To the editor:
I enjoyed the touching story about Stubby, the Harbor Loop cat (the Times, Saturday, Feb. 4). It showed how a community, working together, can make a difference.
Those involved deserve special thanks:
First, Julia McConnell, of Feline Rescue of Cape Ann, for taking on the enormous task of eradicating the feral cat colonies at the wharf. For years these cats were breeding unchecked.
When I was growing up in Gloucester, it was common for people to drop off unwanted cats at the docks, assuming they'd have "plenty of fish" to eat. This resulted in an explosion of starving, feral cats.
McConnell, now in her 70s, visited the wharves nightly, setting traps. Later she took the captives to Dr. French, whose veterinary office gave her a special rate for neutering. It took 10 years, but Julia finally managed to round up every cat.
Stubby was one of the fortunate ones, finding a home at TD Bank, with custodial duties shared by the Maritime Gloucester Center and the Whale Center of New England.
He's reaping the benefits of community cooperation. As the saying goes: It takes a village ... to raise a cat.
SHARON LOVE COOK
Vice president, Friends of Beverly Animals
Grove Street, Beverly Farms
