CRAFT holds cat adoption fair in Sisters

Rover's life is changed forever.

The gentle, large black long hair with white markings was scheduled for euthanasia at the Redmond humane shelter. That was until Bonnie Baker of the Cat Rescue Adoption and Foster Team (CRAFT) rescued him about six weeks ago. Last Sunday, Rover was adopted in Sisters by a Bend resident Michele Hitson, especially for her three-year-old son.

Rover left Sisters in a cardboard kennel destined for a happy home and full life.

Baker is the founder of CRAFT, a Central Oregon organization that is in the process of attaining 501c3 non-profit status.

"Our mission is to help with the overpopulation problem, not only to educate people that pets need to be spayed and neutered but to also make sure it's done before we ever let one out of our possession," said CRAFT volunteer Mary Ryan. "We're trying to solve the problem as much as we can. Meanwhile, we're saving an awful lot of lives and giving cats another chance that otherwise would be put down in the shelters."

CRAFT held a Cat Adoption Fair in Sisters last Saturday and Sunday at the Sisters Charter Academy of Fine Arts. The school donated its facility to house the event. Previously, CRAFT has sponsored adoption fairs in Ray's parking lot and at Sisters Habitat for Humanity's ReStore.

During last weekend's event, some 50 cats were available for adoption, and at least 15 found new homes. All of CRAFT's felines are sent to their new homes altered, vaccinated and microchipped, unless they are feral and too wild. The organization charges a $30 adoption fee.

CRAFT separates feral barn cats from those that are appropriate for adoption with a family. Feral cats are altered and vaccinated, just like their tamer homebound friends.

"We have a whole lot of farmers out there who want barn cats, and they deserve to live, too," said Baker.

Baker houses many of the organization's cats on her acreage close to Bend where she has a facility for their care. Medical costs to care for all of the cats that CRAFT rescues are high, and adoption fees do not begin to cover these expenses. Currently, Baker is personally footing many of these costs.

Even though the organization is young, it is already having a significant impact in Central Oregon. It's policy is to keep the cats it rescues until they are adopted. Last year alone CRAFT found homes for 515 animals.

Volunteer trappers are needed in the Sisters area.

For more information or to donate cat food, supplies or funds, contact Baker at 389-8420.