Early last spring, an individual from Sryacuse, Kansas contacted FOF for some much needed help. This is what transpired.

On May 4, 2007, Ray Huff and Terry Gaul arrived at the Syracuse property. A wonderful lady by the name of Jose greeted us, along with a lot of beautiful cats. That afternoon with the help of Jose, we trapped 27 of those cats -- our plan was we were to drive to Pratt where Veterinarians were to do the spay/neuter work, and then the cats would be transported to new homes.

We carefully loaded each trap on the trailer, trying to ensure each cat would be as comfortable as possible for the ride back to Pratt. A tarp was placed over the top of the trailer to protect the cats from the wind. We departed your lifelong home for the trip to Pratt. We stopped several times to check on the cats, and none complained. On the trip we hit bad weather, heavy rain and large hail. We were worried about their comfort and safety. We pulled off the highway into Greensburg looking for a car wash or any business with a large overhang where you would be protected from the weather. About five minutes later a very powerful tornado struck Greensburg and we were directly in its path. Our vehicle, trailer, all equipment and most importantly 27 treasurers were destroyed by this act of nature. It was an unbelievably sad day.

May 18: Ray, Terry, and Wayne and Norma Roberts made a second trip to Syracuse to trap/neuter/relocate a group of the "herd." Twenty-three (23) more cats were processed and relocated to new homes in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Kansas. A special thank-you to Dr. Al Collingwood, Dr. Pam Howell, new colony caretakers, and all those who donated to FOF for this project.

August 2: Ray and Terry made the long drive to Syracuse, again. Thirty-one cats were trapped and taken to Sedgwick on Saturday for processing and relocation in other parts of the state. Only about 20 cats remain. The final phase will occur in mid-October. A very special thank-you to Dr. Sarah Pratt and Dr. Molly Lusk, along with Sedgwick Vet Clinic staff members Sherry Parton, Sarah Davis, and Erin McVicar, and FOF volunteer Carol Burnham for their help in processing the 31 cats.

The original goal for the Syracuse Project was to relocate 130+ cats. It is estimated that there are only about 20 cats left at this location to trap/neuter and relocate. It's been a long, hard job, but thanks to the help of our volunteers, veterinarian services, and your cash donations, we're almost done! The final phase will occur early this fall, with the remainder of the colony moving to Kismet, Kansas.

October 26: We made yet another trip to Syracuse during which 22 of the colony were trapped, neutered, and relocated to a farm outside Kismet, Kansas. It seems there were a few more than 20 remaining from the last trip. Only a very few cats remain on the property; they will be trapped, neutered, and relocated in the very near future.

November 10 -- The final trip to Syracuse: To take care of the last of the "herd." Seven cats were trapped/neutered/relocated to a remote area of Sedgwick County with a caretaker. Each of the Syracuse herd was spayed/neutered and relocated to areas where caretakers will tend to them for the rest of their lives. WE HAVE COMPLETION.

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