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Zimmer Foundation
PO Box 130944
Ann Arbor MI  48113

This 25-mile circle above defines our Spay/Neuter Service Area -- all of Washtenaw County plus portions of the adjacent counties. The colored dots identify the 551 managed feral cat colonies we've helped through 2005. To learn more, visit our web site and click on Programs.
 

Maury & Robin

We were saddened to learn that long-time Saline resident Maury Robbins passed away this winter. We met him in 2002 when he found a feral cat (Robin) living in his backyard -- eating food he put out for a fox. Because of Maury's advanced years -- he was over 80 -- and because of this resident fox -- we offered to move Robin to our show-and-tell feral cat colony. But, Maury's commitment to Robin didn't end just because we gave him a new home. Maury had bonded to him and continued to participate in his care. For over two years he visited our cat colony daily bringing food his wife Edna prepared and giving Robin love and attention. He came rain or shine never even missing the major holidays. It was only after his health diminished that he discontinued these visits. It's cats like Robin that motivate us to ensure all managed outdoor cats in our community get sterilized and vaccinated.

 
There are so many and not all of them are as lucky as Robin. Sterilizing those with committed caregivers providing food, water and dry shelter, helps strengthen the cat-human bond while at the same time improves each cat's quality of life. And, as a bonus, they help us achieve our very important goal -- no more unplanned kittens!

Dear Friends,
We're pleased that Washington is getting involved in trying to clean up the current microchip uncertainties. With several incompatible encoding "standards" in use -- and no "universal”"scanner currently available -- the effectiveness of microchips is much lower than it can -- and SHOULD -- be. The best solution would be a universal scanner -- which exists and is being used in other countries -- but can't be used here because of AVID's threat of patent litigation. The major animal organizations have been unable to change AVID's position -- perhaps government can. We hope so.

If a lost cat shows up at a shelter or veterinarian without a microchip, their odds of them being returned to their home are less than 1 in 20 (with the odds plummeting the longer the cat has been lost). With a microchip, the odds are virtually certain (regardless of how long they've been lost) -- IF the shelter or veterinarian has a scanner that will read the microchip. The objective of the current effort is to remove that "if".

Even with the current imperfect system, microchips are a lifesaving option for your pet. Next to sterilizing, it's the most important gift you can give your furry friend.
Kitty Zimmer
 

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