from a spritzer bottle surely won't hurt.

 

My fur has grown back, all silky and soft,

And I pretend I'm a lion lounging in my loft.

Life certainly is wonderful as I sit on the inside of the outside door,

And with a screened in deck to enjoy, I couldn't want for more.

 

I love to snuggle under the covers to sleep,

I even allow the dog her place on the bed to keep.

I've heard my foster Mom say,

"Mohawk, you've stolen my heart and here you will stay."

 

Oh God in heaven, please hear my prayer,

For the other cats on the street to have someone to care.

 


-Thanks to Linda Jean Gubbe ofSCAT Street Cat Rescue Program, Saskatoon for this submission







Volunteer Recognition


The foundation of a successful non-profit agency is its volunteers. This issue, we’d like to recognize Patricia Lester and John Long as exemplary examples of what volunteering is all about. Pat and John are always willing to go out of their way to help out with anything that needs to be done. Their enthusiasm and love of animals make them an asset to Jazzpurr Society .





















From the Mail:


Dear Jazzpurr Society,


                I wanted to write to you to thank you for my adoption of Crystal and to let you know how things are going. She has become quite a delightful little companion. She now sleeps beside me most nights on my bed but also enjoys her bed on top of the book shelf. A friend gave me several cat toys when she heard of Crystal’s arrival, and Crystal spends a significant amount of time batting them around the apartment. She loves exploring closets, but most to her liking is the bird nest built into the apartment wall opposite my bedroom window – she takes her post there daily at dawn and at dusk to watch the comings and goings of the birds. She drools with satisfaction when I pet or brush her, and likes to sit on my desk as I do my work (as she is doing right now!). And she can run from one end of my apartment to the other in record time (repeatedly!)

                She has become a source of much enjoyment and I thank you again for your role in bringing us together.


Sincerely,

Marg






How To Keep Cats Out of Your Yard

(For many of you, this is not a problem; but if it is, or if you have neighbours that don't like cats - this may be helpful)
 

Our backyards play host to a variety of animals, including cats. All animals fill important roles in our urban environment, but if you want to keep cats out of your yard, there are many humane ways to deter them. Keep in mind that what might work for one cat might not work for another, so it helps to be willing to try more than one solution.

 

           Push disposable wooden chopsticks or 10-inch plant stakes into flower beds every eight inches to prevent cats from digging or scratching.

           Cats dislike the smell of citrus: try putting orange and lemon peelings out; spraying the area with citrus-scented sprays; or sprinkling with an orange-scented pet bedding like Citrafresh.

           Spray cat repellent (available at pet supply stores) around the perimeter of your yard and along the top of the fences.

           Sprinkle cayenne pepper in the area you want to keep the cat away from.

           Scatter coffee grounds or pipe tobacco in the area

           Try growing the herb rue – cats dislike the smell. You may also be able to buy it dried in health food stores.

           Soak strips of old towels or rags with stale perfume and hang them near target plants.

           Ultrasonic animal repellents may be effective. Real Goods Catalogue (800-762-7325) sells one for cats.

           A motion-activated sprinkler that sprays intruding animals is manufactured by Contech (800-767-8658)


           The Cat Fence-In System can be used to completely exclude cats and other animals from your yard.

If the cats belong to your neighbours,talk to them and try to work things out amicably. Encourage them to keep litter boxes in their houses and yards for the cats to use.

If the cats are feral (un-tamed),

 

FERAL CATS

Often, the cats people see in their backyards (or in parks and alleyways) are feral cats. These are animals –previously abandoned or born wild– who are not accustomed to humans. Since feral cats are not tame or socialized, they cannot be placed in homes, and so are routinely killed if they are trapped and taken to the City’s Humane Society.

 

The most humane and effective way to control the population of feral cats is through spaying and neutering. Not only does spay/neuter prevent more kittens from being born, it also decreases unwanted behaviour like spraying, fighting, howling, and roaming. Trapping and killing cats, on the other hand, opens up a niche for more cats to move in and is usually only a temporary fix.

 

The Jazzpurr Society for Animal Protection’s ‘Spay/Neuter and Release’ Program provides free spay/neuter and vaccinations for Essex County feral cats. The altered cats, identified by a notched ear, are then released to the care of a feral colony manager.






 

A Tribute to “Liza Jane”

By Pat Walker

 

            I lost my little Liza Jane on Shrove Tuesday, March 4, 2003. There is a hole in my heart which will take a while to heal.

 

            Liza Jane and her two siblings appeared in my yard and at my cat feeding station in the summer of ‘91, accompanied by their mother. The ‘triplets’ always traveled together. Liza Jane got pregnant the next year. I discovered her four babies under my flowering almond bush and brought them inside, setting up a nursery in my basement. All the kittens went to good homes. I had Liza Jane spayed and arranged for her adoption. I hesitated to keep her since she exhibited a strong interest in my two birds and there was an integration problem with my resident cat, Miss Muffet. Also, I didn’t think it fair to relegate her to the basement.

 

            The adoption process didn’t work in this case. Liza Jane went to three different homes, but was returned to me within a week in each care. She refused to eat and would hide away from family members. Apparently she had made her choice, and it wasme.

 

            Eventually, she lost interest in the birds and was tolerated by Muffy. The even “shadow-boxed” each other on occasion.

