From Dairy Farms to DIY: A Look Back at 2024 and a Sneak Peek into 2025 with Kristen Petrie, Technical Tabby at The Community Cats Podcast

"Pick that project you've been dreaming of and dive in—you'll be amazed by what you can accomplish for your community's cats!" This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund. This week, we're pulling back the curtain on the Community Cats Podcast with Kristen Petrie, our behind-the-scenes "Technical Tabby." Join host Stacy LeBaron as they dive into the highlights of a year filled with innovative ideas, cross-country adventures, and practical solutions for cat advocacy. From groundbreaking training sessions in Pennsylvania to a remarkable barn cat rescue in Vermont, Kristen and Stacy share the stories, challenges, and triumphs that shaped 2024. But that's just the beginning—2025 is shaping up to be the year of doing it yourself! With new tools like the Community Cat Calculator and expanded educational programs, this episode offers a glimpse into how you can take charge of spay/neuter access and TNR efforts in your community. Whether you're learning from inspiring pioneers like Dr. Becky Morrow or wrangling 27 cats in a dairy barn, this conversation proves that bold ideas and teamwork can create real change. Tune in for an honest, inspiring, and slightly cheese-fueled (Vermont style!) look at how cat lovers like you turn passion into progress. Press Play Now For: Highlights from 2024, including top conferences and hands-on TNR projects. Lessons learned from Frankie's Friends and its innovative approach to high-volume spay/neuter. How to plan and execute large-scale TNR operations like the Vermont barn project. The launch of the Community Cat Calculator—your new tool for targeted spay/neuter goals. Education opportunities like the Community Cat Program Management class at the University of the Pacific. 2025's "DIY" theme and tips for taking action in your community. Resources Mentioned: Frankie's Friends Spay/Neuter Clinic Community Cat Calculator Tool University of the Pacific - Community Cat Program Management Course TNR Certification Workshops Neighborhood Cats Podcast Episode - Starting at Grassroots and Sharing Our Spay/Neuter Skills with Becky Morrow, DVM