Please Help Us Care for Peppermint & Her FIV+ Rescue Family

Hi friends,

Kev and I have spent the last few years building a little rescue haven at home: four cats, three dogs, all rescues with stories. I’m a full-time nonprofit social worker, and guiding second chances has become a big part of my life.

Last fall, we spotted stray cats crossing the road. We left out food and shelter, hoping they’d return… and they did. We named them Peppermint and Mufasa, and the two stuck close.

This week, they brought us three kittens: Nova, Nala, and Salem. Peppermint & Mufasa watched as we carried them inside and didn’t resist. All three tested FIV+, which makes adoption less likely. They’ll stay with us, where they’re safe and loved.

We’ve been following a process called TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return), which allows outdoor cats to be humanely trapped, fixed, and returned to the area they know. It’s one of the most effective and compassionate ways to prevent suffering and control overpopulation. But in situations where returning a cat isn’t safe, due to illness, age, or behavior, we adjust, always choosing what’s best for the cat.

We trapped and got Peppermint spayed this week, and our vet also discovered a large ovarian cyst that required emergency removal. The surgery was lifesaving. She’s now recovering comfortably at home and won’t be going back outside, as she also tested FIV+, and keeping her indoors is the safest choice.

And now… we have Mufasa.

After days of careful watching and quiet hope, we safely trapped him at 4 AM, armed with sardines (a tough moment for us vegetarians lol), hearts racing, and a lot of hope. He was taken straight to the vet and made it through surgery, but he had clearly been struggling. He was covered in ticks, suffering from a painful ear infection, and also tested FIV+. He’s finally getting the care he deserves. We're treating his infections and evaluating whether he can be socialized and adopted instead of returned outdoors.

Altogether, we’re now caring for five additional cats, all with unique needs. It’s more than we planned for, but something we said “yes” to with open hearts.

While our hope is always to be their forever home, our priority will always be their wellbeing. If a better match comes along for one of them, we’ll celebrate that. If they stay, we’ll keep making space.

We’ve never done this before, but we’re asking for help covering:

* Spay/neuter surgeries

* Bloodwork, vaccines & meds

* Food & long-term care

If you can donate or share, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And if you’re just here to send love, you’ve helped more than you know.

With love,

Mandy, Kev & The Rescue Crew