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[Los Angeles, CA] City Council Approves $14 Million Initiative Led by ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society
▲ 20 r/AnimalShelterStories+1 crossposts

[Los Angeles, CA] City Council Approves $14 Million Initiative Led by ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society

Although this was originally announced by ASPCA on April, 20th the City Council only recently approved it. This affects the 6 LAAS shelters which is one of the largest shelter systems in the county.

I look forward to seein how they will improve pet retention. Maybe this will be expanded pet supply and food drives fer existin pet owners and new ones. More emphasis on educational materials on how to acclimate with a new pet fer first time adopters. Or somethin I've never heard of before. I am pretty hopeful fer this category of their core principles!

The original news release can be viewed here -> link. Below is the full news release reprinted fer your convenience.

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Landmark partnership with LA Animal Services moves forward to expand care, support staff and drive more lifesaving outcomes

LOS ANGELES, July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In collaboration with LA Animal Services (LAAS), the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) and Best Friends Animal Society® today announced that the Los Angeles City Council has approved a transformative, multi-year $14 million funding and operational support initiative to strengthen and enhance services across the City's six animal shelters. This grant will reinforce and enhance the work LAAS does every day, handling over 50,000 animals last year; a placement rate of 90% or greater for dogs since 2017; and a save rate of 85% for cats and kittens in 2025.

With Council approval secured, this first-of-its-kind collaboration—representing the largest combined investment by the ASPCA and Best Friends in a single municipal shelter system—will now move forward, delivering immediate resources while building long-term, sustainable improvements for animals and the Los Angeles community.

The initiative focuses on three core priorities:

  • Improving in-shelter care and operational efficiency to ensure animals receive timely, coordinated services;
  • Increasing positive outcomes such as adoptions, fostering and reunifications with owners; and
  • Expanded community engagement and support to keep Los Angelenos and their pets together.

The ASPCA and Best Friends will support LAAS over an initial three-year period, with LA Animal Services committing to best efforts to sustain key positions and programmatic advancements for an additional three years to ensure lasting impact well beyond the initial investment.

"This is a transformational moment for LA Animal Services and for the animals and families who depend on us," said Mayor Karen Bass. "This historic investment will strengthen our shelters, expand support for pet owners, and create more lifesaving opportunities for animals across Los Angeles. I'm deeply grateful to the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society for their visionary partnership and extraordinary investment."

"With this approval, Los Angeles is making a powerful statement about the importance of animals and the people who care for them," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO. "Together, with these much-needed additional resources, we will strengthen services across LA Animal Services, better positioning the city's shelter system to support the Los Angeles community, keeping pets and people together and helping more animals find loving homes and brighter futures."

"From the outset, the animals and people of LA Animal Services have been at the heart of this collaborative vision," said Julie Castle, CEO, Best Friends Animal Society. "This initiative will create transformative outcomes for pets in the shelter system, while honoring the commitment of the employees and volunteers who serve them."

"In the field of animal welfare, partnership is vital, and we are grateful for the continued support from the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society," said Gabrielle Amster, General Manager for LA Animal Services. "Such significant support will bolster our efforts to continue striving for a high standard of care for the animals in our shelters, while providing our staff with training needed to elevate pathway planning, and dedicate more resources to adoption and foster programming. This will allow us to better engage our community and serve the pets and people of Los Angeles."

Through the approved initiative, LAAS will receive $7 million each from the ASPCA and Best Friends to support more than 20 essential staffing positions, including expanded adoption and foster teams and specialized roles for community cat programs. In addition, four experienced consultants from the organizations will be embedded within LAAS facilities to provide hands-on support in training, program development and implementation, and animal health and safety.

The initiative will also expand foster care capacity, strengthen return-to-owner efforts, including field-based reunifications, and introduce enhanced customer service protocols and supportive resources designed to keep pets and their families together at the point of admission. In collaboration with LAAS leadership, comprehensive training will be provided to LAAS staff across key areas such as animal care, shelter medicine, adoption services, data management, volunteer engagement and community outreach.

As one of the largest municipal shelter systems in the country, LA Animal Services serves approximately 50,000 animals annually and responds to more than 20,000 emergency calls involving animals and people in danger. In recent years, LAAS has made significant progress reducing overcrowding and increasing placements through community partnerships, adoption initiatives and expanded access to the resources pet owners need to care for their animals.

This initiative builds on decades of commitment from both the ASPCA and Best Friends to improving animal welfare across Los Angeles. By combining funding, expertise and on-the-ground support, the partnership is designed to deliver immediate, measurable improvements while setting the foundation for a more effective, humane and sustainable shelter system.

About the ASPCA^(®)
The ASPCA^(®) (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^(®)) believes every animal deserves to live free from suffering. For 160 years, we've been on the frontlines to save, transform and protect millions of lives in the fight against animal cruelty. As the nation's first and leading animal welfare organization, we assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal relocation and placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary communities through research, training and resources. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than 2 million supporters nationwide, our commitment to eliminating animal cruelty is unwavering. For more information, visit aspca.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

About Best Friends Animal Society^(®)
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats in America's shelters and making the entire country no-kill. Founded in 1984, Best Friends runs lifesaving facilities and programs nationwide in partnership with more than 6,000 shelters and rescue organizations. From our headquarters in Kanab, Utah, we also operate the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary — a destination that brings our mission to life for thousands of visitors each year. We maintain the most comprehensive animal sheltering data in the country and make it accessible to the public — empowering communities with critical insights into the needs of their local shelters and how they can help. We believe every dog and cat deserves a home. And we believe that, by working together, we can Save Them All®.

About LA Animal Services
LA Animal Services promotes and protects the health, safety, and welfare of animals and the people who love them, and is one of the largest municipal shelter systems in the United States. With six Centers across the City, LA Animal Services serves approximately 50,000 animals annually and responds to 20,000 emergency calls involving animals or people in danger. For LA Animal Services, there's no place like home so the Department provides resources to keep pets and families together; helps lost pets get home quickly without having to enter the shelter system; provides pet food assistance; and continues to build on a strong adoption and foster program so pets find loving homes or are placed in foster care. Visit our link.tree for helpful links to the services and resources available to you and your companion animals. Connect with LA Animal Services and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

SOURCE ASPCA®

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 3 days ago
▲ 35 r/CatRescue

[Montana] Shelters see increasing need for pet surrenders

Please support your local shelters and rescues; they need you. Shelters are still overcrowded and fer most people, they are the first to be contacted when there is an issue with their pet or if a random kitty needs help. Fer whatever reasons, people whom are tryin to surrender their pets need to do so in a safe way - and this often means contactin the shelter first. But as KittyMOM’s Rescue Organization is at capacity with the animals that Animal control and the strays the public brings in, that they don't have the capacity to take in many surrenders.

