Karen Shinevar Resigns from CPAW NJ

As hope rises that the Covid-19 vaccines may bring the nightmare of the last year to an end, CPAW NJ celebrates its fourth anniversary.  Creating CPAW NJ and working to improve the lives of outdoor cats was the opportunity of a lifetime.  While I must move on, I do so with the deepest appreciation and thanksgiving for the volunteers, caregivers, medical and government officials who supported and continue to support the lifesaving mission of trap, neuter, vaccinate, return (TNVR) in order to save the most feline lives.

There is not enough space here to express the trials and exhilaration of creating a nonprofit at age 60 (I don’t recommend it!).  When you put your heart and soul and most of your waking hours into an effort for over four years, your life changes forever.   For me, the driving force was always about raising public awareness and support for TNVR. (Visions of dead kittens in yards will always haunt me — not the best social media picture but reality).  I remain convinced that the ONE THING that would make life saving easier is public/private cooperation, support, and acceptance of outdoor cats as good and natural community members.  Being an advoCAT for the animal most killed in shelters and dying unseen outdoors is hard work.

For all who carry on, THANK YOU!

And YOU, the volunteers and supporters….absolutely fabulous! Teams are so much stronger than individuals.  I made lifelong friends with hardworking, selfless people who dedicated their skills and time to the effort in a myriad of ways.  And of course, the cats — those we helped, even sometimes those who crossed over the rainbow bridge.  Advocating for those who cannot help themselves is indeed God’s work.

“Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?  But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”  -Wicked

Meowy thanks from the bottom of my heart; it was a deep honor supporting you and the mission.  Stay safe and hug your loved ones.  And don’t forget to purr whenever you get the chance.

Wishing you all the love and kindness humanity can offer.