Жители Южной Парка в Дейтоне запустили программу стерилизации бездомных кошек и ищут помощь

One of the questions I get most often is “where” and “how” I come up with article ideas. I always have the same response: “I get ideas anywhere and everywhere I go.” This week’s column is a case-in-point. I was lying in a recovery room at Miami Valley Hospital after a medical procedure when I struck up a conversation with one of the nurses. She told me about a project in her neighborhood that could use some support. I told her about the Dayton Daily News “Make a Difference” column and invited her to send me some information. It turned out that Shannon O’Brien lives in South Park where she’s the president and treasurer of the South Park Cat Care Collective TNR Program. She said historic South Park is a large community of 850 homes, but with a small-town feel where neighbors not only smile and wave, but will loan you the shirt off their back. People from all walks of life come together whether it’s a Porch, Patio, Deck (PPD) party, or helping to take care of those who are most vulnerable. She said those who live in South Park not only say they care but actually show it. That’s why they went into action when it came to the feral cats. According to completecatguide.com, the trap-neuter-return programs have been gaining popularity as a humane and cost-effective solution to manage feral cat populations. At its core, TNR involves trapping stray cats, neutering or spaying them, and then releasing them back into their colonies. This method has gained popularity worldwide for its humane and effective way of addressing the issue of feral cats in urban areas. “During COVID, South Park’s community cat population began to grow exponentially as local trap, neuter and release options shut down,” said South Park neighbor and supporter Sarah Morris. “A group of neighbors formed the South Park Cat Care Collective, which has neutered over 300 cats in the neighborhood over the last several years. It’s made a huge difference in the amount of territorial spraying, fights, and overpopulation in the neighborhood. It’s been good for the cats and for the neighborhood.” The organization would greatly appreciate support from our Make a Difference readers. Here’s what they can use: - Drop trap - Cat trapping gloves x2 - Humane cage net - Extra-large disposable puppy pads - Friskies, Fancy Feast or Temptations wet and dry food - Canned tuna or salmon for trapping - Extra-large soft sided crates - Disinfecting wipes and animal friendly cleaning supplies - Light-weight clumping liter and large bath towels Your donations can be dropped off at 116 Park Drive, Dayton. You’re asked to put the items close to the door and against the porch banister. You can also mail them to: SPCCC/TNR, c/o Amanda Knob, 116 Park Drive, Dayton, OH 45410. For updates on TNR, donations raised and the ways in which funds are used check out the organization’s Facebook page: South Park Cat Care Collective TNR program. So now, dear readers, you know how and where I get story ideas.