Guest Author - Susan Hopf
This clever little book authored by Rosie Sorenson packs a great deal into its too few pages. Ms. Sorenson, quite by chance, becomes the caretaker of a feral cat colony. With quick wit, emotion and a great sense of her limited, but critical role she tells us stories of the varying feline personalities that literally cross her path. Never maudlin or sappy she still easily conveys her sense of concern, respect and love for each and every cat that she feeds and cares for.
We begin with Ms. Sorenson’s brief description of a personal medical problem resulting from an automobile accident. Without an ounce of self-pity she longs for a way to remain a vital part of society. One day while out walking near her Northern California home she encounters a man calling for his “babies” and shaking his keys in the air. Cats come into view from every direction and begin their feeding. When questioned the man tells her how he came to feed, neuter and care for the varying number of cats for over nineteen years and by the end of this day Ms. Sorenson knew she would be back to assist.
Readying herself for the next day's walk she instinctively grabs a bag of cat food and knows that she is already intent on serving the needs of these cats. Excited by the possibility to help she quickly learns that it takes time to make friends of these homeless critters. But with the help of Nick Manelli, the man she met on that fateful first day, she is eventually accepted as part of the family. No long honeymoon here - once accepted Ms. Sorenson soon realizes that it is not enough to simply feed and make friends. The females’ bellies, swelling daily with the growing kittens inside, of course creating more mouths to feed and souls to worry about, tells her that, without question, ending the breeding cycle would be an integral part of her service.
Trap neuter and release programs assist those dedicated to ending the huge numbers of homeless cats while taking care of those furry creatures that are already here. These organizations are listed in the Resources section of this amazing little book. Although most that Ms. Sorenson has listed are located in her home state of California (the only negative contained in the book) there are many groups that do the same in every state – you can locate such organizations by contacting the Humane Society of the United States or by internet searches in your state.
Ms. Sorenson’s delightful book will teach you the many ins and outs of caring for a feral colony. But it will also introduce you to the many personalities whom she encounters daily – with great flair and an innate compassion for our feline co-habitants we come to know all of her kitty wards. We also come to understand that this life is a huge commitment but one full of endless rewards for those that love cats.
A great read that leaves you feeling uplifted and ready to go out and feed the homeless – cats that is.
Please note that a review copy was provided by the author.