Then what happens? Some try to reHome their pets and fer those whom cannot find an adopter... what happens? Do the pets go out onto the street and if they survive, only to continue the cycle of addin to the the animals that the public and Animal Control bring in later (and sometimes with a whole litter)?

The article ends with: "This series continues next week with ways residents can help ease the pet abandonment problem."

---

The article is reprinted below fer your convenience, and the full article can be found here -> link:

by JULIE ENGLER
Whitefish Pilot | July 1, 2026 1:00 AM

Seventeen more felines were found and delivered to KittyMOM’s Rescue Organization in the last week, including one adult and four litters of kittens. They were found in woodpiles, along roadsides and near lakes.  

One litter was found near its mother who had died giving birth. Another litter’s mom had been killed by a dog, and a third litter’s mother has not yet been found. 

“They just keep coming,” said Darcy Albert, president of the rescue group. “We are only taking emergencies right now. If they are being fed and are in a safe place, we are having to say no.” 

With more than 80 cats in its foster homes, KittyMOM’s is seeing “epidemic” levels of cat abandonment in the valley, said Albert. 

Flathead Valley is served by one public and one nonprofit animal shelter — the Flathead County Animal Shelter south of Kalispell and the Humane Society of Northwest Montana north of Kalispell. 

Flathead County Health Department Director Jen Rankosky is serving as the interim director of the County Animal Shelter. She said the rising demand for services in the county has been ongoing for several years and the shelter has responded by continuing to provide services and resources to support the community.  

Rankosky added that providing appropriate housing, medical care and daily support to the animals in its care has reduced the shelter’s ability to accept owner-surrendered pets. 

“Due to ongoing capacity challenges and the high volume of animals entering the shelter, we have temporarily limited owner surrenders,” she said. “The shelter continues to receive a steady influx of animals brought in by Animal Control Officers and members of the public.” 

Both shelters suggest that people who need to surrender a pet check the websites home-home.org and rehome.adoptapet.com. 

“We continue to evaluate shelter capacity on an ongoing basis and work with pet owners to identify alternative resources whenever possible,” Rankosky added. 

Both shelter directors say they are operating at capacity, but the actual capacity of the county shelter is not a set number. 

“Shelter capacity is a complex and constantly changing issue,” Rankosky said. “Available space can vary from day to day based on several factors, including ongoing legal holds, animals brought in by Animal Control Officers, stray animal intake, and the age and temperament of animals currently in our care.” 

She said the policy regarding strays affects capacity, too, because strays must be held for a minimum of 72 hours for the owner to reclaim the pet. If the owner does not arrive, the pet undergoes medical evaluation, vaccination, and spay/neuter procedures before becoming available for adoption. 

“Because animal intake, reclaim rates, adoptions and medical needs can change rapidly, shelter capacity is highly dynamic and can be difficult to predict from week to week,” Rankosky said. 

The county shelter tracks animal intake and outcomes monthly and provides reports to the Board of Health and the public. These reports include information on animal intakes, adoptions, owner reunifications, transfers and other outcomes. 

“In April, the shelter began the month with 59 animals in care and took in 144 additional animals throughout the month,” Rankosky said. “During that same period, 111 animals left the shelter through adoption, return to owner, transfer, clinic release, or other outcomes.  

“As a result, the shelter population increased to 92 animals by the end of the month,” she said. “Because intake and outcome numbers fluctuate throughout the year, shelter capacity can change rapidly from month to month.” 

The most recent posted report is from May 2024 and is available at the Flathead County Animal Shelter website, under the shelter statistics and reports tab. 

Executive Director of the Humane Society, Stacie DaBolt, said the shelter facilitates about 500 adoptions each year and always operates at capacity, which is about 24 dogs and 48-50 cats. 

The Humane Society intake statistics for January through June of this year show it has accepted 46 adult cats and 35 kittens from owner surrenders, and another 38 felines were transferred into the facility. 

DaBolt said she has noticed an increase in the number of owner-surrendered pets recently. 

"That's a conversation that needs to be had,” she said. “I think that's economy. I think that's housing issues here. 

“Last year we saw an influx,” she continued. “This year we're seeing the trend going up. Most of our intakes have been from owner surrenders, because there's so many of them and the county can't handle it, and there are no other resources.” 

Dabolt said the Humane Society has tweaked its intake policies to keep up with the number of owner surrenders. Dog owners go through an evaluation to determine if the dog has significant behavioral issues. 

“We don't do evaluations on cats. There are no barriers there,” DaBolt said. “There's a $30 surrender fee, but we waive it if somebody can't afford it. If you don't have the money, we're still going to take your cat in.” 

To surrender a pet to the Humane Society, owners are asked to fill out the pet surrender form on the shelter website and submit photos of the pet, before they are put on a wait list. To surrender a pet to the county animal shelter, people are asked to make an appointment and let a staff member provide guidance regarding the next steps. 

“I've taken the [annual] budget from about $600,000 to $1 million in the three years I've been here, and that's where we need to be,” DaBolt said. “That's the bare minimum that we can be, and a lot of that is putting the programs in place and hiring the staff to do it, like a behavior trainer. Literally, 90% of that money goes to actual care of the animals.”  

She said medical care and spay and neuter services are the major expenditure for the shelter. Since the shelter does not have a veterinarian on staff, all the cases are bought to private practices. 

As a nonprofit, the Humane Society’s 990 tax forms are available to the public at apps.irs.gov. 

Under the county shelter trap, neuter and release program, people can bring stray cats to the shelter in traps. They are spayed or neutered, and their ears are tipped. The animals are then released where they were originally caught. 

DaBolt said there is controversy over such programs because some people want to see cats cared for while others believe they can fend for themselves. 

“The other caveat about that situation, is you have to have a colony manager ... somebody who is committed and dedicated to taking care of those cats throughout their lives,” DaBolt said. “So, educating those people that you can't just throw your cat out. It will not survive.” 

She said the caretaker, or colony manager, needs to ensure the cats have appropriate shelter, food, water and basic medical care, so they do not transmit diseases to other cats. 

“An outside cat's average lifespan is maybe five years old, six years old, versus an indoor cat who's always been indoors and protected from the elements and who's being taken care of, can live 15, 20 years,” she said. “It comes down to education, and it also comes down to more spay and neuter services.  

“At the end of the day, spay and neuter is always it [the solution], but we'll never be out of a job, sadly, because of the free roaming and the fact that there's no legislation or policies from a state level government, city level about cats,” DaBolt said. “They're not doing anything to help the community mitigate the spay and neuter and the overpopulation, because they consider them free roaming, which is a very convenient way of saying, ‘We're not dealing with this.’” 

