Category: “Guardian News”

Feral Cat TNR Project

Feral Cat TNR Project

Emergency Feral Cat TNR Project at Local Campground

September 2014 — Texas Animal Guardians is currently working on an emergency TNR project that involves spay/neuter and relocation of 25 plus feral cats/kittens from a local RV camp in Comal County, Texas. The cats, more than likely former pets of campground residents who moved on, are unaltered. So it hasn’t taken long for these former pets to produce a colony of “feral” cats.

Texas Animal Guardians (TAG) became aware of the situation through a Good Samaritan who was feeding the cats/kittens. TAG’s volunteers stepped in to help round up the cats for spay/neuter surgeries. The clinic visits also included testing for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeL), rabies and combo vaccinations, internal and external parasite control and medications for existing medical concerns.  Sadly, a lot of kittens were in serious ill health. They were removed first and taken to TAG’s veterinarian for hospitalization.

Unfortunately the good Samaritan was evicted from the campground for feeding the cats. Despite the fact that TAG is actively engaged in the TNR, removing the cats/kittens as rapidly as possible, some of the campground residents are shooting them. It’s completely unnecessary to kill the cats in this manner. Texas Animal Guardians (TAG) has removed the majority of the kittens and many of the mother cats. The humane trapping is an ongoing process and TAG is confident that all the cats will be removed, provided with vet care, spay/neuter surgeries and relocated.

However, Texas Animal Guardians is placing a plea for help to the Comal County, Blanco County and Hays County communities. TAG desperately needs relocation placement for the adult cats. The adoptable kittens have been transferred into our adoption program. For obvious reasons, the adult cats can not be returned to the campground. They have been outdoor cats the majority of their lives and will prefer living outdoors. They are friendly, approachable and used to people, other cats and dogs. They’d make great barn cats or resident cats for rural businesses. We provide help with the acclimation process. We just need local residents willing to give them outside homes.

Please, contact us if you can help in any way, either financially or by providing a few cats an outdoor space to live. Thank you in advance for spreading the word and giving us your support!

 

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For more information about and studies about TNR please see these links:

PDF Booklet on TNR vs. Alternatives

Key Scientific Studies on Trap-Neuter_Return

 

NOTE: Please remember that all dumped and abandoned animals, domesticated cats included, are the victims of inhumane (and illegal) treatment by humans. Dogs, not just cats, are dumped now in larger numbers than ever before. America is now dealing with feral dog issues the likes of which is unprecedented. This is largely due to a declining economy and a growing American population from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Both documented and undocumented immigrants bring cultural taboos against neutering male cats/dog. This mindset increases the likelihood of unwanted pet over population. Not to mention that undocumented immigrants exceed documented ones and most do not speak English. So getting the message of spay/neuter out to them is almost impossible. How can we help? By providing education with easy-to-understand visuals. And informing people to NOT get pets if they can’t afford them.

Many of the animals received into our adoption program need expensive medical care. Your tax deductible contribution helps pay for this. Won’t you please consider a small donation to help needy animals get well? This gives them a chance at adoption and a new life. Thank you in advance!




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Post Date September 3, 2014
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Texas Animal Guardians has moved to Fischer, Texas!

Texas Animal Guardians has moved to Fischer, Texas!

For Immediate Release

June 7, 2013

Texas Animal Guardians has relocated from Blanco, Texas to Fischer, Texas. The decision was made for several reasons, principally the fact that Fischer is in Comal County and TAG has been active in this county since its inception. The other reason is that Comal County is one of several counties in Texas that are under served by animal welfare organizations.

The change made sense on many levels: Our veterinarians are in Comal County as is the Petsmart store where we hold adoption events. All in all, it just made sense to have the small town of Fischer become our official location.

Fischer is a lovely little town midway between Blanco and New Braunfels. This little town is known for its Fischer Hall, Fischer Store and Fischer Bowling area. Popular annual events are held at the Fischer Hall and it is hoped that future event planning will include this lovely old structure.

