Earlier this year, we were contacted by a concerned family whose elderly relative had entered respite care, leaving behind a heartbreaking situation on his rural property. For over 20 years, this kind man had been feeding stray and abandoned cats, doing his best to care for them. While his intentions came from a place of love, the number of cats slowly grew out of control, reaching upwards of 40 by the time the family reached out for help. Some were living indoors, others outside, and the family was desperate to do the right thing, but didn’t know where to turn. They feared for the cat’s well-being without support.

Most of the cats were understandably frightened, having had little human contact beyond the elderly man who cared for them. But with time, patience, and compassionate care, they began to come out of their shells. We’re thrilled to share that many of these cats have now found their forever homes — safe, warm, and full of love.

Without the support from PetSmart Charities, a complex intake like this would have been a significant strain on our resources. The grant allowed us to respond without hesitation, ensuring every animal rescued receives the care they deserve. This is just one of many examples of how this funding has allowed us to step up when no one else could help in our mission of changing lives through kindness.