09/30/2025
Today, I want to take the time to talk to our supporters, because there’s been a lot weighing on my mind lately.
Kelly and I were having a conversation the other day, thinking back on a kitten season that has brought us to our knees more than a few times. While we could give you the numbers of saves vs losses, the number of intakes, the number of requests (especially the number of times we can say yes vs no), none of that really matters. Why? Because it doesn’t even begin to unveil what goes on behind the scenes. Those numbers don’t reflect the number of tears cried, the hours of sleep missed, the days we haven’t even been able to bathe ourselves because there simply wasn’t enough time. Those numbers could never give you the minute-by-minute breakdown of what our days look like, day in and day out. Sometimes it feels like a nightmare we can never wake up from.
With that being said, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore what I do. I love waking up every day and knowing I get to make a real difference. To each and every animal we touch, to generations (or the lack thereof) of animals to come through spay and neuter, to our community, and to every family that we’re able to assist. Though I may love what I do, that does not mean it is without its hardships, it wears you down, day by day, and it’s taken a massive toll on you before you even realize what’s hit you.
Today, and in more recent days, what has been weighing on me the most is this absolute gut punching guilt. I told Kelly that what upsets me the most right now is how unfair and cruel life is, in general, but for those who come to us in need this time of year as opposed to the beginning of kitten season. While that may seem completely irrelevant to most, it actually makes a huge difference. That difference being my mental/emotional health at this time of year. The rugged wear and tear that your mind, heart, and body takes with each year, it can’t be properly put into words. So while heartbreaking, the reality is, I know that the animals that come to us at this part of the season don’t receive the best version of me that they deserve. The best version of us. It’s impossible to have the passion, love, and concern for these animals and their wellbeing and it NOT take a toll on you.
While I would love nothing more than to be able to have the love I have for these animals and walk through this rescue life unscathed, it’s not possible. At this very point of the season, I’m drained, I’m spent, I’m tired. Our team is tired. Now that does not mean that we are not giving it our very best each and every day, but our best today is not the same best as it was 6 months ago, or what it will be 6 months from now after a “downtime”.
This year has brought us more animals than ever before, more cruelty cases, more medical emergencies, and more debt than we’ve ever carried. I am beyond ready for this season to be over, because even though animals will still be in need, and we will continue showing up, our team could desperately use a couple of the “slower” months to get back to our normal.
With that being said, if you made it this far, thank you. Thank you for just taking the time to read this.
To help us keep making a difference, today and every day, I would like to do a $2 Tuesday fundraiser. This will be to help us pay down this overwhelming debt that we are carrying, which is also a burden that has been weighing us down for months. There is roughly $30,000 in outstanding vet bills at this moment, and despite us making regular payments, it’s growing faster than we are able to pay it down.
Below, I’m sharing pictures of the ones that I still carry with me from this past season. Some of these are our team’s favorite saves, some being our hardest losses. Looking through some of these pictures hurts my heart, while some make me smile from ear to ear with pride.
Our team is small but we are mighty, as is our love and compassion for these animals. We thank you all that have supported us throughout this season, we appreciate you more than you know!
We could also never forget our network of vets and their teams. They are who make these miracles happen! We couldn’t do this lifesaving work without you and we are forever grateful to every single one of you.
-Kayla
