In my ongoing efforts to build the Campus Cats program at UM I've been talking to the wise Sandy from Barry University about their very successful Pals for Paws program. The Barry University feral cat program not only has a strong student base, but they also have a successful adoption program to find homes for their adoptable colony cats. So much to learn and so little time!!!
That being said, Sandy has organized a group of core individuals from the major South Florida Universities to form a partnership that will allow us to share information and help each other as we all try to clean up the cat colonies on campus. We are looking to go after a few grants, which hopefully will aid us in getting all the cats sterilized, vaccinated and eventually adopted (if possible). We're also looking to create a heavy educational component to the campus cat programs, including lectures, classes and student based volunteer groups. We only just had our first "meeting of the minds" last Friday, but I'm happy to report it was very helpful and encouraging! I've since reached out to our biology department to find some way to partner (the educational component...), and have been corresponding with other universities that have successful campus cat programs. I will also be working with the new Pre-Vet Society president, who fingers crossed will be more receptive than the last.
It's good to feel like we're finally getting somewhere with this (beyond just myself and a few people with encouraging words)!!!
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