This series continues next week with ways residents can help ease the pet abandonment problem. 

whitefishpilot.com
u/Eastern-Protection83 — 4 days ago
▲ 18 r/CatRescue

July 4th Safety Tips & Microchips

Hello folks,

July 4th is this weekend. While this may be a fun American holiday, it is the most frightenin holiday overall fer our kitties. Our kitties are creatures of habit, routine and schedule and humans celebratin holidays breaks the normal routine with more/ different activity, often times with guests too. However, July 4th is all these things plus loud fireworks and maybe even some celebratory gunshots over the course of a few hours. Sudden, loud noises can be terrifyin fer the kittes.

This is a summary of Mary's July 4th video:

  1. Keep Inside
  2. Check that microchips and contact info is up-to-date
  3. Kitty safe (and comfortable) zone
  4. Noise dampenin such as a fan or white noise helps
  5. Bring them inside BEFORE dark

What are some things you do that help reduce the stress on your kitties durin hectic holidays?

I wrote a post of Seasonal Safety Tips that covers decorations, guests, foods and some dangers outside the home, etc. which you can find at this -> link.

If you have not yet microchipped your fur baby, please do so. There is still time before the holiday. Kitties are freakishly agile and fast - even those chubby tubby fur babies can zip right past our legs and out a door to the outside. If you have already microchipped your kitty, now is a good time to check that your information is up to date and has all your current contacts, addresses and phone number/s.

If your pet is ever lost, microchippin helps you be reunited faster if your kitty is caught and brought to a vet/ rescue. The cost of a chip can be as low as $20 (not includin exam fees) and this is a chip that stays with them fer life. It is said that the ASPCA, many humane societies, Vetco (clinic of Petco) and low-cost clinics often will waive the exam fee if you are seekin the microchip only. However, always confirm this yourself. Some microchip companies offer a (premium) subscription which is not necessary to add in order to enjoy the basic function of bein in their lifetime database.

The database that vets use is from AAHA which only directs folks to which manufacturer made the chip. From there, it is up to the vet / shelter / rescue to directly contact the manufacturer's registry. One registry by Save This Life abruptly ceased operation last year renderin their entire database inaccessible and void. If you have a chip from them, please re-register with any other reputable microchip company (sign up with another online, no need to get another microchip).

^(Video Credits: Editor Mary from The Pack by the Dodo)

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 6 days ago
▲ 192 r/CatRescue+1 crossposts

Is that Data Center Exterminatin Ferals?

Important Note: The followin written summary was made usin 2 different sources WNEP16 and 2822 News. They are cited as relevant by the hyperlinks. The video is from WNEP16.

Summary: Data centers displace people and some advocates think that this one in PA will be exterminatin cats.

Blackstone QTS is a data center developer that partnered with Friends and Ferals Rescue in PA allowin them access to property they will be buildin a datacenter on. Last Friday, QTS had given them notice to vacate (this past Monday) and that a different "rescue" with name bein withheld by QTS shall takeover the remainder of the TNR and "adoptions."

Despite QTS statin the feral cats will not be exterminated, advocates fear they will be killed due to an exterminator that reached out to Friends and Ferals relayin that they were contacted by QTS and other concernin inconsistencies of universally known handlin of ferals from the alleged undisclosed other rescue.

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 9 days ago
▲ 88 r/ModEvents

Proposal: Mod's Cats Virtual Meetup

Since today's celebration of Cat World Domination Day which several subreddit's participated, I propose a virtual meetup of Mod's Cats. But you don't need a kitty cat to enjoy this meetup.

There are many cat aficionados across reddit and this sub even has post flairs to show off cats! As long as you enjoy birds, bunnies, squirrels or backyard scenery you to can be as entranced and delighted as mod's cats! Lets do it then, Mod's Cats Virtual Meetup!!

Why is this needed? Because all mods are volunteers and sometimes jest want to goto the bathroom and close the door without their feline friend accompanyin 'em on the excursion. And because small things that move and dart about catch the eyes of cats and nature lovers. This provides a safe and simple enrichment of both groups!

As you can see in the image above, I provided a mock up of what the event looks like courtesy of some pictures I found from the net. The main frame is the action. And the picture-in-picture viewer represents an admin's cat enjoyin and fully entranced with the high-quality content of reddit's Mod Cat's Meetup.

Here is a proposal to the day's program:

  • Pre-meetup intro music: songbirds and sunflower seeds crackin
  • Intros of Admin cats and welcome
  • How to Cat: Reminder also included fer mods to disable or unplug keyboard
  • 15min of pre-recorded Cat viewin pleasure of birds, bunnies and squirrels enjoyin seeds and fruits and hoppin round
  • Intermission: 5mins of audio only with songbirds and cat chatters whilst mods attend to givin out treats and pets to their kitty cats
  • 15mins of high energy, pre-recorded birds that zoom, bunnies that hop and squirrels zippin across lawns, fences and up trees.
  • Closin and Admin Cat chatter: The mic is turned back on fer admins' cats where they purr and meow the approval of the vids recently viewed. This is also when admins remind mods to turn their keyboards back on or plug them in again as they do Q and A of "How Many Times did Your Cat, Cat" and take a rough survey of favorite birds, bunnies or squirrels from the program.

All cats attendin are sent a global cat favorite... a medium-sized, empty carton with the Reddit logo

*Note to mods, please consult with your cats and query which types of treats they'd like you to hand feed 'em durin the intermission. Once your kitty has confirmed their treat please send pics of kitties, thank you.

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 11 days ago
▲ 34 r/blindcats

Happy Cat World Domination Day!

Happy Cat World Domination Day!

Today is Cat World Domination Day!🎉 A celebration of how cats control and silently steer their human companions to bend to their will. A few cat subs have come together to celebrate this important holiday (full list at bottom). To the question of, Why don’t we celebrate Cat World Domination Day, everyday? We already do. They already have you trained. You know how they walk up to you and you have the urge to pet them? Yep, they did that; you’re cat certified™.

Started in 2012, this annual holiday originally started as a birthday gift created by Janiss Garza fer her kitty, Sparkle. Because in a moment of clarity, Garza had a realization that Sparkle was quietly in charge of everythin.

This holiday reminds us that kitty cats have an affectionate grip on us mere mortals, that we bend to their will without even realizin it. Kitty can be doin nothin at all, asleep, sittin and starin at us or up to mischief, plottin their overthrow and it is all spellbindin and charmingly infectious. Their cattitude is expressed in many ways from their judgemental stares, demandin (and sometimes insultin) meow commentary behind a closed door or whilest they impatiently await as we lumber about preparin their meals and lets not forget, their purrs that heal.

