Ginger Hannah and the Euclid Beach Feral Cat Project
The Euclid Beach Feral Cat Project has been in existence for two and a half years. This project is the result of Ms. Ginger Hannah's desire to assist the large number of unwanted, abused and neglected cats present in the North Collinwood neighborhoods. These neighborhoods include the Wildwood Marina, the Euclid Beach Mobile Home Park, the state park pier, and Euclid Beach Villa Apartments. The main focus in the neighborhood, however, is the historic Euclid Beach area where a shocking amount of cats and kittens are routinely "dumped". Many of these animals are injured or emaciated. All are terrified, and a great number of females are abandoned while pregnant.
Ms. Hannah works closely with the dedicated individuals at the Cleveland Animal Protection League. Together, they are responsible for "saving" 642 cats since 2009. These cats were spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and, many were placed in loving homes where they now lead a peaceful life safe from harm. Those unable to be acclimated sufficiently still receive the benefits of safety, food and shelter. This is made possible by the provision of "kitty condos". These hand built enclosures provide protection from the elements, and give the animals a feeling of safety.
There is a great deal of work involved in rescuing these animals. Humane traps need to be acquired, and trapping the cats is a tedious and difficult procedure. There is then the constant transport of the animals to the APL or to their new homes. Those adopting these cats need to be screened and the animals need to be "socialized" before they are adopted. These actions are very time consuming and require extreme dedication and patience. Fortuantely, kindness, patience and dedication are among the many of Ginger's attributes. For those not able to be adopted they must receive constant care. There is no "day off". The animals need to be maintained on a daily basis with food, water, shelter, and medical attention. This is a huge undertaking, and one that many of us could not follow through with. Ginger's dedication is unwavering. She feels it is her duty and takes her "job" very seriously realizing that, without her, these animals would perish. Not only would they perish they would suffer greatly beforehand. Sadly, Ginger must constantly monitor the areas to prevent abuse of the cats residing there. It is not uncommon for animal abusers to prey on the "residents" who have already endured enough abuse.
Helping the cats is, of course, Ginger's main goal, but her motivation extends far beyond the animals. Ginger has become a well known figure in the neighborhoods she visits. The residents of these areas have come to love and depend on her. Ginger never says, "no", and is available to them 24 hours a day - always offering conscientious assistance. During my interview with Ginger her phone rang repeatedly, and she gave time and consideration to each call. After our interview she needed to rush off to help yet another individual uncertain how to proceed with her situation. Ginger assured her all would be well.
Ms. Hannah's work will continue and she will constantly be finding new ways to promote and improve cat rescue. Amazingly, because of her efforts, the number of unwanted cats has actually dropped in the North Collinwood area. Currently, she is planning to educate the neighborhood through a multi media workshop titled: "Caring for our Community Cats".
Ginger reaches out to other animals and other areas of N. Collinwood as well due to her generous heart, and the friendships she has acquired through her work. Recently, she helped obtain medical attention for a very ill dog named, Frazel. Frazel's owner was very dedicated to her pet, but was inconsolable when the dog became gravely ill. Ginger sought veterinary assistance, helped the owner with her "24/7" vigil, and provided much consolation to the owner, a resident of the Euclid Beach Club Apartments, when her precious pet left this world.
You can assist with this worthwhile and necessary endeavor by becoming a donor. This group is not funded by any other source, and the costs to care for the cats is monumental.
Please consider donating to the Eudlic Beach Feral Cat Project. Your generosity will be appreciated more than you can imagine, and will go a long way in assisting the cats that are in need so greatly.
Please make checks payable to the Northeast Shore Development Corporation. 317 E. 156th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44110. Donations are tax deductible. Please be sure to note EBFCP in the check memo for proper disbursement. For more information visit the Cat Project site.
http://ebfcp.org
Thank you on behalf of Ginger Hannah and all the animals she speaks for.
Helping the Helpless