The Story of the Easement Project

 In 1997, Lori and Terry received a call from a woman asking for help with a situation that had gotten out of control. A neighbor had refused to properly care for over 100 cats living on her property and in the easement behind her. The cats had strayed into neighbor's yards, given birth to kittens, destroyed gardens, climbed on cars, and fought with each other. They were often either run over by cars or taken to the shelter. Some of them died horrible deaths from neighbor's dogs and coyotes.

When Lori and Terry first arrived, they were horrified at what they found. The situation was worse than they had anticipated. There were many pregnant and malnourished cats. Many of the males were covered with abscesses and scars from fighting. Kittens were being born in the weeds, on the roofs of houses, or under the hoods of cars. Others were dying of virulent infections and anemia from all the flea infestations. As if that wasn't enough, they were drinking water contaminated with algae from a swimming pool, which contained about 300 fish. Their water dishes were also filled with algae. The dry kibble they were eating was scattered on the ground and had become moldy.

Lori and Terry quickly got started after the woman moved. The pool was drained by Terry, and the fish relocated. They also discovered a pigeon coup with 13 pigeons had been left in filth conditions. Another rescue group was able to take them. The biggest task was trapping all the cats and taking them home to be nursed back to health. Once they were healthy, they were taken to the vet to be spayed or neutered, tested for viruses, vaccinated, dewormed, and defleaed. Many of the kittens were saved, but not all, which was heartbreaking since Lori and Terry had become attached to them. Of the kittens that made it, many found homes through adoption, while others who were unadoptable or handicapped and now have a home with Lori and Terry.

For the past 12 years, it has continued to be a challenging undertaking for the remaining cats. It is necessary to provide food, water, and needed vet care every day to make certain that the cats remain happy and healthy. The conditions of the area are deplorable and it floods during the winter months. The cats also have no shelter. Lori and Terry's goal is to care for these cats until the end of their lives. This is only possible through the continuing support of people like you.

 The Easement