Today without shame, share your fondness of our cat overlords! Be it a remembrance of a prior feline god/s or of those currently makin demands on you, their prized and loyal hooman servant. Today pamper extra those that have allowed you into their hearts with a few extra treats, scritches, bongos and cuddles. No matter where you may be, how hard you try, they quietly exert control over us; their fur is unrelentin and gets everywhere no matter how many sticky rollers you may own; it is a minute-to-minute reminder that we are their hooman and they, our rock and anchor. Then... of course, there are those other times where they loudly berate and haunt us in the night (3am) and the mornins aaaand at every meal time because we are simply are not attendin to their needs fast enough.

Today hoomans, let us celebrate! Share with us a cat god you’ve sworn fealty to, one that you adopted, or had been fosterin so that it may go on to have a hooman or few of its own to boss ‘round and rule. And if you are shelter staff, a moment of how the kitties was a refuge fer you with their calm, cute and chaos in the shelter.

*It must be said that while we honor the kitties, we must also do our best fer the Hooman Resistance Movement and not succumb entirely to the kitty, worldwide takeover. Kitties deserves to be regaled as the gods that they are. To get those kitties off the streets and snackin in your home on some treats, r/CatRescue encourages you to adopt or foster and to spay/ neuter.

---

Have a wonderful Cat World Domination Day!! From your mods of:

  • r/blindcats - All things blind cats!
  • r/Kitten - Kittens, advice, and lots of cuteness!
  • r/CatRescue - Where humans rescue cats and kitty cats rescue us.
  • r/Feral_Cats - For caregivers of roaming cats to get support, ask questions, and share information.
  • r/AnimalShelterStories - Support community for animal shelter & rescue employees, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and friends.

---

Photo Credits: Picture 1, Drumsticks from mcs385 (Feral_Cats; Runt from Friendly_TSE (AnimalShelterStories); Fatty from 404NinjaNotFound (Kitten); Bihter from ackopek (blindcats); Rock in costume as a globe from Eastern-Protection83 (CatRescue))

Picture 2, Kitty cats from mods: Friendly_TSE (AnimalShelterStories helped feature all the foster neonatal kitties, ackopek (blindcats), 404NinjaNotFound (Kitten), mcs385 (Feral_Cats), cheeze-dog (Feral_Cats), yarnlord69 (Feral_Cats), codeswift27 (Feral_Cats), Cherveny2 (CatRescue), and Eastern-Protection ("Little Rock" the Kitty Cat Cheerleader from CatRescue))

Extra mention: Special thank you to all the mods that were eager to celebrate Cat World Domination Day on such short notice and a very special thanks to mcs385 whom arranged all the images on a tight release deadline.

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 11 days ago
▲ 31 r/Feral_Cats

Happy Cat World Domination Day!

Happy Cat World Domination Day!

Today is Cat World Domination Day!🎉 A celebration of how cats control and silently steer their human companions to bend to their will. A few cat subs have come together to celebrate this important holiday (full list at bottom). To the question of, Why don’t we celebrate Cat World Domination Day, everyday? We already do. They already have you trained. You know how they walk up to you and you have the urge to pet them? Yep, they did that; you’re cat certified™.

Started in 2012, this annual holiday originally started as a birthday gift created by Janiss Garza fer her kitty, Sparkle. Because in a moment of clarity, Garza had a realization that Sparkle was quietly in charge of everythin.

This holiday reminds us that kitty cats have an affectionate grip on us mere mortals, that we bend to their will without even realizin it. Kitty can be doin nothin at all, asleep, sittin and starin at us or up to mischief, plottin their overthrow and it is all spellbindin and charmingly infectious. Their cattitude is expressed in many ways from their judgemental stares, demandin (and sometimes insultin) meow commentary behind a closed door or whilest they impatiently await as we lumber about preparin their meals and lets not forget, their purrs that heal.

Today without shame, share your fondness of our cat overlords! Be it a remembrance of a prior feline god/s or of those currently makin demands on you, their prized and loyal hooman servant. Today pamper extra those that have allowed you into their hearts with a few extra treats, scritches, bongos and cuddles. No matter where you may be, how hard you try, they quietly exert control over us; their fur is unrelentin and gets everywhere no matter how many sticky rollers you may own; it is a minute-to-minute reminder that we are their hooman and they, our rock and anchor. Then... of course, there are those other times where they loudly berate and haunt us in the night (3am) and the mornins aaaand at every meal time because we are simply are not attendin to their needs fast enough.

Today hoomans, let us celebrate! Share with us a cat god you’ve sworn fealty to, one that you adopted, or had been fosterin so that it may go on to have a hooman or few of its own to boss ‘round and rule. And if you are shelter staff, a moment of how the kitties was a refuge fer you with their calm, cute and chaos in the shelter.

*It must be said that while we honor the kitties, we must also do our best fer the Hooman Resistance Movement and not succumb entirely to the kitty, worldwide takeover. Kitties deserves to be regaled as the gods that they are. To get those kitties off the streets and snackin in your home on some treats, r/CatRescue encourages you to adopt or foster and to spay/ neuter.

---

Have a wonderful Cat World Domination Day!! From your mods of:

  • r/blindcats - All things blind cats!
  • r/Kitten - Kittens, advice, and lots of cuteness!
  • r/CatRescue - Where humans rescue cats and kitty cats rescue us.
  • r/Feral_Cats - For caregivers of roaming cats to get support, ask questions, and share information.
  • r/AnimalShelterStories - Support community for animal shelter & rescue employees, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and friends.

---

^(Photo Credits: Picture 1, Drumsticks from mcs385 (Feral_Cats); Runt from Friendly_TSE (AnimalShelterStories); Fatty from 404NinjaNotFound (Kitten); Bihter from ackopek (blindcats); Rock in costume as a globe from Eastern-Protection83 (CatRescue))

^(Picture 2, Kitty cats from mods: Friendly_TSE (AnimalShelterStories helped feature all the foster neonatal kitties), ackopek (blindcats), 404NinjaNotFound (Kitten), mcs385 (Feral_Cats), cheeze-dog (Feral_Cats), yarnlord69 (Feral_Cats), codeswift27 (Feral_Cats), Cherveny2 (CatRescue), and Eastern-Protection ("Little Rock" the Kitty Cat Cheerleader from CatRescue))

^(Extra mention: Special thank you to all the mods that were eager to celebrate Cat World Domination Day on such short notice and a very special thanks to mcs385 whom arranged all the images on a tight release deadline.)

