You might think small things can’t make a big difference, but it’s been our experience at FixNation that small actions are often the beginning of huge change for animals. Our Catalina Cats Mission is no exception.
It all started with a Facebook post. That’s right, something as little and commonplace as a social media post got the ball rolling. A kind, feline-loving, Good Samaritan named Alicia posted a message about wanting to help cats on the California island of Catalina. She had been visiting there when she learned about its large feral population, and the few people willing to help the cats in need. The colony Alicia stumbled upon had been in existence for about twenty years. Its former caretaker, Hillary, had moved to Oregon to start a cat sanctuary (and she took as many cats as she could with her), which left Ari and Sylvia, a generous couple who take care of the grounds of the Del Rey Yacht Club on Catalina, to step up to the plate and care for these cats.
Sadly, most of the island’s citizens simply wanted the animals gone and considered them pests. Many think trap-neuter-return (TNR) and feeding just encourages a problem, and would prefer to let homeless cats starve to death. With only one vet on Catalina Island who’s office is an hour away from the colony, Sylvia and Ari had been trying to keep the population under control with scant resources and minimal support. Alicia knew help was needed, hence her Facebook plea and passionate cry.
That very plea got the attention of our own co-founder, Karn Myers, who got in touch with Alicia to let her know that we have vets and we could help! Because FixNation’s Medical Director and Chief Vet is also a pilot, and because one of our clients owns a flight school, she knew it was possible to make a rescue mission happen. Karn and Alicia helped get organizations together, funds raised, and a plan to form.
The idea was to not only spay/neuter, but also to fully vet and examine the thirty to forty cats living in this Catalina colony. They decided it would be more stressful to pick up and fly the cats back to Los Angeles, and once again back to the island, rather than just set up shop in Catalina. Although that meant various moving parts had to be arranged, Karn wouldn’t give up. She coordinated and networked until the dream became a reality.
William Oglesby, FixNation’s Practice Manager, got to Catalina first to set up Fixnation traps. He, Alicia, and volunteers spent two days trapping. Then the whole team flew in a couple of days later with supplies, equipment, an anesthesia machine, and veterinarians. A MASH-style clinic was fashioned within minutes, and upon the team’s arrival, twenty-nine cats were already caught and waiting for services. There were several still out there who would have to be tracked down later.
The clinic began at eleven in the morning and everyone hit the ground running. They vaccinated all of the cats, provided flea treatment, and did spay/neuter on the ones still intact. Fluids and antibiotics were given, ear tips as needed, and microchips for everybody. Lastly, each cat was tested feline for FIV and FELV, and the ones who needed major dental work were identified. Every cat was treated like a housecat, with excellent care, respect, gentleness and kindness. Because the island doesn’t have a plane tower and the LA team had to depart by seven that evening, they worked tirelessly through the day and made it back to the airport by six-fifty – just in the nick of time!
Of the twenty-nine cats helped on the island, a few were tame and came back with Alicia, including Fluffy, an older cat who needed extra care. He is now safe and sound in a sanctuary. The rest were re-released back to colony near the marina.
When the FixNation team returned, they got in touch with the Catalina crew about any remaining cats who were not treated while they were there. These six kitties were finally caught and brought in for vet care by flying into Los Angeles. Dental was needed for one, a second kitty needed supportive care and attention, two were positive to FELV so more tests were run, and two new cats were trapped. Of these six, four were flown back to the colony that same day, and two stayed with Alicia. They will be joining their once original caretaker, Hillary, at her Oregon sanctuary – talk about full circle!
All in all, this mission took a village. It took Alicia, our volunteer pilots, our entire staff and team, Hillary at the sanctuary, kind-hearted volunteers in Catalina, and cat-lovers like Ari and Sylvia who will continue to feed the colony. Food was donated, planes were lent, and everybody donated their time, even the vets. FixNation donated supplies by the bushels, and all of it was done for the good of those cats. One Facebook post led to dozens of lives improved forever.
It has been discovered that there are several other colonies on the island. FixNation is currently trying to figure out how to help them, wade through the politics, and raise the much-needed funds necessary to carry out another Catalina mission. By replenishing stock and fundraising, it is possible to do this again. FixNation’s goal is to carry out many more missions like this one, and help more Catalina cats whenever they should need.
It just goes to show that a small grassroots effort and the magic of social media can bring amazing people together. Incredible efforts are possible, and powerful relationships can develop. Anyone can be a part of doing something extraordinary. Anyone. You just have to begin. You just have to do it. Join us.
