Saturday, February 23, 2008

Form 1023 Assist???

Good Day All! This morning's feed presented a new cat that appears ill. He or she is new to that colony (I feed about 7 street colonies at about 5am each morn - I feed early so they aren't exposed and neither am I!). Anyway, this poor baby looked colder than most and rather than eat, he (I'm assuming) was licking the butts of the cats that were eating. Most of these cats have already been TNR'd. Going to take a trap and try to bring him to the vet then the infirmary (currently, my bathroom) - going to be a challenge - there's about 7 other cats that feed on that corner. After 3 years and many out of pocket dollars, I'm finally forming my own nfp to help with the expense of street cat care. I'm having trouble with the Form 1023 which is language that's foriegn to me! I've got all but the financials done. One problem I'm having is where to put vet and s/n clinic expense. Should I put in Part V - C or Part IX - 22 or Part IX - 23. Anybody have the answer to that one???? I've called the department that puts these forms out and haven't really gotten a clear answer... tho they've been very helpful with the rest. On another note: I'm meeting with the Village official that oversees Animal Control this week. Now that TNR is legal in this county (Cook), I'm hoping for a collaboration and community wide effort to care for the street cats. When I first met with this man a couple of years ago, I told him I saw the cats as an opportunity to teach our youth compassion and respect. That surprised him! The current method for feline control is through erradication. What does that teach? If something bothers you, kill it. Google 'The Link' and you'll find numerous articles about the link between animal abuse and violence. I live in an economically depressed area. Lots of gangs, drugs and dog fights. Too many (about 3/4 of the kids in early grammar school) children are desensitized by their exposure to these dog fights. It is my intent to bring these children together with these cats so they understand how the cats aren't much different than we are - we're all living, breathing beings - all deserving of love and care.... Those children need to experience the 'heart' of these beings so they too can have an opportunity to heal. But first, the Form 1023! On another note: It would be nice to connect with other street cat and or kid workers to share our success, share our knowledge and resources and have a laugh or two in between! Have a great day! Spend even a minute or two locating and watching a bird, a tree, or the sky - take a comfortable, slow, deep breath and connect. Namaste'

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