Who are we?

My name is Ashley. I am 19 years old and I live with my mother, Marianna. My mom and I recently moved to New York about 5 months ago from Massachusetts. It has been a bit hard to adjust since we moved not even so long ago from Connecticut to Massachusetts. My mom is a cleaning lady for Jewish families; she does not get paid much, and I recently lost my full-time job due to some family circumstances. I am searching for another one, but it has been hard. We have five cats that we have taken with us along the journey of back and forth since Connecticut. Since moving to New York, we had a little guy greet us at the door. My mom has named him Guy, her guy. He is a very friendly cat and a stray. As time passed, we started to see that more strays had started to arrive every feeding time when we tried to feed Guy. We have five cats ourselves: Leo, Annie, Bandi, Terpi, and Nana. My mom and I have always loved helping any animal that crosses our path, but unfortunately, money has been really tight lately with our bills, rent, food, and our own cats themselves. We have done everything possible to this day to keep them warm through the horrible winter and feed them.

Oreo's story

We have rescued kittens in the past before. This little baby in photo 1 was in the freezing cold alone, crying for help. My mom and I took her in, washed her up, gave her food, and made sure she was warm. We wanted to keep her ourselves. She was so fragile, skin and bones, and was attached to me that whole day. We searched for help to be able to take her to the vet since we have five in a small studio as it is. Our family friend who lives in CT was able to help my mom and me out by taking her to someone willing to put the money for her to be checked and given proper care. Since she has left, I have received this video of her doing so much better and even playing with her brand new toys and family. It was hard to give her away because I had made the illusion of keeping her, but she went to what she deserved: a loving family.

Our Strays

The couple of other photos are of the strays that always come around feeding time. We have three young ones that we witnessed grow up. We have constantly tried to catch the babies since they were babies, but it was difficult because they were born around the winter time. We are still feeding all of them but would love to help find them better homes or even at least get them the care they need (neuter). The momma cat has not since been pregnant, but there are mostly males around here. I honestly would love to not see more kittens ever because there are already so many babies who don’t have homes.

What are we asking for?

I am asking for donations to be able to buy more dry and wet food, and treats to help these babies who don’t have homes. Not only that, but my mom and I are also trying to have all cats neutered to be sure that no more kittens will come from this. My mom and I will still be putting in our own part; we are just struggling a bit right now and are seeking help for them.

Future Goal

Throughout all this, with any funds, my mom and I would be able to work on building a shed for any stray to stay in, but with working heat, water, and food in our backyard. It’s not an easy thing, but seeing how this New York winter was and how much they have suffered, I am not willing to see that again. ANYTHING HELPS, EVEN JUST SHARING OUR STORY.