Meet Ruth, Diamond, and Maggie — rescue mascots sharing stories, guides,
and resources to help pets and people.
🐱 Ruth Rescue
Ruth is our guardian cat. She represents TNR (Trap–Neuter–Return), spay/neuter advocacy, and the countless kittens who need a safe start. Through Ruth, we share guides and resources to help reduce unwanted litters and give every cat a chance.
🐶 Diamond Rescue
Diamond is our brave dog. Once abandoned and overlooked, she now stands for adoption awareness and second chances. Her story inspires us to fight for dogs who wait too long for homes — reminding us that every rescue matters.
🌟 Maggie’s Story
Maggie is our newest hero. Her children’s book, Maggie Waits, teaches kids about kindness, patience, and the importance of helping animals. Through stories like hers, we spread rescue values to the next generation.
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TOJO Rescue Blog
🐾 The Complete Guide to TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return)
Intro
On a cold night in Western Maryland, a small tabby kitten named Ruth was trapped outside, part of a colony of strays that nobody claimed. Instead of facing a short, uncertain future, Ruth’s life changed because someone cared enough to take part in TNR — Trap-Neuter-Return.
TNR is one of the most effective, humane, and community-friendly ways to help cats like Ruth. This guide will explain what TNR is, why it matters, and how you can start making a difference in your own neighborhood.
What is TNR?
TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Return.
Trap: Humanely capture feral or stray cats using safe live traps.
Neuter: Spay or neuter them at a veterinarian to prevent further litters.
Return: Release the cats back to their original environment where they are monitored, fed, and cared for.
Unlike outdated “catch and kill” approaches, TNR reduces cat populations naturally over time while improving the health and safety of both cats and communities.
Why TNR Matters
Prevents endless litters: One female cat can produce up to 100 kittens in her lifetime.
Improves cat health: Neutered cats fight less, roam less, and live healthier lives.
Protects communities: Reduced spraying, fighting, and noise.
Saves taxpayer money: It costs far less to fix one cat than to house or euthanize dozens of kittens in shelters.
💡 Real Example: Diamond, a pit bull who waited over a year for adoption, represents another side of the same problem — animals overlooked, abandoned, or left behind. TNR helps keep cats from ever ending up in that situation.
How the TNR Process Works (Step by Step)
Identify a colony – Observe local areas (alleys, barns, parking lots).
Set humane traps – Use bait food; never harm the cat.
Take to a vet or clinic – Look for local TNR programs offering low-cost or free spay/neuter.
Recovery period – Cats rest for 24–48 hours post-surgery.
Return – Release the cat back where it was found.
👉 Many clinics will also ear-tip the cat (a small, safe notch on the ear) to show it’s already been fixed.
Common Myths About TNR
“TNR doesn’t work.”
False. Communities that implement TNR consistently see colony sizes shrink over time.
“Cats are better off euthanized.”
Inhumane and ineffective. Removing cats creates a “vacuum effect” — new cats just move in.
“It’s too expensive.”
On the contrary: TNR saves shelters and towns thousands in future costs.
How to Start a TNR Campaign in Your Community
Build awareness: Print flyers or share posts about TNR.
Recruit volunteers: Neighbors, rescues, shelters.
Partner with vets: Many offer discounted spay/neuter for feral cats.
Track colonies: Keep records of who’s been trapped, fixed, and returned.
Educate: Host workshops or share free resources like our [TNR Starter Checklist PDF].
In Summary
TNR is more than just a program — it’s an act of compassion and community responsibility. It gives cats like Ruth a chance at a healthier life and prevents countless others from suffering.
✨ You don’t have to be a shelter worker to make a difference. Anyone can help. And every cat you fix is a small victory for the whole community.
Click the button below for our free guide -
together, we can change the future for unwanted cats.
Explore Our Stories
Maggie Waits (Children’s Book)
Maggie’s story of kindness and rescue.
Maggie’s Companion Activity Book
Games and activities that teach rescue values.
Meet Maggie: A Story of Hope
Maggie is the newest member of TOJO Tails. Her story teaches patience, resilience, and the importance of helping animals. Through Maggie Waits and her companion activity book, kids learn rescue values in a way that inspires compassion.
Meet Ruth: The Guardian Cat
Ruth was rescued through a TNR campaign and became the heart of TOJO Tails. She represents spay/neuter advocacy and the countless kittens who need a safe start. Ruth reminds us that every small act of kindness can save lives.
