PAWSitively Cats by Doug May

PAWSitively Cats

Sheryl  Campbell, Executive Director of PAWSitively Cats, presented an informative program about this special shelter in Tucson to the SaddleBrooke Rotary Club.  Sheryl initially began caring for homeless cats as an individual effort and then had the opportunity to take on a struggling shelter, greatly expanding her range of care.  It now houses three hundred cats with another one hundred in foster care homes. The goal of the shelter is to get all cats adopted.  A Trap, Neuter and Return program is promoted in which homeless feral cats are humanely treated and returned to the location where they were found.

Other services of PAWSitively Cats include caring for the sheltered cats with discounted rates provided by veterinarians.  Additionally, a public education program supports teaching students in classrooms about the proper treatment of pets.  This is very positive and successful, and surveys after the training have shown good results of positive pet care.

Funding for operating PAWSitively Cats is provided through a recently awarded matching grant and donations.  There is also a PAWS Club for those who would like to adopt a pet but cannot bring one into their home.  These pets may be chosen at the shelter but remain there.

Sheryl presented a picture of a compassionate organization serving a need in the Tucson area that is larger than many people realize.  Additional information can be found on their website at www.PAWSitelyCATS.org.