No-Kill Cat Sanctuary Devastated by Fire

Hi everyone! I'm Robin and I'm an 18 year old gal who loves cats as much as you all do. I'm pretty new to these forums; this is only my first post, though I've lurked around here before. But I recently found out that a cat shelter that I've loved, volunteered at, and adopted from was hit with a pretty bad fire on Saturday September 14th at 11 AM. Eight cats lost their lives (some being kittens), three are in critical condition and are hooked up to oxygen tanks, and six have yet to be found in the woods behind the shelter.

I know you should be wary of giving money to strangers online, but I can assure you this story is true and checks out. I'll post links to the shelter's website, Facebook page, and donation page so you can check it out for yourself. On the Facebook page, they've posted some local news stories that have reported on the fire as well as a Youtube video made by the shelter staff that explains the situation further.

I'm really just trying to reach out to people in what ever way I can to get these guys help. I'm four and a half hours away at university right now, so I can't be there physically, but I'm trying to figure out ways to help from here. I'm already asking my mother if she can temporarily foster a cat (we have a huge basement area and extra bowls and an extra litter box that could definitely house a cat while the shelter tries to get to its feet once again), since they had around 160 cats that needed to be evacuated.

At the time of posting this they're more than half way towards their goal.

http://www.midhudsonanimalaid.org/

http://www.petcaring.com/nonprofits/fire-ravages-cat-shelter-isolation-ward/35973

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mid-Hudson-Animal-Aid/325614970863

Even just spreading the word could give these guys the help they need! Thank you so much for reading!

Note from the Mod Team regarding pleas for money. Please note that this disclaimer is posted in all threads asking for donations. It is not directed at anyone personally.

Cats are a huge responsibility. Anyone who thinks otherwise, should not have one in their life. They are dependent on us for everything from providing a place to eat, to also providing vet care.

Anyone who has cats knows that they can and do get ill. Your best defense is to plan for that to happen before it does, and store monies away in preparation.

If you read about a plight of an animal on the internet and your heart is drawn to help. Check out the story thoroughly. Google the vet's name or call Directory Assistance in the city and be sure this is a legitimate claim.

Do not blindly send money into a paypal account no matter how heart-wrenching the story. Instead reach out to the member and ask for the vet's name and phone number, and arrange to send the money there for the specific needs of the cat in question.

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Robin, I remember this news story particularly because I have family in the Poughkeepsie area so when it happened and landed in all of the newspapers and TV news, it caught my eye.  It was a heartbreaking story to read about.  I just wanted to wish you and everyone who is trying to help good luck in getting all the cats safely situated.  

This is sad. The sanctuary is about 10 minutes from me. I've been there and when I could afford it I used to donate to them. I hope they can get repairs and all the kitty's settled quickly. Rip to the kitty's that perished.

sivyaleah said:

 
Robin, I remember this news story particularly because I have family in the Poughkeepsie area so when it happened and landed in all of the newspapers and TV news, it caught my eye.  It was a heartbreaking story to read about.  I just wanted to wish you and everyone who is trying to help good luck in getting all the cats safely situated.  

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BBDOLL22 said:

This is sad. The sanctuary is about 10 minutes from me. I've been there and when I could afford it I used to donate to them. I hope they can get repairs and all the kitty's settled quickly. Rip to the kitty's that perished.

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Thank you for your well wishes, both of you! Even if you can't donate, thank you so much for reading everything. The women who work at this shelter are amazing and are doing whatever they can to make sure every cat is safe. They are receiving a fantastic level of support and people are donating money, food, litter, and their services left and right.

There are updates on the pages I posted, but if you're interested in a more personal update: My mom is indeed going to foster a cat; he'll be dropped off later this evening. I'm so glad she's able to help even if I can't be there. There are so many people offering to foster that I'm confident they'll have temporary spots for all the cats while they rebuild.

This is absolutely heartbreaking and I am so sad about the little lives lost in that fire. It sounds like a wonderful outpouring of love, support and care by the local people/volunteers. What a great community. I hope that you reach your goal and receive many donations. Mega, mega vibes for the injured kitties in that they will recover.

Feralvr said:

This is absolutely heartbreaking and I am so sad about the little lives lost in that fire. It sounds like a wonderful outpouring of love, support and care by the local people/volunteers. What a great community. I hope that you reach your goal and receive many donations. Mega, mega vibes for the injured kitties in that they will recover.

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Agreed. Very, very horrible tragedy. How those that were lost and injured suffered and suffer. I hope the sanctuary can get its footing back with the support and help of the loving community you write of in your post. I'm so sorry for the loss of those kitties and dearly hope those that are injured recover. Sending positive thoughts for hope and healing...

Jlc20m