Cookie is secure, quickly out there for adoption
It’s commonplace for feral cats to search out properties in city areas or school campuses, and Wayne State University isn’t any exception. Not all these cats elevate to near-celebrity standing, although, as one long-haired feline — dubbed Cookie — has on campus this summer time.
Cookie, so named for his candy character, has introduced collectively college students, college and workers who’re united of their concern for his welfare. He’s been incessantly photographed, and the topic of a lot concern. Librarian Virginia Thomas has led efforts to soundly entice and foster Cookie and assist him put together for eventual adoption to a without end home. According to Thomas, it’s clear why Cookie has gained such a following.
“He’s a very large and spectacular cat,” she mentioned, noting his distinctive black and white markings and brief stub tail. “I suspect at one point that he was somebody’s cat because he’s so people savvy and friendly. It’s been remarkable to watch how many have come to care for him — this cat has people!”
Cat camaraderie
Thomas first famous Cookie on campus earlier within the spring, when she noticed what she thought was a small canine operating from the David Adamany Undergraduate Library towards Cass. A number of days later, a bunch of individuals had gathered outdoors of the Student Center Building across the creature, which turned out to be a big, long-haired feral cat.
Having labored with numerous native foster and adoption teams to entice/neuter/launch (TNR) feral cats for over 20 years, Thomas knew simply how you can assist Cookie. Over a number of weeks, which included quite a few check-ins on the cat’s welfare from members of the campus group, Thomas fed and finally trapped Cookie so he might obtain a veterinary examination. Thomas was shocked to study that Cookie had already been neutered. After a basic well being verify, Thomas had Cookie vaccinated and introduced him home as a foster cat. Once Cookie is absolutely socialized and cozy with an indoor life, he will likely be positioned for adoption, almost definitely by way of the Pet Adoption Alternative of Warren (PAAW).
“People were so invested in his well-being — they were checking in on him, bringing cans of food, asking to help find him a home,” Thomas mentioned. “Cookie really brought us together. I’m confident that when he’s ready to be placed for adoption, he will find a forever home quickly.”
In dialog with Cookie’s many supporters, Thomas realized Cookie had seemingly been on campus for a few years. Before showing within the middle of campus, Cookie had beforehand frequented the Walter P. Reuther Library loading docks in 2022, the place he was noticed by Custodian Tom Jackson and Archivist Sarah Lebovitz. Concerned about his welfare, the pair set out meals and saved a watch on Cookie. In the winter, they labored to determine a brief shelter to guard him from freezing temperatures.
“We’ve come to realize that there have been quite a few of us working to help Cookie,” mentioned Lebovitz. “I’m grateful for Virginia and all the others who came together to support him. We’re nurturers here, and I’m glad Cookie found his way to campus.”
Another nurturer on campus, Jane Warkentin, assistant director of experiential training on the Wayne State University Law School, additionally linked with Thomas based mostly on a mutual love of animals. Thomas and former colleague Kaylee Place helped entice and take care of a stray cat close to her home — on Thanksgiving through the pandemic.
“There’s a whole group of cat people at the Law School, but I was just speechless,” Warkentin mentioned. “They were so willing to help, no matter the circumstances. It speaks to your heart, and brings people together, to have this shared compassion.”
Warkentin is at the moment fostering 5 kittens that Thomas rescued as they put together for adoption. She plans to assist with Cookie’s care if needed earlier than his adoption.
A studying alternative
Thomas mentioned that she hopes the camaraderie constructed round Cookie’s expertise could be channeled sooner or later right into a extra formal TNR program for feral cat colonies — a bunch of free-ranging and feral cats that share a standard meals supply — on the Wayne State campus. Similar and profitable applications exist throughout the nation on campuses together with the University of Texas at San Antonio, Southwestern University, Texas Tech University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, amongst others.
In addition to her position in serving to Cookie, Thomas cares for a colony of cats at a neighborhood business the place she has firsthand expertise with the advantages of correct colony care. In 5 years, she’s helped carry the realm’s cat inhabitants from 24 to a secure 11 by way of TNR and re-homing.
“There’s a great learning opportunity here,” she mentioned. “The feral cat population is an ongoing issue in urban areas especially. Organizing and educating communities around how to properly manage and care for these cats is a potential win-win for the neighborhood, faculty, staff and students, and the broader university.”
Thomas famous that Cookie isn’t the primary — nor the final — cat to name Wayne State home. While Cookie is getting ready for adoption, one other cat has already taken his place on the middle of campus.