Our official new address is:

Texas Animal Guardians

P.O. Box 106

Fischer, Texas 78623-106

 

Additionally, TAG has revised its mission statement.  Initially TAG wanted to provide aid for pet owners experiencing difficult life transitions. That original vision has proven to be difficult to execute, not only because of funding but because many well-meaning folks were not able to reclaim their pets after the initial three months of boarding. This placed a financial burden on our volunteer boarding facilities and also tied up available foster homes.

The Kibble Kare program is still available whenever funds allow. This program gives temporary help to pet owners by providing pet food for both dogs and cats.

TAG’s primary focus is getting as many cats and dogs as we can out of the shelter system and into loving homes. Last year TAG placed over 85 cats and dogs into homes. This year TAG is well on the way to exceed that number. To help with this effort, TAG has partnered with PALS (in San Marcos) to foster kittens and place them into homes. Our director, Penny Solis, supplies the love, care and shelter for these little “babies.” Naturally TAG will continue to pull from “high” kill shelters. Each dog that is placed into a home opens up space for another dog.

We couldn’t do it without all the support we receive from our second “family” at the New Braunfels Petsmart store, our wonderful veterinarians at Canyon City Animal Hospital, and the fantastic community of adopters, supporters and volunteers.

Thank you to all!

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Post Date June 7, 2013
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Kibble Kare Maiden Voyage

On Monday, November 8, 2010 Texas Animal Guardian volunteers loaded up their vehicles with pet food and treats for distribution in the towns of Boerne and Bandera, Texas. Heading up the project was Joanna Benedict, a volunteer at the Hill Country Animal League (HCAL)  located in Boerne, Texas. Although the Kibble Kare program is not officially launched, Joanna’s plea for help set the course to up the schedule for the Kibble Kare’s maiden voyage.

Hayden and Hanna Perryman with Sweetie

Our first stop was a visit with a senior dog named Sweetie, whose owner, Annie, has been hit by hard times. It was an emotional meeting as Sweetie’s mom thanked volunteers for the much needed help. Food was passed out, treats were distributed and Sweetie posed with Hannah and Hayden, a lovely smile of joy on her face. Later we received a touching email of thanks, as Sweetie’s mom requested a copy of the photo of Sweetie and the kids so that she could have it framed. “It was hard to see people struggling, but it was so sweet seeing how much they care for their animals,” said Hannah.

The Kibble Kare Kar made its next stop in Bandera where food was unloaded for more folks in need. Some were feeding large feral colonies of cats, these people are the cat’s only source of food. While some volunteers chatted with the humans others wandered around visiting with the cats. From the looks on the kitties faces it appears as if they approved. All were thankful and happy about the program and it is our hope that the food can get them through another month.

As the day wore on another memorable stop was made at the home of a former nurse, the pet parent of several large dogs. Without transportation and a partner in a long-term care facility, there is just not enough money in her account to manage all the bills. It’s one of those situations where you wish you could wave a magic wand and make it all better. Unfortunately it’s not that easy! “I liked giving the food for the animals,” said Hayden, “but it was very sad to see good people having a hard time.” On the up side, the dogs enjoyed visiting with the kids and they were delighted with the treats.

More Appreciative Dogs

While the Kibble Kare program will not ordinarily involve delivery of food to people’s homes, this first-hand experience was beneficial to volunteers on many levels. First, all of us learned that each person has their own story, their own unique situation, and no two circumstances are alike.

And thanks to Joanna, we now have a much better idea of who the Kibble Kare program will help. Second, Texas Animal Guardians was able to forge a partnership with HCAL in Boerne to secure future pet food deliveries for people in need.

The day was eventful, emotional, and very satisfying. It is such a blessing to bring joy into the lives of people who might otherwise be forgotten. The benefit of helping pets stay healthy and well-fed is an additional bonus that brings warmth to our hearts. We only wish we could do more ….

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Post Date December 20, 2010
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