35 Lives, One Mission

Saving Cats and Honoring Our Dog

When 17 cats were dropped on our property along a rural route near Dallas, Oregon, we were heartbroken. Four of them gave birth, and we found ourselves taking care of 35 lives. During this time, we had to put our beloved Kimber to sleep. It was the hardest decision we had to make. Now, we’re on a mission to save these animals and others like them in honor of our beloved Kimber. We need to act fast in order to ensure the health and safety of these cats and their kittens.

Cats in the Yard

We love our animals and couldn’t understand how someone would release these beautiful cats into the wild. Outdoor cats have a life expectancy of about six years, but indoor cats can live up to 20 years or more. We had to do something, so we started rounding them up. We have contacted nearby shelters, but they are full. More cats are gotten rid of in the spring and summer months than in winter.

Kimber’s Message of Love

Our dog, Kimber, had been with us for a long time. She had provided us with love, companionship, and had a special ability to help us understand that life was about more than the day-to-day worries. Like all dogs, she was a good dog. To us, she was the best dog. We love and miss her so much, and to that end, we want to honor her with more than our words.

Our Goals

Our goal is two-fold:

Find them homes.

Dallas, Oregon doesn’t have a rescue, so people get rid of their unwanted cats any way they can, often taking the easy route of dumping them someplace or worse. Kimber’s Safe Haven Rescue would change that.

Our Success in Rehoming

So far, we’ve been able to rehome seven of the cats. We know they will be cherished and loved, and they will return that love more than we can imagine.

The Costs of Cats

Our fixed costs are currently $5,300. This includes litter boxes, spaying, neutering, vaccinations, and outdoor areas for the cats to stay, including catios and houses for them for inclement weather and greater safety.

The cost for cat care per month is about $1,200 and breaks down as follows:

The Cost of the Rescue

While we are still looking into the feasibility of building an animal rescue on our property, we would like to start with the business license and the non-profit status. We will need a soil assessment, and if that looks positive, we could build a place for unwanted cats and dogs. We estimate the soil assessment at $800. If we are unable to build on our property, we may look to partner with an existing rescue agency to improve their capacity through better adoption rates and an increase in their current spaces.

Cats and Dogs

To many people, there is a divide between dogs and cats. Some people are dog people; some are cat people. Our family happens to be both. Our dogs and cats have all gotten along with each other in the same way that siblings do. And we can truly say we love our animals. They are a part of our family.

Your donation, no matter the size, will help us save these cats, honor Kimber, and take the first steps toward building Kimber’s Safe Haven Rescue. Please donate today and share our story with your friends and family.