Thank You for Caring for Cats!

 

"We are only one month into the 2011 Year of the Cat (YOC) campaign and already we have made significant progress!" says Judi Cannon, Collaboration Manager Care for Cats. "Reports about the Year of the Cat have appeared in dozens of newspapers, websites and other media outlets in the past four weeks. As a ‘behind-the-scenes’ member of the Care for Cats Committee, I extend a heart-felt THANK YOU to everyone involved with this important project for making this progress possible."

In the months leading up to the official YOC launch on January 5th, Canada’s companion animal industry rallied together in an amazing spirit of collaboration and commitment. Although we are still in the early stages of the program, all indicators are that we are moving in the right direction. Our combined efforts are creating a heightened awareness about the plight of cats in our communities and the industry is combining resources to insure a successful project. Well done!
 

The 2011 Year of the Cat Committee and its 13 key collaborators that represent 93 communities are dedicated to shed a bright light on the cats in Canada. Our efforts are drawing attention the opportunities that exists to work collaboratively with all community stakeholders to increase the value of owned, homeless and feral cats.

While everyone’s efforts are much appreciated, we extend an extra special THANK YOU to:

• Dr. Liz O’Brien who brings her ‘Jack Russell Terrier/Cat Woman’ energy, tenacity and passion to this project. Without her, Care for Cats and the Year of the Cat would not have been possible.

• Petsecure who started us down this road at the 2010 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies. They are one of the founding sponsors of Care for Cats. They have not only supplied seed money but also the resources of a creative team for the logo, website design and professional consultation.

• PetLynx who first brought the vision of collaboration to the pet industry. They are one of the founding sponsors of Care for Cats and vision holders of the Summits for Urban Animal Strategies. PetLynx has supplied the collaborative technologies and project management for this initiative.

• PetSmart Charities of Canada who immediately put their hand up to become a sponsor. Kit Jenkins’ knowledge, expertise and resources are a welcomed addition to this important initiative.

• Ontario SPCA who has generously offered to lend their campaign and creative expertise to this initiative. Their sheltering and adoption experience has proven to be invaluable.

• PIJAC Canada who has graciously donated translation services.

• CVMA for their editorial support and sharing of resources material. As well, for the promotion through their communication channels and willingness to support and participate in bringing awareness to their members, who represent the one of the closest connection to communities across Canada.

• OVMA for the promotion through their communication channels and willingness to support and participate in bringing awareness to
their members who then share the message at the grassroots level in communities across Ontario.

• Advisory Council (click for list) and key members who have shared and incredible amount of time and resources, and vetted a wealth of educational content for the community toolbox. Our veterinarian team of feline practitioners has created numerous
articles that could not be found anywhere else and we are grateful that they are willing to share their knowledge through Care for Cats website.
 

"I look forward to ramping up our momentum to another level for this nation-wide, one-of-a-kind initiative over the coming months," concludes Cannon. "Again, thank you for Caring for Cats. Together we are making a difference!"

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor