It's been said that the only thing certain in life is change. There often comes moments in life when transition, evolution, and adaptation are a required part of our journey. Life at the Rescue Black Project is no different. As we approach our one year anniversary this August, what better time to reflect on our shift from a humble cat rescue operation to a blissful cat sanctuary - a change that reflects growth, compassion, and dedication to our feline friends.
A Year's Journey
Earlier this year, I reposted our origin story and shared how our cat rescue began with a simple desire to provide shelter, care, and love to the stray and abandoned cats in our community, specifically the least likely to get adopted - the black cat. What began as a small-scale effort soon blossomed into a multi-program endeavor that sought to connect emotional support animals to their person, help control the pet population by trapping, neutering, vaccinating and returning feral cats, and provide local youth with valuable volunteer work experience. We secured 501c3 status, conducted fundraisers, facilitated 11 adoptions, spayed/neutered over 20, vaccinated over 30 and have housed over 40 fur babies in the past year. Every whisker-twitch, every soft purr, and every soulful gaze only endeared our affection and commitment to these sentient beings.
Creating a Sanctuary
As time passed, and more and more kitties crossed our path, we realized the need for a more expansive space, a tranquil haven where cats could roam freely, bask under the sun, and revel in their newfound freedom. We sectioned off a portion of the house, added multiple wall perches, pet beds, and installed a 150 foot Purrfect Fence outdoor enclosure with doggie door access so the kitties could have their choice of indoor comfort and outdoor adventures in a safe environment. The transition to a cat sanctuary was not just a logistical shift but a profound emotional journey for us and our beloved furry companions. The sanctuary became a sanctuary not just in name but in essence - a safe harbor where the cats could play and thrive under a domestic umbrella of unconditional love.
The conversion brought with it a new sense of purpose and responsibility, and strengthened our relationship with our little ones. Each day presented better opportunities to see each nugget's personality develop as we created kitten enrichment options to stimulate their little brains and support their social development. As we enhanced our ability to nurture and protect the settlers of our sanctuary, the satisfaction of seeing them frolic and socialize in their newfound home was a rewarding confirmation that we were doing something good.
Challenges and Triumphs
We've experienced a number of highs and lows doing rescue work, and the lows have been pretty painful. In December, a new surrender unexpectedly gave birth to 5 adorable kittens but the young mom struggled to nurture her babies. Despite our best efforts to bottle feed, they failed to thrive, and went back to God within weeks of their arrival.
We had one of our first residents succumb to cardiac arrest during her spay surgery, have had to reluctantly put down a few cats at the recommendation of veterinary professionals due to debilitating health reasons, and have had a number of little ones breathe their last breath for no apparent reason. As we grieved and coped with the losses, we reflected on the challenges of managing a larger space, ensuring the well-being of numerous cats, and balancing financial sustainability that required significant planning and dedication. Our journey has been fraught with moments of doubt and uncertainty, but we have emerged stronger, and with clearer vision.
Looking Ahead
Surrounded by the cheerful meows and playful antics of our feline companions as they enjoy the sanctuary we created for them, we are grateful for the path we have chosen. The transition from a cat rescue to a cat sanctuary was not just a shift in operations but a transformation of the heart, a journey of growth and compassion.
Our vision for the future is to maintain the relationship we have with the 16 residents we currently have in our care, ensuring they have the best quality of life as they age even if they don't get adopted. Although this limits our capacity to rescue and accept future surrenders, we will continue to provide education and support to the community, and advocate for animal welfare. Our transition from a cat rescue to a cat sanctuary has been a demonstration of the power of change, and resilience. As we venture into this next chapter on our one year anniversary, we extend a heartfelt thank you to those who have helped us along the way and continue to support our mission. We will write warm stories of the profound impact of love, kindness, and therapeutic benefit of a sanctuary built with a soft heart.
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