Animal Welfare Professionals

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  • 1.  Join the Discussion with Founder Esther Mechler | Episode 1 of United We Spay

    Posted 03-18-2024 10:11 AM

    Discover the journey of Esther Mechler, founder of United Spay Alliance, as she tackles animal overpopulation and advocates for affordable spay/neuter services. Learn about the "Feline Fix by Five" campaign and how you can make a difference. Share your thoughts and ideas on promoting responsible pet ownership! Listen to the episode on Youtube, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.


    #AccesstoCare
    #CaseManagement*
    #EducationandTraining
    #PetSupportServices*

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    Kendall Wapner
    Admin
    United Spay Alliance
    ME
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  • 2.  RE: Join the Discussion with Founder Esther Mechler | Episode 1 of United We Spay

    Posted 03-18-2024 12:30 PM

    Esther Mechler, you are absolutely right! "There is no easier or more effective way to help cats."  I am going to share this video with our group, because even our volunteers, myself included, need to understand the importance and impact we all can have working together.

    TNR is the kindest thing you can do for the community cats. Education is key, and I have found in the limited time that I have been volunteering, that most people who do not want to spay or neuter do not want to hear it or have a previous stigma against it.  It truly is the best thing you can do for both friendly and feral cats alike. 

    "Public health is the prevention of problems." A key point in being proactive with the cats! TNVR cases I have dealt with didn't realize how quickly cats reproduce and what options they had to help. It would have been much easier to help at 3 cats than the 15 they now have, but again, education is key and getting people to listen.



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    Katie Christiansen
    Teacher
    Shady's Paw Animal Rescue
    VA
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  • 3.  RE: Join the Discussion with Founder Esther Mechler | Episode 1 of United We Spay

    Posted 03-18-2024 02:04 PM

    Hi Katie!

    Thanks for sharing your insights! Esther's message about TNR really hits home. You're spot on about the importance of education in changing perceptions. It's not just about spaying and neutering but also about breaking down stigmas. Your experience shows how being proactive with TNVR can make a big difference. Keep spreading the word and using resources like videos to educate others-it makes a real impact!



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    Kendall Wapner
    Admin
    United Spay Alliance
    ME
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  • 4.  RE: Join the Discussion with Founder Esther Mechler | Episode 1 of United We Spay

    Posted 03-19-2024 04:41 PM

    There are so many beneficial points in this podcast. Esther Mechler is right! The kindest thing you can do for a cat is have it spayed or neutered.  Education is key to getting the word out. People often seem to have a preconceived idea of what altering a cat does and those that are resistant to it, need to learn the benefits of having their animal spayed or neutered. 

    I also think the fix by five is an important part. People who contact our TNR program, often mention that they do not realize how fast the cats reproduce, and that is mostly because the kittens are having kittens!

     I have listened to this podcast twice now and learned something each time. I am going to share it with our organization to help educate our volunteers as well, because there is so much to learn. I will probably watch it a third time to write down the three quotes I loved and posted about in my first reply. 



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    Katie Christiansen
    Volunteer Lead
    Shady's Paw Animal Rescue
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