Mission/history
Spay/neuter
Feral cats
Who's in PAWS

New operations volunteers received special hands-on training at PAWS Board members Heather and Doug Davis' house on September 7, 2002. Click thumbnails below for a larger image (pictures open in new window).

Click here for a slideshow on the construction of a feral cat shelter.

PAWS Vice-President and resident expert Angela Burton, who has been doing animal work for over 35 years, provided background information about PAWS and procedures for making appointments prior to the demonstration part of the training. Trainees also watched a short video, showing exactly what they would be doing, prior to moving outside.

Burton demonstrated how to set a humane trap and how to transfer a cat from the
trap to a feral handling system (the key being how to do this without letting the cat escape!). Perhaps the most invaluable part of the training is always Burton's tips and tricks on how to trap stubborn and/or very smart cats!

"Any problem that surfaces is one that Angela has already resolved," commented former PAWS President E. J. Stapler. "Angela has a unique skill for being able to think like a stray cat or dog. She knows exactly what to do to catch them, either from experience or instinct. It's uncanny."

Burton also provided information on feral cat colonies, since PAWS assists local caretakers in such matters. By helping with spay-neuter and vaccinations, PAWS insures that these colonies will not get bigger, minimizes problems from in breeding, and protects local wildlife. It also minimizes the chance of sick cats spreading illness to companion animals. Colonies that are healthy and being fed regularly have considerably less motivation to hunt.

Graduating from Basic Trapper Training were: Anne Burnett; Ana Delameter; Rebecca Angehouser; and Staci Hutsell.

Also assisting with training were Bonnie Campbell, PAWS coordinator, and Angie Drake, who has been elevated to "super trapper" status.

"We are very pleased with these new trainees," said Heather Davis, PAWS Volunteer Coordinator. "They seem very interested and committed to what PAWS is trying to do. We can't wait to put them to work!"

Click on a picture for a full-sized image (opens in new window).