In the summer of 2023, my partner Amber and I took a leap toward our American dream—we bought a cozy little home in South Tacoma. It was everything we’d hoped for: quiet, welcoming, and full of charm. What we didn’t expect was how quickly our backyard would become a sanctuary for cats in need.

It started simply—with two feral cats who made our yard their hangout. They weren’t interested in cuddles, but they appreciated the food we provided, and we loved offering it. We named them Mean Mug and Stumpy.

Then came Bertrand—a grumpy old gentleman cat from across the street. He claimed our patio bench as his throne and slowly won us over. When his family lost their home, they asked if we could keep feeding Bertrand and their other cats until they could get back on their feet. Months have passed and they’re still without stable housing. We have continued to put out food and water daily for their handful of cats including sweet old Bertrand.

On October 3rd, our hearts broke when we heard a desperate cry from the backyard. A young black cat—starving, soaked, and terrified—had appeared out of nowhere and was hiding in bush. He didn’t even seem to understand what rain was. We searched for his family, but no one came forward. So we brought him inside, named him Joe (aka JoJo, aka Mr. Wiggles), and began the slow process of introducing him to our resident cat queen, Chloe. Joe recently battled a UTI, but after a vet visit, some meds, and a lot of love, he’s now healthy, safe, and thriving.

Just as we were getting Joe settled, another young black cat showed up on October 14. She looked and acted so much like Joe that we wondered if they were siblings. Like him, she was terrified of the outdoors. We tried to keep her in our heated outdoor cat house while searching for her family, but her cries were too heartbreaking to ignore. We brought her in and named her Bella.

Joe and Bella are both about a year old, and both need to be fixed. We’ve scheduled wellness exams and vaccinations for them with our vet later this month, and we’re planning to have Joe neutered and Bella spayed. But with Joe’s recent medical bills and Chloe’s annual check-up, our budget is stretched thin.

That’s why we’re reaching out. If you’re able to help—even just a little—we’d be deeply grateful. Every dollar will go directly toward Joe’s and Bella’s vet care.

If we’re fortunate enough to raise more than we need, any extra funds will go toward feeding and caring for the rest of our backyard crew, who continue to rely on us for food, shelter, and love.

Thank you for reading our story and for considering a donation. Your kindness means the world to us—and to the cats who now call our home their safe haven.