Trigger warning: loss/grief
We are immensely proud to unveil our latest project, the memorial rescue garden.
I’ve always believed the environment has a huge impact on our mental health and well being and I believe cats are no different. Here at Cats In Distress we strive to give all our rescues the very best start to them in their new lives. Safety, security, medical care & good diet all contribute to health, but mental well being is equally important. Having an opportunity to go outside and sniff the air, roll in the dirt and eat some Catnip, I think can only be a good thing.
With that in mind, ever since we finished the new office and created an enclosed ouside safe space, I’ve wanted our rescues to be able to get some exercise and fresh air. Thanks to four very special people, that dream has become a reality.
After a chance encounter at the vets, with Judith Burgess, she contacted us and became a fosterer. That chance meeting brought us into contact with her husband Nick. Nick like Judith became heavily involved with the rescue, his cakes were legendary, as was his appearance visiting our kittys and standing in for Santa, “when the real one was busy”. Those of you who knew Nick will know he became a real advocate for us, he was responsible for us receiving a number of grants over the past few years. Sadly, Nick passed away last year.
Linda Dodimead has been involved in the animal rescue industry for many years and is a real advocate for animal welfare. When a friend of hers, Maggie De Silva, became terminally ill, she asked Linda who she would recommend sending her cats to when the inevitable happened. Linda recommended us. Sadly, I never got to meet Maggie, but we conversed via text, she knew I would do the best for her feline family. Sadly, Maggie was more poorly than any of us realised and the end came to quickly for us to ever meet.
I wanted to do something as a lasting memory to thank & honour Nick & Maggie. We hope you’ll agree that this garden, not only provides a safe sanctuary for our cats to use, but is also a fitting memory for them both.
We also cannot fail to forget those cats who have come to us too late. 85 cats who came to us, never left, instead they passed on, over the rainbow bridge.
I”m certain Nick & Maggie will be there to greet every single one of them.
This garden is dedicated to them all.
