In 2019 I met an unhoused man named Jose, who was living on the street with a colony of cats. To most they were feral, but to Jose, they were family. He knew how important it was to get them fixed and vaccinated, but he didn’t have the means to do it. He handed me a litter of kittens, and I immediately made a plan to get the 30 other cats and kittens to the vet.

As a volunteer cat rescuer, this was a massive undertaking, but Jose was such a huge help, and within a few months, all the kittens and friendlier cats had been rescued and everyone else was vaccinated, spayed/neutered, ear-tipped, and returned to their colony with their devoted caretaker.

i kept in touch with Jose and would bring him food and Petco gift cards, and he made me promise to take care of the cats if anything should happen to him. Unfortunately, a few years later, he passed away, and was found outside his tent, in the freezing cold.

Since then, I have gathered a crew of amazing volunteers who visit the cats every day to make sure they have fresh food and water, and every year we refresh their winter shelters and talk about how great it would be if we could find homes for some of these cats to retire to.

A few of them have painful matted fur that needs to be shaved. Lids got his name for chronic runny eyes that are likely in need of entropion surgery. He also needs a dental, as he’s having trouble eating. This will cost thousands.

I am starting this fundraiser in the hopes that we can raise enough money for surgery for Lids and updated vet care for Whale and Thumbs and Little Grey, who are all so friendly, and ready for their next chapter inside. Thank you so much for listening to their story!

You can also follow them on Instagram @gowanuscats