Purrfect way to help families (From Gazette Series)

Purrfect way to help families

IF YOU have had anything at all to do with Cats' Protection in the Stroud district over the past decade the chances are you have bumped into Don and Anna Walden.

This cat-mad couple, who have devoted their lives to helping felines in need, are the well-known "faces" of the Stroud branch of Cats' Protection.

Having helped to set up the branch ten years ago, Don and Anna fostered cats for six years as well as being homing and welfare officers.

A re-shuffle of the local committee in 2001, made Don co-ordinator with Anna taking on the vital jobs of neutering and fundraising. Their responsibilies for homing and welfare continued.

Sixteen months ago Anna was able to hand over all her duties except fundraising to other committee members while Don continued as co-ordinater.

It was supposed to be a slow wind-down, but so involved were they with the running of the branch that little changed. In fact their workload increased as they started reaching out to the cat owners of the future by visiting Brownie packs and helping the girls achieve their Friends to Animals badge.

So it was something of a bombshell when this devoted pair announced their retirement.

Anna has decided to call it a day on her 50th birthday in October when she will organise her combined fundraising finale and birthday bash.

"We will obviously remain members of Cats' Protection and offer our services to the Stroud branch," explained Don.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as co-ordinator and Anna a has loved organising the fundraising activities, and we have both made many friends.

"But as a husband and wife team it has been difficult at times. Getting a weekend off is often impossible as most events take place on Saturdays and Sundays. We really do feel that it is time to step down."

The problem now facing the Stroud branch is finding two people to take over as co-ordinator and fundraiser. Although the posts have been widely advertised, no one has come forward. Don and Anna are hard acts to follow.

But Don stresses that the new co-ordinator and fundraiser do not have to come as a double act.

"With hindsight, it is probably better if the jobs are taken on by two separate people rather than partners - although we obviously wouldn't say 'No' if a couple turned up keen to help."

Anyone wanting to know more about either job should ring Don and Anna on 01453 767137.

The three aims of Cats' Protection * To rescue stray and unwanted cats and kittens, rehabilitate and rehome them where possible. * To encourage the neutering of all cats and kittens not required for breeding * To inform the public on the care of cats and kittens

THE Stroud branch of Cats' Protection started in 1995 with just three pens and £500. Ten years on there are nine pens full of cats and another four pens ready to be relocated with new fosterers.

With an almost complete calendar of fundraising events, the branch is able to finance the care of all their cats - feeding, litter, veterinary care and rehabilitation. Vets' bills are the biggest drain on resources, often totalling over £1,000 a month.

With successful fundraising, Cats' Protection can also fund neutering programmes. Those on limited incomes can apply, on a first come basis, to have their cat neutered for just £5. Ring Julie on 01452 742141 for details.

ANNA is a qualified teacher and Don is training instructor for Stagecoach, working in a classroom environment, so they are eminently suited to their newest project - passing on their vast fund of knowledge to the young cat owners of the future.

Following their visits to the Brownies, word spread quickly and there are a number of similar visits lined up already.

When they retire from their current positions with Cats' Protection in the autumn, the Waldens are planning to continue teaching local youngsters how to care for cats and kittens and be responsible pet owners.

JAMES and Owen, the Stroud stationers where Anna Walden has worked for 27 years, has agreed to continue sponsoring the funding of the Stroud branch newsletter Valley Cat, so Anna will print this as usual.

By becoming a member of the Stroud branch of Cats' Protection, you receive this award-winning newsletter four times a year.

Ring Jan Hargrove on 01452 545585 for membership details.

<sum> To give a cat a home telephone Rose and Len on 01453 890113

* If you have lost a cat or found one you believe may be a stray, ring Carole on 01453 756385