Big win for feral cats in Randolph, Iowa

There was some great news yesterday regarding the feral cat situation in Randolph, Iowa. There are so many amazing people working in animal rescue and I hope that those involved in this situation will take a moment to appreciate their great success in this town which is only about 2 hours from where I live.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Cats may be breathing a bit easier in a tiny Iowa town after officials rescinded a five dollar bounty on their heads.
Instead, Randolph, Iowa, has agreed to work with animal rescue groups on a catch, neuter and release program.
The City Council signed off on the bounty after numerous complaints about stray cats. Under the initial plan, cats without collars would be taken to a vet and euthanized if they weren't claimed. The policy drew protests from animal lovers.
The 200-person town ended the bounty this week and has voted to form a task force involving animal rights groups.
A spokeswoman for one of the groups says feral cats will be returned to the outdoors, while strays will be adopted into homes.

The Sugar Cube that Never Melts

My favorite nickname for my cat Chloe is Pops. It is actually short for Sugarpops.

If you knew her, you would see why. She is a small, all white cat with beautiful gold eyes and a tiny pink nose. Ever since she was rescued as a tiny kitten, she has been the sweetest presence in the house. I call her my sugar cube that never melts.

Kate's nickname is Loretta. She was rescued from a feral cat feeding station and for the first year she lived with us, she did her own thing. She was always on the go and seemed to know exactly what she wanted to do. The name Loretta just seemed to fit.

She has changed quite a bit since that first year, though. She connects much more with people now and is always the first one to greet whoever walks through the door. And she loves to be massaged and brushed. She probably needs a new nickname now, but I don't plan on changing it. She'll always be Loretta to me.

What about your animal companions? I would love to hear how they got their names --or nicknames!