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 11 days ago
▲ 83 r/Kitten

Happy Cat World Domination Day!

Happy Cat World Domination Day!

Today is Cat World Domination Day!🎉 A celebration of how cats control and silently steer their human companions to bend to their will. A few cat subs have come together to celebrate this important holiday (full list at bottom). To the question of, Why don’t we celebrate Cat World Domination Day, everyday? We already do. They already have you trained. You know how they walk up to you and you have the urge to pet them? Yep, they did that; you’re cat certified™.

Started in 2012, this annual holiday originally started as a birthday gift created by Janiss Garza fer her kitty, Sparkle. Because in a moment of clarity, Garza had a realization that Sparkle was quietly in charge of everythin.

This holiday reminds us that kitty cats have an affectionate grip on us mere mortals, that we bend to their will without even realizin it. Kitty can be doin nothin at all, asleep, sittin and starin at us or up to mischief, plottin their overthrow and it is all spellbindin and charmingly infectious. Their cattitude is expressed in many ways from their judgemental stares, demandin (and sometimes insultin) meow commentary behind a closed door or whilest they impatiently await as we lumber about preparin their meals and lets not forget, their purrs that heal.

Today without shame, share your fondness of our cat overlords! Be it a remembrance of a prior feline god/s or of those currently makin demands on you, their prized and loyal hooman servant. Today pamper extra those that have allowed you into their hearts with a few extra treats, scritches, bongos and cuddles. No matter where you may be, how hard you try, they quietly exert control over us; their fur is unrelentin and gets everywhere no matter how many sticky rollers you may own; it is a minute-to-minute reminder that we are their hooman and they, our rock and anchor. Then... of course, there are those other times where they loudly berate and haunt us in the night (3am) and the mornins aaaand at every meal time because we are simply are not attendin to their needs fast enough.

Today hoomans, let us celebrate! Share with us a cat god you’ve sworn fealty to, one that you adopted, or had been fosterin so that it may go on to have a hooman or few of its own to boss ‘round and rule. And if you are shelter staff, a moment of how the kitties was a refuge fer you with their calm, cute and chaos in the shelter.

*It must be said that while we honor the kitties, we must also do our best fer the Hooman Resistance Movement and not succumb entirely to the kitty, worldwide takeover. Kitties deserves to be regaled as the gods that they are. To get those kitties off the streets and snackin in your home on some treats, r/CatRescue encourages you to adopt or foster and to spay/ neuter.

---

Have a wonderful Cat World Domination Day!! From your mods of:

  • r/blindcats - All things blind cats!
  • r/Kitten - Kittens, advice, and lots of cuteness!
  • r/CatRescue - Where humans rescue cats and kitty cats rescue us.
  • r/Feral_Cats - For caregivers of roaming cats to get support, ask questions, and share information.
  • r/AnimalShelterStories - Support community for animal shelter & rescue employees, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and friends.

---

Photo Credits: Picture 1, Drumsticks from mcs385 (Feral_Cats; Runt from Friendly_TSE (AnimalShelterStories); Fatty from 404NinjaNotFound (Kitten); Bihter from ackopek (blindcats); Rock in costume as a globe from Eastern-Protection83 (CatRescue))

Picture 2, Kitty cats from mods: Friendly_TSE (AnimalShelterStories helped feature all the foster neonatal kitties, ackopek (blindcats), 404NinjaNotFound (Kitten), mcs385 (Feral_Cats), cheeze-dog (Feral_Cats), yarnlord69 (Feral_Cats), codeswift27 (Feral_Cats), Cherveny2 (CatRescue), and Eastern-Protection ("Little Rock" the Kitty Cat Cheerleader from CatRescue))

Extra mention: Special thank you to all the mods that were eager to celebrate Cat World Domination Day on such short notice and a very special thanks to mcs385 whom arranged all the images on a tight release deadline.

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 11 days ago
▲ 15 r/AnimalShelterStories

Happy Cat World Domination Day!

Happy Cat World Domination Day!

Today is Cat World Domination Day!🎉 A celebration of how cats control and silently steer their human companions to bend to their will. A few cat subs have come together to celebrate this important holiday (full list at bottom). To the question of, Why don’t we celebrate Cat World Domination Day, everyday? We already do. They already have you trained. You know how they walk up to you and you have the urge to pet them? Yep, they did that; you’re cat certified™.

Started in 2012, this annual holiday originally started as a birthday gift created by Janiss Garza fer her kitty, Sparkle. Because in a moment of clarity, Garza had a realization that Sparkle was quietly in charge of everythin.

This holiday reminds us that kitty cats have an affectionate grip on us mere mortals, that we bend to their will without even realizin it. Kitty can be doin nothin at all, asleep, sittin and starin at us or up to mischief, plottin their overthrow and it is all spellbindin and charmingly infectious. Their cattitude is expressed in many ways from their judgemental stares, demandin (and sometimes insultin) meow commentary behind a closed door or whilest they impatiently await as we lumber about preparin their meals and lets not forget, their purrs that heal.

Today without shame, share your fondness of our cat overlords! Be it a remembrance of a prior feline god/s or of those currently makin demands on you, their prized and loyal hooman servant. Today pamper extra those that have allowed you into their hearts with a few extra treats, scritches, bongos and cuddles. No matter where you may be, how hard you try, they quietly exert control over us; their fur is unrelentin and gets everywhere no matter how many sticky rollers you may own; it is a minute-to-minute reminder that we are their hooman and they, our rock and anchor. Then... of course, there are those other times where they loudly berate and haunt us in the night (3am) and the mornins aaaand at every meal time because we are simply are not attendin to their needs fast enough.

Today hoomans, let us celebrate! Share with us a cat god you’ve sworn fealty to, one that you adopted, or had been fosterin so that it may go on to have a hooman or few of its own to boss ‘round and rule. And if you are shelter staff, a moment of how the kitties was a refuge fer you with their calm, cute and chaos in the shelter.

*It must be said that while we honor the kitties, we must also do our best fer the Hooman Resistance Movement and not succumb entirely to the kitty, worldwide takeover. Kitties deserves to be regaled as the gods that they are. To get those kitties off the streets and snackin in your home on some treats, r/CatRescue encourages you to adopt or foster and to spay/ neuter.

---

Have a wonderful Cat World Domination Day!! From your mods of:

  • r/blindcats - All things blind cats!
  • r/Kitten - Kittens, advice, and lots of cuteness!
  • r/CatRescue - Where humans rescue cats and kitty cats rescue us.
  • r/Feral_Cats - For caregivers of roaming cats to get support, ask questions, and share information.
  • r/AnimalShelterStories - Support community for animal shelter & rescue employees, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and friends.

