Hello everyone,

My name is Rita Lissner, and I’m writing on behalf of my dear friend, Erica Lynn Madding. Erica has been a longtime friend and a true animal lover. Her heart is open to all creatures in need—and last year, that meant taking in a pregnant stray cat she found wandering alone.

Knowing the mama cat was close to giving birth, Erica brought her to safety, comforted her through the labor (which happened during a storm and standing in the rain on her hands and knees pulling each kitten out), and gently welcomed each kitten into the world in which I adopted 1 kitten from the litter named, "Badger", wrapping them in t-shirts and ensuring they were warm and safe. She raised them on her back porch, where they grew up happy, healthy, and deeply loved. Their first birthday would have been July 25, 2025.

Over the course of the year, Erica had each kitten vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and cared for them like family. They had a secure backyard catio and crates, where they lived in peace—until tragedy struck.

In the early hours of the morning, between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m., two stray pit bulls broke into her yard. They managed to breach the catio and the crates—and brutally killed the kittens. What Erica woke up to that morning is too graphic to put into words. When she tried to intervene, the dogs even attempted to attack her. Authorities have been contacted and are actively searching for the dogs.

To make matters even worse, Erica had just been informed that the house she rents is being sold. She now has only 60 days to move out—while also coping with the trauma of losing the kittens she nurtured from birth.

Erica is one of the most selfless people I know. She not only cares for her own animals but also helps care for her elderly neighbors and their pets. She’s the kind of person who shows up for everyone else—but now she’s in need of help herself.

The loss of these kittens—especially after the grief of losing her father in a house fire—is heartbreaking beyond measure. It’s left her in shock, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn next.

I don’t often write GoFundMe requests, but this is a time when we can and should come together to lift someone up who has always put others first. Whether it’s $5 or $50, every donation will help Erica begin the difficult process of healing, relocating, and rebuilding.

Please consider donating if you're able—and if not, sharing this with others can help just as much. Let’s show Erica she’s not alone.

With gratitude,

Rita Lissner