05/24/2026
Sandy emailed us originally for help. We knew just who to call to get her the help she needed on the trapping side so they could make it to us for TNR. Brenda Piersak is an asset to the cat community and we are so grateful to her and Pet Project Rescue for getting this colony regulated!
In rural Minnesota, two neighbors have spent years caring for colonies alone. Sandy and Allan knew each other, and they shared the same struggle: too many cats, and not enough help.
Sandy cares for a colony of 30+ cats. She feeds them once a day, twice during Minnesota winters. Despite an injury sustained on the farm, she has not stopped showing up. She knows each cat and their quirks. One has hair missing on their tail. Another has neurological issues. She watches over them all.
Sandy begged other organizations for help, but no one came. “I’m embarrassed [the cats] have gotten out of control,” she wrote. “I am happy to finally get help.”
Six miles away, Allan, 86, has cared for a colony of 20+ cats since 2019. He feeds them three times a day, every day, without fail. He lives on a fixed income, but the cats eat before he does. One friendly stray even lives indoors with him.
When Sandy finally found help through Brenda, she didn’t keep it to herself. She told Brenda about Allan, and Brenda drove over that very day.
Now, Brenda traps for both colonies.
“Caregivers like Sandy and Allan do the hardest part,” Brenda said. “They show up day after day.”
Sandy and Allan were never failing. They are doing what so few people do: showing up with no expectation of anything in return.
Brenda is the reason they are no longer alone. “TNR is powerful because it brings people together around a shared goal.”
Across Minnesota, trappers like Brenda make sure no caregiver does this alone.
We are so honored to support this work.
