The Colony
Chronicles
The Newsletter of
Forgotten Felines of Forsyth
Volume One, Issue One
Summer 2008
Pilot Program with Animal Control
Notes from a Converted Feral Cat Lover
Forgotten Felines of Forsyth is a non-profit organization based in Forsyth County, North Carolina. The mission of FFF is to humanely reduce the unwanted homeless cat population through Trap-Neuter-Return. By trapping feral cats, having them neutered and vaccinated, and returning them to their home location (Trap-Neuter-Return), we can greatly reduce the numbers of unwanted feral and stray cats. TNR lowers the intake and euthanasia rates at animal shelters, which saves tax dollars and leaves more space at animal shelters for adoptable cats.
FFF and its
supporters and volunteers currently care for a number of managed feral cat colonies in
Forsyth and surrounding
counties. The cats are fed and watered daily,
are provided with shelter and receive veterinary care when needed. If you are caring for a
feral cat colony, you can register your colony online at www.forsythferalcat.org.
It is through the generosity of our volunteers and supporters that we are making a difference! You can lend your support by sending your tax-deductible contribution today.
For more information about Forgotten Felines of Forsyth, please visit our website at www.forgottenfelinesofforsyth.org
On June 14, twelve dedicated volunteers worked together to hold a gift wrapping event and bake sale at the Great Outdoor Provision Company at Thruway Shopping Center in Winston-Salem, NC. The volunteers who worked the tables braved the heat and rain. Many thanks to GOP for their generosity in hosting this event, and to the wonderful folks who donated baked goods, time, and money to help FFF.
Despite the weather conditions, FFF raised over $490, enough to cover the next 30-cat clinic. Way to go, everyone!!
Bessie Fulk
1942-2008A
very special lady that loved every animal God created, except possibly a couple of snakes,
but especially kitties, particularly yellow and longhaired calico kitties. We, her friends
and cat rescuers and caregivers, dedicate this first issue of Forgotten Felines of
Forsyth’s newsletter to her.
Everyone
that knew Bessie remembers her with a smile. Loving, compassionate, sassy Miss Bessie. Everyone has a funny story. Who knew that thousand pound bulls did not
like you hiding in their corncribs covered with corn with a string tied to your finger
attached to a drop trap trying to catch an injured barn cat? Who knew? However,
it is the animal lovers, the people that spend hours rescuing and helping the animals that
knew the true Bessie. The work of her soul was to help the unwanted and forgotten kitties
and she never wavered from her mission. Very few people appreciated the countless hours
Bessie spent helping feral and stray cats. When others of us would get discouraged with the often times cruel and uncaring humans in their
treatment of animals and we would want to just quit, it was always Bessie’s voice you
would hear saying, “remember we do this for the kitties not for the people.” As my best friend, it was always Bessie who pushed me to help one more
hurt, sick or unwanted cat, to sit by that humane trap for a few more hours. I see
Bessie’s “crooky fingered” arthritic hands gently caring for the sick cats
and the tiny sick kittens we so often have to try to save.
Thank you Bessie, for all your humor, compassion,
and love for every person and animal that was fortunate enough to have passed your way.
You gave this life the best you had and the Lord decided to reward you and take you home.
Home to a place where every animal is loved and has a home. You cheer us on in the sad
times, we hear your laughter in the funny times, and you share our joy with the happy
endings in this difficult world of animal rescue.
Your humble self would be embarrassed by this tribute but
we, your friends, need to express our love for you and our grief of your unexpected
departure. Rest in peace dear Bessie.
Sue Lawson
The humane management of forgotten felines (feral, semi-feral, and stray).
Contact
Information
Forgotten Felines of
Forsyth
302-A South Stratford Road, Box 3
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
www.forgottenfelinesofforsyth.org
"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats."
-Albert Schweitzer