---

^(Photo Credits: Picture 1, Drumsticks from mcs385 (Feral_Cats); Runt from Friendly_TSE (AnimalShelterStories); Fatty from 404NinjaNotFound (Kitten); Bihter from ackopek (blindcats); Rock in costume as a globe from Eastern-Protection83 (CatRescue))

^(Picture 2, Kitty cats from mods: Friendly_TSE (AnimalShelterStories helped feature all the foster neonatal kitties), ackopek (blindcats), 404NinjaNotFound (Kitten), mcs385 (Feral_Cats), cheeze-dog (Feral_Cats), yarnlord69 (Feral_Cats), codeswift27 (Feral_Cats), Cherveny2 (CatRescue), and Eastern-Protection ("Little Rock" the Kitty Cat Cheerleader from CatRescue))

^(Extra mention: Special thank you to all the mods that were eager to celebrate Cat World Domination Day on such short notice and a very special thanks to mcs385 whom arranged all the images on a tight release deadline.)

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 11 days ago
▲ 77 r/CatRescue

Happy Cat World Domination Day!

Happy Cat World Domination Day!

Today is Cat World Domination Day!🎉 A celebration of how cats control and silently steer their human companions to bend to their will. A few cat subs have come together to celebrate this important holiday (full list at bottom). To the question of, Why don’t we celebrate Cat World Domination Day, everyday? We already do. They already have you trained. You know how they walk up to you and you have the urge to pet them? Yep, they did that; you’re cat certified™.

Started in 2012, this annual holiday originally started as a birthday gift created by Janiss Garza fer her kitty, Sparkle. Because in a moment of clarity, Garza had a realization that Sparkle was quietly in charge of everythin.

This holiday reminds us that kitty cats have an affectionate grip on us mere mortals, that we bend to their will without even realizin it. Kitty can be doin nothin at all, asleep, sittin and starin at us or up to mischief, plottin their overthrow and it is all spellbindin and charmingly infectious. Their cattitude is expressed in many ways from their judgemental stares, demandin (and sometimes insultin) meow commentary behind a closed door or whilest they impatiently await as we lumber about preparin their meals and lets not forget, their purrs that heal.

Today without shame, share your fondness of our cat overlords! Be it a remembrance of a prior feline god/s or of those currently makin demands on you, their prized and loyal hooman servant. Today pamper extra those that have allowed you into their hearts with a few extra treats, scritches, bongos and cuddles. No matter where you may be, how hard you try, they quietly exert control over us; their fur is unrelentin and gets everywhere no matter how many sticky rollers you may own; it is a minute-to-minute reminder that we are their hooman and they, our rock and anchor. Then... of course, there are those other times where they loudly berate and haunt us in the night (3am) and the mornins aaaand at every meal time because we are simply are not attendin to their needs fast enough.

Today hoomans, let us celebrate! Share with us a cat god you’ve sworn fealty to, one that you adopted, or had been fosterin so that it may go on to have a hooman or few of its own to boss ‘round and rule. And if you are shelter staff, a moment of how the kitties was a refuge fer you with their calm, cute and chaos in the shelter.

*It must be said that while we honor the kitties, we must also do our best fer the Hooman Resistance Movement and not succumb entirely to the kitty, worldwide takeover. Kitties deserves to be regaled as the gods that they are. To get those kitties off the streets and snackin in your home on some treats, r/CatRescue encourages you to adopt or foster and to spay/ neuter.

---

Have a wonderful Cat World Domination Day!! From your mods of:

  • r/blindcats - All things blind cats!
  • r/Kitten - Kittens, advice, and lots of cuteness!
  • r/CatRescue - Where humans rescue cats and kitty cats rescue us.
  • r/Feral_Cats - For caregivers of roaming cats to get support, ask questions, and share information.
  • r/AnimalShelterStories - Support community for animal shelter & rescue employees, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and friends.

---

Photo Credits: Picture 1, Drumsticks from mcs385 (Feral_Cats; Runt from Friendly_TSE (AnimalShelterStories); Fatty from 404NinjaNotFound (Kitten); Bihter from ackopek (blindcats); Rock in costume as a globe from Eastern-Protection83 (CatRescue)

Picture 2, Kitty cats from mods: Friendly_TSE (AnimalShelterStories helped feature all the foster neonatal kitties, ackopek (blindcats), 404NinjaNotFound (Kitten), mcs385 (Feral_Cats), cheeze-dog (Feral_Cats), yarnlord69 (Feral_Cats), codeswift27 (Feral_Cats), Cherveny2 (CatRescue), and Eastern-Protection ("Little Rock" the Kitty Cat Cheerleader from CatRescue)

Extra mention: Special thank you to all the mods that were eager to celebrate Cat World Domination Day on such short notice and a very special thanks to mcs385 whom arranged all the images on a tight release deadline.

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 11 days ago
▲ 15 r/CatRescue

What is a Trick your Kitty Cat/s Taught You?

Fer me, that the only doors that can ever be closed are the closets and front/ back doors. But even closets were left open most times in case the feline inspector needed to verify the contents fer "safety" reasons.

And that kitties really do have claws and fangs... when tryin to rub their fluffy bellies

reddit.com
u/Eastern-Protection83 — 12 days ago
▲ 179 r/CatRescue+1 crossposts

[Rochester, NY] ‘We’re getting no help’: Lollypop Farm to pause surgeries for partnering animal rescues over the summer

Summary: In Rochester, NY a nationwide veterinarian shortage and sudden influx of 70 rescued kitties has caused a low-cost organization to cease spay/ neuter operations fer the summer (kitten season) but is expected to resume in the fall. It is estimated that similar service that local rescues had relied on will cost upwards of $1,000 per kitty from private vets.

The article reprinted below fer your convenience:

---

by: Ryan Hermenet

Posted: Jun 22, 2026 / 06:58 PM EDT

Updated: Jun 22, 2026 / 11:04 PM EDT

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Late last week, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester sent a notice to its partnering animal rescue organizations stating it will be temporarily ceasing its spay and neuter offerings. This has raised many concerns for local animal advocates who say this decision could be detrimental for the Rochester community.

In its message to partnering shelters, officials with Lollypop Farm claimed the decision is “Due to ongoing staffing and veterinarian limitations.”

One partner who received the notice is Hand to Paw Cat Rescue, operated in part by Vice President Steven Drave. He explained how most rescues, such as his, rely heavily on donations to operate and therefore benefit from discounted spay and neuter services as a means of stray cat population control.

“Now that we don’t have those services available to us, we’re forced to drive an hour and a half to locations like Buffalo or go to private vets and spend upwards of $1,000 per cat which rescues can’t afford,” Drave said.

