published: Sunday, February 17, 2013

Kritter Patrol helps Trust Again Pet Shelter

Special to the News-Sun

ZOLFO SPRINGS - On Jan. 26 Key West Kritter Patrol a 501c3 run by Cece Crane and Dr Jerry Gleisner, gave Trust Again Pet Shelter, of Zolfo Springs, a donation to aid in the improvements to the facility, this money will be used to replace much needed floor covering in the two cat homes.

"We have many cosmetic improvements to make to the facility and we are very grateful for this very kind donation," said Barry Edgley, one of the directors of the facility. "To have funds for specific improvements is just so wonderful."

Trust Again also had floor paint donated by Belflowers of Wauchula to help seal the floors.

Key West Kritter Patrol developed one of the first most successful TNR (Trap Neuter Release) programs down in Key West, and they are now, seven years after moving to Sebring, redeveloping this much needed, donation based, TNR program in Highlands and surrounding counties. Trust Again Pet Shelter, various other rescue organizations and the general public have been assisting in making this a success in Highlands and the surrounding counties by trapping, transporting or just telling people about the program.

As to date more than 700 feral cats have been altered, equal to 3,920 kittens not being born in the first year, 21,952 in the second. This has been mostly achieved by word of mouth.

This program has been in operation and becoming increasingly successful since June 2012 through Dr. Elton Gissendanner's practice in Lake Placid. Most recently, Dr Anderson's practice joined the program, (both on U.S. 27).

All cats are spayed or neutered, ears tipped on the left ear (a universal acknowledgement of alteration), rabies shot and de-wormed.

If you have a cat issue, contact Gissendanner at 465-7387 or Anderson at 655-3155 to arrange to borrow traps. Everything is geared for ease and to help get the feral population down. Donations to Key West Kritter Patrol, feral cat program can be sent to Gissendanner's office, made payable to Key West Kritter Patrol, marked feral cat program.

A private donation was also received from Malveen McPhee to fence in 800 feet of the cat area. As a cageless facility, this was highly needed and again this was very appreciated.

"We aim to make this one of the best facilities in Central Florida," Edgley said, with a future vision of a surgery, and hurricane shelter for pets. They have been very fortunate to have found support from different aspects and have built a great working relationship also with the Humane Society in Sebring. Dr. Hendry and his staff in Wauchula have been supportive with immediate care of any of the sick animals.

Trust Again Pet Shelter has helped re-home more than 300 cats and 20-plus dogs in 2012 and holds a state license as a registered charity. As a 501c3 volunteers and donations of any kind, be it monetary, food, blankets or toys, are always welcome as it operates 100 percent on donations.