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.
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.