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Our Goal:
Raise $12,500 to purchase a dependable cat rescue van that will replace our aging “Cat Mobile,” which has just become undriveable despite extensive repairs.
Who We Are:
After meeting by chance and surviving the unthinkable, we’re a disabled couple that managed to buy the perfect place to build a cat Sanctuary. Except when we moved in, we found more than 40 sick, starving, and abandoned cats that had been left outside by the old owner. So we started Sunshine Pines Rescue, nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.
We’ve now fixed the entire colony of 43 cats, but many have ongoing medical issues and we’re always in need of supplies that aren’t available in our remote area. It was 44 cats, but we lost precious Arti to inoperable cancer in July of 2025.
Despite us humans both facing complicated disabilities and minimal income, we decided to turn a crisis into a mission of kindness.
Since arriving we have:
- Trapped, neutered, and spayed 41 cats
- Dewormed, treated for fleas, mites, and various infections
- Saved 13 bottle kittens from six litters found throughout the property.
- Provided treatment & awareness for 9 cats that suffer with serious cases of feline Stomatitis.
- Provided shelter and safe refuge for the entire colony of cats, including Meemaw the silver senior.
- provided assistance to TNR community cats in our area to slow the flow of unrequested kittens!
None of this could have been accomplished without the love and support of viewers like you - and our Van!
Why We Need a New Van:
Our current rescue vehicle, affectionately called the “Cat Mobile” has been a lifeline for transporting many cats to vet appointments(both routine and emergency), picking up supplies like the pounds and pounds of kibble we need each month or the hundreds of cans of wet food or equipment and materials to maintain their home. Now it won’t stop overheating, needs a new transmission, and a windshield, which is a lot for a vehicle with over 240,000 miles.
We originally bought this van in 2020 to take CatDad all of 8 miles a day to his job at a local water services company. He was involved in a terrible accident over the weekend; surviving the 1% odds of an accidental GSW to the head that completely paralyzed the left side of his body. His boss called him Monday morning to give him the promotion that would have replaced our van, but instead he was in a coma after hours of brain surgery.
Over the past four months with tremendous support from the Sunshine Pines community we have poured time and money into keeping this old van running:
- New tires, replaced a blown head gasket, new water pump, radiator, thermostat and tensioner
Despite these fixes, the van remains unreliable and unsafe for both the animals and our team. A more modern but used and fuel-efficient rescue van will allow us to:
- get the cats to the vet more reliably, including during storms and emergencies
- pick up supplies and packages sent to our post office (they don’t deliver to us)
- Reach more feral colonies quickly for trap-neuter-return (TNR) missions
- Expand our outreach to neighboring counties, schools, and community events
- Reduce downtime and costs caused by breakdowns, letting us focus on cat care instead of mechanics
How Your Donation Will Be Used:
- A used but well-maintained van or SUV approx. $10,000
- Safety equipment (crate racks, harnesses, fire extinguisher) $800
- Basic interior modifications (ventilation, storage bins) $700
- Emergency fund for routine maintenance & insurance (first year) $1,000
Total Goal
$12,500
Every dollar goes directly to getting the Cat Mobile back on the road and keeping our cats safe.
How You Can Help:
- Donate – Any amount makes a difference. Even one dollar is one step closer to more reliable transportation.
- Share – Spread the word on all your favorite platforms. The more eyes on this campaign, the faster we’ll reach our goal!!
- Volunteer – If you’re in the area, we welcome hands-on volunteering for various improvements around the rescue.(A volunteering page/form is coming!), as well as online support needed.
Join Our Journey:
Your generosity will directly impact these 43 rescued cats, and countless future feral colonies throughout Arkansas and beyond. With a reliable Cat Mobile, we can continue our mission of “Every cat deserves the best we can give.”
Thank you for believing in our cause and helping us keep the wheels turning for Sunshine Pines Rescue.
Please donate now and drive change—one paw at a time!!
For updates, follow us on your favorite social media @SunshinePinesRescue and visit our website for more stories, photos, and ways to get involved.