 

            She was terrified of strangers but very lovable with me. I couldn’t read a book or a paper without having her curl up on my lap purring. If I napped in the afternoon, she’d be right there with me. She loved to be petted and groomed. I shall miss her smooth black coat, big luminous green eyes and her comical over-bite.

            At the end, having her euthanized was the right

thing to do. A serious internal infection had overwhelmed her in a very short time and the prognosis was poor. Now my little sweetheart is in “the happy hunting ground” with her mother, brother and sister. I will never forget her.










yardsale.gif

Is it time to do your spring cleaning? Don’t just throw it out,RECYCLE IT!!Jazzpurr will be hosting it’s sidewalk sale on July 12th (Raindate: July 13th) and we need your gently used, clean items. (No furniture or clothes, please!)


Please call us for drop-off dates. Limited pickupsavailable.









KIDDY - CAT SUMMER CAMP - 2003

morgan.jpg









Preregistration for either session required by June 15th, 2003

$ 165.00 weekly, tax receipts can be provided


Fax:           (519) 258-3562

Phone:      (519) 258-9299

E-mail:     [email protected]

Website:   www.jazzpurr.org





For boys and girls

7 yrs to 9 yrs and 10 yrs to 12 yrs


CRAFTS, GAMES, REAL CAT CUDDLES, STORIES, CAT NAPS, DRAMA

      EMPATHY - BUILDING, LANGUAGE and CAT CARE SKILLS

 

Session AJULY 7 to 11 and 14 to 18

SessionBAUGUST 11 to 15, and 18 to 22

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily

Bring own lunch : Small snacks provided

to be held at

THE HERB GRAY CENTRE FOR NON-PROFIT EXCELLENCE

647 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, ON, N9A 4J4







Barbara Paquette (1920-2003)


Jazzpurr would like to acknowledge the passing of a long time member, Barbara Paquette, on March 27, 2003. Our deepest sympathies to her family.







Jazzpurr Park

The Vision

A park-like biophilial nature centre in which individuals and groups can explore, investigate, interact, enjoy and receive the therapeutic benefits of companion and other animals.


Physical Components:

Outside:

           Enclosed picnic and play-grounds in which suitable animals are free to interact with visitors

Inside:

         A learning centre with print and computer library, learning station, classroom and seminar facilities.

           A visiting/therapy room for interactions

           Individual, airy, furnished dormers for all animals available for adoption

           Clinic for admitted animals, for stray and feral animals and for the companions of low-income residents

           Research facilities, administrative and office facilities

           Retail Sales Area


The Programs

Visitation: 

           Families, school groups, seniors groups, etc. can visit the animals informally.

Education: 

           Individuals of all ages can use the library and resource facilities to investigate any aspect of animal care, behaviour, medicine or inter-species interaction (ethology and Anthrozoölogy).

           Individuals or groups touring the educational facilities learn the basics of animal care through attractive learning stations.

           Formal seminars, courses, conferences are held for the general public and for professionals.

Research: 

           The facility will be ideal for the study of animal behaviour and human-animal interactions.

Therapy:

           The benefits of interacting with animals in therapeutic settings and for therapeutic purposes are well documented. This facility will provide such opportunities for children, seniors, and those who are emotionally, mentally and physically handicapped.

           The facility will also provide therapy for those who have problems with animal abuse - both children and adults.

Sanctuary: 

           There will be facilities to provide temporary shelter for several hundred companion animals.

Rehabilitation:

           The centre will provide physical and behaviourial rehabilitation services to resident animals and outside animals to facilitate their adoption and their retention in adoptive homes.


Long-Term Care Sanctuary and Hospice:

           The centre will provide sanctuary and hospice care to animals that have no other place to live happily.

Clinic:

           A full service clinic will heal and treat all admitted animals.

           It will neuter all stray and feral cats.

           It will provide free or low-cost veterinary services to persons of documented financial need.

Save-the-Strays Program:

           Neuter all stray and feral companion animals.

           Return them to managed and supervised feral colonies.

           Monitor and examine them annually.

Adoption/Support Program:

           Provide for the adoption of all companion animals by competent, responsible and compassionate individuals and families

           Provide life-long support to the adopters to assist in successful and happy adoptions.

           Provide support in the case of pet loss.

 

 

 

Members and Friends...

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP

 

 

YES, I Will Help


NAME ___________________________________________________________________________________


Street Address: _____________________________________________________________________________


City/ Town: _____________________________ Prov/ State: _________________ Postal/Zip ______________


Home Phone: ____________________________Work: ______________________ Fax: __________________


Email: _____________________________________________________________



I would like to:

 

                   Donate $ _____________ . ____             In a lump sum (Enclosed)

Monthly (1st Month Enclosed)

 

                       Become a member:

 

                                                 $20 Annually for a Single Membership

                                                 $30 Annually for a Family/ Group Membership

                                                 $10 Annually for a Jazzpurr Junior (Under 19 yrs of Age)

                                                 $200 Foster Parent (Tax Receipt)

                                                 $400 Clinic Sponsor (Tax Receipt)

                                                 $1000 Lifetime (Tax Receipt)

 

Volunteer (We will send you an information package)

 

Method of Contributing: ___________ Cheque ___________VISA ___________ MasterCard

(Please do not send cash!)


Name on Card: ______________________________________________


Account Number: ____________________________________________


Expiry Date: ________________________________________________


Signature: __________________________________________________



THANK YOU!