They changed the hearts and lives of some

They changed the hearts and lives of some of the most hardened human criminals in America. Simply by being cuddly affectionate furballs ........ They were the Lorton Cats. Some of the inmates were inspired to pursue animal care as a career after prison. Others were heartbroken knowing they'd never again see their feline friends but forever changed by the simple love the cats symbolized. This story is from 1999, and many of you are familiar with it already, but it still moves me to this day and it is worth re-telling.

To hear their story, use any search engine and type in "Lorton prison cats" Here's a quick synopsis: The Lorton Correctional Complex in Virginia is home to more than 500 stray cats. They committed no crime. It is likely that many were abandoned ... However the cats got there, they served as companions to many of Lorton's inmates and were fed and petted in return. But now Lorton is scheduled to close by the end of 2001. The inmates will go to other prisons, but the cats won't. New homes will be found for some, but not all.

That is such a touching story. Perhaps some of the former inmates will remember these little angels that helped them serve their time and give them a forever home.

Far as I know, about half did get adopted by homes... They appeared in magazines and even on TV. A local heroine cat-lover named Penny Moore was heavily involved in all that. As far as the other half, I think only a small percentage went to kitty shelters ... The Lorton cats who were put to sleep did much for the spirits of those jailed men. more at
http://www.fmca.freeservers.com/lorton.html

Won't those prisoners be surprised when they are greeted by those cats at the Rainbow Bridge. That's such a great story, and it's too bad the ending wasn't better. At least a lot of the cats have been adopted, and there are people who are caring for them. It's really amazing how a little ball of fur can melt the hardest of hearts.

That's such a touching story. The link that c1atsite posted is well worth looking at. It is short and well written. The woman who helped these inmates and the cats is truly an animal lover. And the prisoners' lives were enriched as well as those of the cats.