Interview! Kathy Downey, Journalist and Animal Rights Advocate, Plus "Mickey's Story"

"These cats are citizens of our community just like you are and I am."

Kathy was one of the earliest volunteers for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society when she moved to Newburyport, Massachusetts in 1992. She and Stacy reminisce about the feral cat colony on the Merrimack River and how she developed a special place in her heart for Mickey, a waterfront cat she calls "a personable cat with a purr." She details her relationship with this "Boss of the Boatyard," who ended up living out his retirement years in the home of another MRFRS volunteer, as Kathy points out the different challenges facing cat caretakers as the colony membership changes and ages. "We all love the cats and want what's best." She still feeds feral cats one day a week, as well as advocating for a wide variety of animal protection legislation. Plus, Stacy reads "Mickey's Story," a short story written by Kathy Downey about one of the feral cats on the Newburyport waterfront who touched her heart. Told by Mickey himself, you'll hear what life is like as a community cat, how appreciative Mickey is of the food and shelter provided by his colony managers, and learn about his many feline friends, including Clarence, Precious, Patches and Cremora..the "unseen feline ambassadors of the boatyard." Is there a Mickey in your life? Tell us your story on our Facebook page. Happy holidays from your friends at the Community Cats Podcast! To find out more about Mickey and the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society please go to www.mrfrs.org.