Although officials with Lollypop Farm plan to resume discounted spay and neuter programs for partnering shelters in the Fall, Drave explained that the decision will make rescuing animals in need much more difficult during the summer, which is when cats birth kittens most.

“By the time Fall comes around, we could have another 100 [stray] cats easily,” Drave said. “We’re getting no help from any government or places like Lollypop.”

Chief Operating Officer of Lollypop Farm Adrienne McHargue elaborated on how the nationwide veterinarian shortage has impacted them, stating that the shelter is currently operating with two veterinarians while normally relying on four for the services they provide.

When asked how the pause of services may burden private-practice veterinarians across the Rochester area during the summer months, McHargue explained it was a factor the organization did not take lightly in their decision.

“I think we have to hold our own and do what we can,” McHargue said. “At the same time the population goes up in the community, that’s the same time the population goes up in the shelter.”

McHargue added that a recent seizure of more than 70 cats from a home in Chili has caused higher demand for veterinary care at Lollypop, and that the facility’s providers need to focus on providing necessary services for them.

“The more we try and overdo what we’re doing in the shelter, the lower the quality of care and we don’t want that to happen for the animals in the shelter or for community cats,” McHargue said.

According to McHargue, Lollypop Farm has hired two new veterinarians to meet increasing demand, but they will not be taking on patients until Fall as they undergo training.

rochesterfirst.com
u/Eastern-Protection83 — 12 days ago
▲ 6 r/AnimalShelterStories

Weds, June 24th - Prepare your Treats!

Stock up on treats,

Stretch your fingers,

A day of bribes and scritches are mandatory

on Cat World Domination Day!

Post here in r/AnimalShelterStories and tell us how your kitties and foster kitties snuck into your heart and your pantry while stubbornly demandin your fealty. Regal your feline overlord and share a story of how they melted your heart or relay their judgmental stare as they watch you (peon), trifle and rush to prepare their food stuffs to the backdrop of their demandin Meow-NOWs!

r/CatRescue is proudly partnerin with several subs that are celebratin this important cat holiday:

  • r/kitten - Kittens, advice, and lots of cuteness!
  • r/blindcats - All things blind cats!
  • r/CatRescue - Where humans rescue cats and kitty cats rescue us.
  • r/Feral_Cats - For caregivers of roaming cats to get support, ask questions, and share information.
  • r/AnimalShelterStories - Support community for animal shelter & rescue employees, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and friends.

Keep watch of any of these subs and on Weds, the 24th a little bit of chaos courtesy of all the mod team's and their kitty overlords with foster kitty overlords in-trainin!

---

^(Image Credits: Picture 1, mcs385's Earl; Picture 2, The stinky steppers of msc385's overlords: Agnes, Duke, Earl, Lorna and Tacitus)

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 14 days ago
▲ 2 r/Feral_Cats

Weds, June 24th - Prepare your Treats!

Stock up on treats,

Stretch your fingers,

A day of bribes and scritches are mandatory

on Cat World Domination Day!

Post here in r/Feral_Cats and tell us how your kitties and foster kitties snuck into your heart and your pantry while stubbornly demandin your fealty. Regal your feline overlord and share a story of how they melted your heart or relay their judgmental stare as they watch you (peon), trifle and rush to prepare their food stuffs to the backdrop of their demandin Meow-NOWs!

r/CatRescue is proudly partnerin with several subs that are celebratin this important cat holiday:

  • r/kitten - Kittens, advice, and lots of cuteness!
  • r/blindcats - All things blind cats!
  • r/CatRescue - Where humans rescue cats and kitty cats rescue us.
  • r/Feral_Cats - For caregivers of roaming cats to get support, ask questions, and share information.
  • r/AnimalShelterStories - Support community for animal shelter & rescue employees, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and friends.

Keep watch of any of these subs and on Weds, the 24th a little bit of chaos courtesy of all the mod team's and their kitty overlords with foster kitty overlords in-trainin!

-----

^(Image Credits: Picture 1, mcs385's Earl; Picture 2, The stinky steppers of msc385's overlords: Agnes, Duke, Earl, Lorna and Tacitus)

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 14 days ago
▲ 12 r/blindcats

Weds, June 24th - Prepare your Treats!

Stock up on treats,

Stretch your fingers,

A day of bribes and scritches are mandatory

on Cat World Domination Day!

Post here in r/blindcats and tell us how your kitties and foster kitties snuck into your heart and your pantry while stubbornly demandin your fealty. Regal your feline overlord and share a story of how they melted your heart or relay their judgmental stare as they watch you (peon), trifle and rush to prepare their food stuffs to the backdrop of their demandin Meow-NOWs!

r/CatRescue is proudly partnerin with several subs that are celebratin this important cat holiday:

  • r/kitten - Kittens, advice, and lots of cuteness!
  • r/blindcats - All things blind cats!
  • r/CatRescue - Where humans rescue cats and kitty cats rescue us.
  • r/Feral_Cats - For caregivers of roaming cats to get support, ask questions, and share information.
  • r/AnimalShelterStories - Support community for animal shelter & rescue employees, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and friends.

Keep watch of any of these subs and on Weds, the 24th a little bit of chaos courtesy of all the mod team's and their kitty overlords with foster kitty overlords in-trainin!

-----

^(Image Credits: Picture 1, mcs385's Earl; Picture 2, The stinky steppers of msc385's overlords: Agnes, Duke, Earl, Lorna and Tacitus)

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 14 days ago
▲ 16 r/Kitten

Weds, June 24th - Prepare your Treats!

Stock up on treats,

Stretch your fingers,

A day of bribes and scritches are mandatory

on Cat World Domination Day!

Post here in r/Kitten and tell us how your kitties and foster kitties snuck into your heart and your pantry while stubbornly demandin your fealty. Regal your feline overlord and share a story of how they melted your heart or relay their judgmental stare as they watch you (peon), trifle and rush to prepare their food stuffs to the backdrop of their demandin Meow-NOWs!

r/CatRescue is proudly partnerin with several subs that are celebratin this important cat holiday:

  • r/Kitten - Kittens, advice, and lots of cuteness!
  • r/blindcats - All things blind cats!
  • r/CatRescue - Where humans rescue cats and kitty cats rescue us.
  • r/Feral_Cats - For caregivers of roaming cats to get support, ask questions, and share information.
  • r/AnimalShelterStories - Support community for animal shelter & rescue employees, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and friends.

Keep watch of any of these subs and on Weds, the 24th a little bit of chaos courtesy of all the mod team's and their kitty overlords with foster kitty overlords in-trainin!

