John Budakian of River Vale, NJ, adopted Mickey from my rescue on November 12, 2023. I remember meeting all the kitties that day—they were so loved, and Mickey had an especially strong bond with his dad. He reminded John of his soul kitty, and even traveled with him to Florida. That kind of love is something you never forget. Heartbroken is an understatement for what John is experiencing now. A devastating fire took the lives of eight beloved kitties, including Mickey. Only one kitty, Numoe, survived. This loss has hit in a way I didn’t expect, and it feels like I’m reliving my own fire from 2016—losing my home and my babies all over again. Grief has a way of reopening wounds we thought had scarred over. My heart aches for John. Those babies were cherished, safe, and deeply loved. Please keep him in your thoughts, and hold your fur babies a little tighter tonight. Numoe, a Chausie South Asian Jungle Cat and Abyssinian mix, is now fighting for his life at the emergency vet in Paramus. He’s on oxygen, receiving IV fluids and medication for brain swelling. He’s a true lover and so happy to see his dad—there’s a very special bond between them. Funds raised will help cover Numoe’s emergency vet bills and, when he’s finally better, provide him with a new bed, cat tree, toys, and clothes to sleep on. Many of my own furbabies were saved because first responders had pet oxygen masks. They truly make the difference between life and death. This is not a luxury—it’s a must-have in every fire department and EMT vehicle. Our pets are family too. Any amount helps. Sharing this fundraiser also means the world to us.