LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – The future of Loving Paws Animal Center hangs in the balance as the nonprofit cat rescue scrambles to find a new location by mid-September. Despite their efforts, the search has so far been unsuccessful, leaving the rescue’s founder, Teresa Fee, deeply concerned.
“Everything is at a standstill, and it’s terrifying,” Fee said.
Loving Paws Animal Center, a vital lifeline for cats across Tippecanoe County and Indiana, specializes in rescuing cats from local shelters that are either over capacity or have cats marked for euthanasia. The center also leads in addressing hoarding situations, providing essential medical care, and rehabilitating cats through their trap-neuter-return (TNR) program before offering them for adoption or adding them to their sanctuary.
However, the center’s current building, which houses 20 cats in its adoption room located at Pet Supplies Plus in Lafayette, is undergoing renovations, and their contract is expiring. This has put the center in a precarious position, halting their ability to rescue more cats and placing the future of the 20 cats currently under their care in jeopardy.
“Without a new location, we’ll have no choice but to close,” Fee admitted. “We have a long waitlist and will not be accepting new cats outside of that list for the rest of the year.”
Since its inception in 2018, Loving Paws has played a crucial role in the community. Fee’s passion for rescue work began after she saved a cat with brain damage, dedicating her life to helping other vulnerable cats. Her mission, driven by the promise she made to that first rescue, has now become a lifeline for countless cats that would otherwise face death.
“It’s heartbreaking to think about what might happen if we close. These cats would have no chance. I work tirelessly to save those that others overlook,” Fee shared emotionally.
Despite the challenges, Fee remains hopeful. She is calling on the community for increased support, particularly in the form of donations and volunteer efforts, to secure a new space and continue their mission.
“I won’t let a lack of resources stop me from helping these cats, but we need bigger supporters, especially financially, to grow and save more lives,” she urged.
Local veterinarians, like Dr. Julie D’Angelo of West Lafayette Veterinarian Care, emphasize the importance of rescues like Loving Paws. “Teresa’s work is essential in providing relief to overwhelmed shelters and supporting communities overrun with stray cats,” Dr. D’Angelo said.
As the clock ticks down, Loving Paws Animal Center is asking for the community’s help to ensure every cat has the opportunity to find a loving, safe home. “Every cat deserves love and a safe, indoor home,” Fee said. “And it’s incredibly rewarding to make that happen.”
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