---

^(Image Credits: Picture 1, mcs385's Earl; Picture 2, The stinky steppers of msc385's overlords: Agnes, Duke, Earl, Lorna and Tacitus)

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 14 days ago
▲ 14 r/CatRescue

Weds, June 24th - Prepare your Treats!

Stock up on treats,

Stretch your fingers,

A day of bribes and scritches are mandatory

on Cat World Domination Day!

Post here in r/CatRescue and tell us how your kitties and foster kitties snuck into your heart and your pantry while stubbornly demandin your fealty. Regal your feline overlord and share a story of how they melted your heart or relay their judgmental stare as they watch you (peon), trifle and rush to prepare their food stuffs to the backdrop of their demandin Meow-NOWs!

r/CatRescue is proudly partnerin with several subs that are celebratin this important cat holiday:

  • r/Kitten - Kittens, advice, and lots of cuteness!
  • r/blindcats - All things blind cats!
  • r/CatRescue - Where humans rescue cats and kitty cats rescue us.
  • r/Feral_Cats - For caregivers of roaming cats to get support, ask questions, and share information.
  • r/AnimalShelterStories - Support community for animal shelter & rescue employees, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and friends.

Keep watch of any of these subs and on Weds, the 24th a little bit of chaos courtesy of all the mod team's and their kitty overlords with foster kitty overlords in-trainin!

-----

^(Image Credits: Picture 1, mcs385's Earl; Picture 2, The stinky steppers of mcs385's overlords: Agnes, Duke, Earl, Lorna and Tacitus)

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 14 days ago
▲ 51 r/CatRescue

[Loomis, CA] tree climber marks 90th free cat rescue

This is pretty amazing, 90 rescues! Thank you Lee Thunder!

What often happens when a cat is stuck in a high place is that many folks contact animal control (they are often unable to help), the fire department (each has their own protocol if they help cats or not), arborists and if you are lucky, a climber such as Lee Thunder.

You can read the original article here -> Link

The article is reprinted below fer your convenience:

---

Abc10

Author: Serena Nitta

Published: 11:50 AM PDT June 19, 2026

Updated: 11:51 AM PDT June 19, 2026

LOOMIS, Calif. — A Loomis-area tree climber has reached a milestone after rescuing 90 cats from trees at no cost to pet owners across Placer and Nevada counties.

Lee Thunder said he began offering the service several years ago as a way to give back to the community after noticing frequent social media posts from people seeking help for stranded cats.

“I did my first one and I just fell in love with doing it,” Thunder said. “In the first year of doing it, I did over 60 of them.”

Thunder's most recent rescue, his 90th, took place in Rocklin. While he occasionally responds to calls in valley communities, he said most of his rescues occur in mountain areas such as Foresthill, Nevada City and Grass Valley.

Each rescue presents unique challenges. Thunder said some cats are only a few feet off the ground, while others can climb more than 100 feet into trees.

“Sometimes they're only 10 feet off the ground. Sometimes they're 150,” he said. “I think it's really important to have a professional on call that knows what he's doing.”

Thunder said the service helps prevent residents from attempting dangerous rescues on their own. He has seen people injured after climbing ladders in attempts to reach stranded pets.

He now works with Nevada County Animal Control and is contracted with more than 20 fire stations. One memorable rescue involved a cat perched roughly 80 feet high in a tree above power lines. Thunder said the cat bit his hand severely during the rescue, but he was still able to bring it down safely.

Beyond the rescues, Thunder said the work has shown him how much people care about animals.

“Everyone is after the same thing, and that's just to protect the animals and keep them safe,” he said.

Thunder said community support has also inspired him to continue offering the service for free.

“You never know when you're going to need your community,” he said. “I just love giving back in every way I can.”

abc10.com
u/Eastern-Protection83 — 15 days ago
▲ 292 r/himalayancats+1 crossposts

Evolutionary Survival Skills: CUTENESS

So I was scrollin Pinterest and I see this kitten and suddenly a wave of emotions flood me to with the urgency to cuddle, feed and protect this baby. And its doin nothin but havin a nap... in its very fluffy belly.

I have been emotionally manipulated.

I'm a cat lover; no shame! Gimme all the kitties, I will snuggle ALL!!!!!

*Quick survey, does your kitty, doin nothin in particular (havin its nappy nap even), randomly trigger you too into suddenly needin to cuddle them?

^(Image Credit: Unknown author from Pinterest)

u/Eastern-Protection83 — 16 days ago
▲ 121 r/AnimalShelterStories+2 crossposts

Alley Cat Rescue Urges US Senate to Help Rescues and Save Lives by Passing the BARK Act

Summary: Contact your reps to Support the BARK Act. The more food a rescue/ shelter has the better! This can also affect the pet food banks acceptin more and helpin more families. The function of pet food banks sometimes means the difference between an owned cat... and one that is sent to back to the shelter/ rescue or is reHomed.

How to contact your reps and a template of a letter/ email from Alley Cat Rescue to send them at this -> link

Below is the article announcement fer your convenience:

-----

News provided by

Alley Cat Rescue, Inc.

Jun 16, 2026, 09:00 ET

MT. RAINIER, Md., June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Alley Cat Rescue has sent letters to members of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, urging them to pass the BARK Act of 2025 (S.1939) without further delay. Alley Cat Rescue (ACR) believes that this is a critical time for Committee members to act, as the companion bill was passed by the House on June 4th.

The BARK Act of 2025 would protect companies and individuals donating pet food and the nonprofits accepting the donations from liability for "damages" that may come from the donated items. This would enable pet stores to donate old food that is safe for consumption and supplies to animal shelters and rescues.

Louise Holton, the founder and president of ACR, explains the positive impact the BARK Act would have for animal welfare groups and the animals in their care: "We [Alley Cat Rescue] currently help provide food for approximately 250 cats daily. Food costs are a great strain on our limited resources, as I know they are for most animal welfare groups. Access to these goods would be a great relief."

ACR notes that the BARK Act could also enable families struggling to afford pet food to keep their pets, rather than surrender them to shelters; rescues that have access to unmarketable food could distribute some to community members in need.

ACR encourages all rescues and nonprofits focused on companion animals, as well as every individual, to write to the Committee members in support of the BARK Act. A sample letter and link to the Committee members' contact information can be found on Alley Cat Rescues website: saveacat.org/bark-act.html.

Alley Cat Rescue is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the welfare of all cats. ACR advocates for humane nonlethal control of cats. For more information, visit their website https://www.saveacat.org.

SOURCE Alley Cat Rescue, Inc.

prnewswire.com
u/Eastern-Protection83 — 18 days ago