In April 2015, the rates at PAWS increased for ferals from $25 to $45. Just moments ago, we received an e-mail from PAWS Chicago that the rates for ferals will increase from $45 to $65 for the feral package on January 15th, 2017.

All organizations are having financial issues, PAWS right along with them. It is not easy for them to do this.

Asking feral caretakers for $65 per cat may result in NO donations from them, sticker shock may be too much.

We continue to find alternative ways for people to donate, cut costs wherever we can, just not sure what we're going to do in 2017.

This may be too hard to picture, but if we do another 1,000 cats in 2017, approximately 600 will be ferals ($39,000), 400 friendlies ($80 x 400 = $32,000) for a minimum total of $71,000 for surgeries alone. Our additional medical costs will be an estimated $30,000+. Food, supplies - at least $10,000.

We want to keep our people informed, please keep this new information in mind as opportunities for matching funds, fundraising, and donations cross your paths.

As we keep saying amongst ourselves - this shouldn't be so hard!

Thank you all for your continued support!

Tammy