Who has the authority to assign value to a life in dire circumstances?
In the case of cats and dogs, many sadly find themselves at the mercy of an overcrowded, underfunded, and exhausted shelter system. Shelters undeniably strive to do their best, a truth I firmly believe in. However, for high-needs animals—those suffering from severe injuries or illness—options are distressingly limited.
Yet, amidst such challenges, miracles do happen.
One such miracle is Tabby’s Place, an oasis for cats facing desperate situations.
Here, their lives aren’t just acknowledged; they are cherished and honored with the care and dignity they rightfully deserve.
Meet Ponce de Leon
A vibrant orange cat rests at the base of a sisal cat tree. His pale green-yellow eyes gleam, and his long, white whiskers adorn his face.
Described as the embodiment of positivity, Ponce found refuge in a special-needs cat sanctuary after being rescued from a life as a stray. He exudes boundless love and adores both cats and humans.
However, life isn’t all sunshine for this sweet ginger cat.
Like most cats with FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), Ponce enjoys good health, with only occasional rain showers. Periodically, he grapples with eosinophilic plaque, a skin condition managed with steroids. Ponce also carries hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a form of heart disease. Presently, his HCM doesn’t require medication, but it’s monitored through cardiac ultrasounds every six months. Yet, these minor inconveniences do little to dampen his overwhelmingly joyous existence.
Fortunately, Ponce found himself whisked away to Tabby’s Place, where he receives the love, affection, dignity, and, of course, the medical care he deserves. But Ponce yearns to find a forever family of his own.
A Refuge of Hope
Angela Hartley serves as the Development Director at Tabby’s Place: a Cat Sanctuary. Nestled in Ringoes, NJ, Tabby’s Place is a world-class, cage-free sanctuary that embraces the neediest cats, regardless of their age, medical conditions, or temperament. It serves as a haven of hope for the most desperate, with a special focus on Special Needs cats. At any given time, 30-40% of Tabby’s Place’s residents face chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and paraplegia.
Angela enthusiastically shares, “Tabby’s Place is a ‘sanctuary’ in the truest sense of the word: a refuge of hope for those forgotten by the world, a realm of compassion for the least, the last, and the lost. At Tabby’s Place, it’s precisely the most vulnerable, fragile, and ‘challenging’ cats who are celebrated, cherished, and unconditionally loved.”
Tabby’s Place serves cats like Ponce de Leon, who might otherwise have no options left.
“Our hearts are with cats in the direst situations, and it’s our privilege to rewrite their narratives,” Angela states. “The word ‘hopeless’ simply does not exist in the Tabby’s Place lexicon. As we nurture the neediest cats, we have the honor of showing the world the immeasurable worth of their lives.”
What’s it like to work with these remarkable cats every day? Angela offers a glimpse into her role:
“I’ve been with Tabby’s Place for over fifteen years now, and I’m perpetually awestruck by the atmosphere of absolute, unconditional love. I often view our sanctuary as a living parable, a sanctuary of mercy in an often lonely world. Not only do our cats, but also our staff, 200+ volunteers, and cherished donors and supporters, constitute a robust community of love where everyone is embraced for who they are, just as they are. Frequently, I sense that the ‘Tabby’s Place way’ offers a glimpse of how life should be for every living being. Our cats truly lead and inspire us in this labor of love, freely offering their hearts and living each moment to the fullest, devoid of self-pity or cynicism. The only requirement for love and safety at Tabby’s Place is to show up, brimming with need.”
One Such Cat: Hips
A white cat adorned with black markings and striking green eyes reclines atop a carpeted cat tree.
Hips suffered a grave injury, suspected to be the result of a car accident. His tiny body endured wrenching, resulting in nerve damage and a pulled tail. Due to his injuries, he lost his tail and now depends on assistance to urinate and defecate and to feel his left shoulder.
Yet, according to his caregivers, “When it comes to companionship, Hips simply won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.” He zooms around the sanctuary, barging through the lobby like an elephant, displaying a certain swagger in his stride.
How You Can Support Cats like Ponce and Hips
“We rely on the kindness of big-hearted individuals, with over 90% of our support coming from people like you, so we continually require donations,” Angela emphasizes.
There are several ways to aid the cats at Tabby’s Place:
- Sponsor one of the sanctuary’s Special Needs cats by making monthly donations for a long-term resident. In return, you’ll receive heartfelt monthly updates and photos.
- Consider sponsorships as gifts, allowing both the giver and recipient to share in the monthly updates and the joy of having a feline friend to adore together throughout the year.
- Donate in memory or honor of a loved one.
- Act as an ambassador for the cats by following and sharing Tabby’s Place residents on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
- Consider adopting a cat like Ponce or Hips!
Angela passionately declares, “Time and time again, we discover that it’s the ‘Special Needs cats who ultimately nurture and nourish us, the so-called caretakers, revealing the power of love and courage to change the world. Our cats don’t pity themselves, and their lives are rich and full, regardless of their medical issues. Each one serves as living proof that hopeless situations can yield magical, meaningful lives. It’s an honor and the greatest joy to offer them the safety, top-notch medical care, cage-free comfort, and unwavering companionship they rightfully deserve.”
This holiday season, extend your support to the cats at Tabby’s Place and gift them the invaluable presents of love and life.
