Feral Paws Rescue
Saving Feral Cats
THIS IS SUCH A SAD STORY OF WHAT THE WARDEN KATHY MENDOZA-POWERS AT AVENAL STATE PRISON DID TO THE CATS/KITTENS THAT WERE LAID TO REST AT AVENAL STATE PRISON! THIS STORY YOU'RE ABOUT TO READ IS A VERY HEART BREAKING STORY
This is how the story of the grave yard started about 4 years ago. With the inmates making a fence around the grave yard with
wood that was to be thrown away. This cost the Avenal State Prison, State of California, Department of Corrections not one PENNY!
This grave yard was located in the very back of the prison. It could not be seen by any one other then staff, inmates, many that took a tour of the Cat Program at Avenal State Prison. They were always taken to the grave yard area. Inmates and staff took alot a pride in caring for the cemetery.
They had a policy in place. A memo written by a Warden approving this area.That all new Wardens at Avenal State Prison approved!
That when a cat was found dead it would be placed in a plactic bag and buried in the cemetery. The staff running the program would be informed of the cat and how this cat had died or if unknown how the cat died. They would let the staff know what location of the prison the cat was found. This staff 
person would inform the inmate volunteer caring for the cemetery area and the cat would be laid to rest. Being placed in a container and placed three feet under ground
. In April of 2006, The grave yard before Warden Mendoza-Powers, The volunteers staff and inmates kept it clean and flowers were placed on each grave. All had a cross on the grave many had names on the cross. That means the cat was friended by a inmate or staff that cared for this cat on grounds. That was approved for staff/inmates to care for friended cats on prison grounds. Very special cats had a red rose laid across the grave. These graves 
were up to code with what the Kings County ordinances code required. When I spoke with the Kings County ordianances department in April of 2006. I was told they were impressed with how well this grave area was taken care of. That they checked on this area often to insure it was being cared for and kept up with Kings County ordinances codes. I was told they even had photos on file of this grave yard for the cats. Also Kings County ordinances is not in effect on state property. The fenced area around the grave yard was hand built by inmates out of wood that was to be thrown away. This grave yard cost the State Of California or the Department of Corrections or Avenal State Prison not a PENNY!!!!! All the flowers, name plates, crosses were all donated for the cemetary. This cemetary for the cats was approved by Warden Madding and backed by all other wardens that took over at Avenal State Prison during the past 6 years! Until Warden Kathy Mendoza-Powers!
Note: As you can see in the photo of the flowers, crosses, and the special red rose laided across some of the graves!
As of April of 2006 their was over a 150 cats laid to rest in this area! You can't view in the photo but at the gate of the grave yard was a flag that flew over the area (rainbow bridge flag) It was specially made for this grave yard. As many of you know that is a very speical flag about where all the animals go once they pass over to the rainbow bridge!
Now the cemetery after Warden Kathy Mendoza-Powers!
Even tho' a certified letter had been sent to an employee On March 22, 2006. That I personally had a chance to read. Stating it would be "destroyed on April 3, 2006". For the "employee to get what they wanted out of the area by April 3, 2006." Stating Warden Kathy Mendoza-Powers reason was that the grave yard area was "against Kings County ordiances." Another LIE from Warden Kathy Mendoza-Powers! Volunteers were working fast in making plans to move the remains to the Fresno Pet Cemetery by that date. All the cats would be removed and placed into one grave at the Fresno Pet Cemetery a beauitful pet cemetery located 72 miles from the prison. A head stone was to be made in honor of all the cats laid to rest from Avenal State Prison. All the funds were being donated to make this move of the cats to be laid to rest at the Fresno Pet Cemetery. Many of the volunteers working on this project planned to go out to the prison on March 25th and 26th to start the removal of the cats and relocate them to the Fresno Pet Cemetery But by the orders of Warden Kathy Mendoza-Powers the cemetery was leveled on March 23, 2006! Just one day after the certified letter was received. The employee was never informed that it was leveled and the cats dug up and tossed into a trash bin on prison grounds. The employee went out to the prison to get approval 
for the removal of the cats in the grave yard on March 24, 2006. Was totally shocked finding out that the grave yard was leveled. Not one of the remains of the cats in the grave yard was to be found on prison grounds. They had already been picked up in the trash bin and hauled off to the dump site. This is what the grave yard area looks like now!
This was very costly to the State of California & Department of Corrections & Avenal State Prison! It's your TAX dollars at work!!!!!
Please contact any or all of the resources listed on the " What you can do to help" Please visit our home page for a list of contacts that you can voice your opinion to. Then, leave what you have starting with "voice your concerns about the cruel practice of Warden Kathy Mendoza-Powers! This act by Warden Kathy Mendoza-Powers was down right cruel and uncalled for!!!! The real sad part is it was all based on a lie from Warden Kathy Mendoza-Powers! Just stop and think if she treats cats in a cruel manner. Just think what she does to humans? Warden Kathy Mendoza-Powers runs a State Prison!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RAINBOW BRIDGE POEMS
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
and the pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done, for this,
the last battle can't be won.
You will be sad I understand, but don't let
grief stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest, your
love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years, you wouldn't
want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend,
only stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me until
my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree it is a kindness
you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved, from
pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you who has to
decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years,
don't let your heart hold any tears.
-- Author Unknown
I got to the gate of heaven yesterday
after we said good-bye.
I began to miss you terribly,
because I heard you cry.
Suddenly there was an angel and she asked me
to enter heaven's gate.
I asked her if I could stay outside
for someone who'd be late.
I wouldn't make much noise you see,
I wouldn't bark or howl.
I'll only wait here patiently
and play with my tennis ball.
The angel said I could stay right here
and wait for you to come
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven
if I went in alone.
So I'll wait here, you take your time,
but keep me in your heart.
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven
without you to warm my heart.
-- Author Unknown
It takes us back to brighter years,
to happier sunlit days
and to precious moments
that will be with us always.
And these fond recollections
are treasured in the heart
to bring us always close to those
from whom we had to part.
There is a bridge of memories
from earth to Heaven above...
It keeps our dear ones near us
It's the bridge that we call love.
-- Author Unknown
