St. Mary's Animal Welfare League

09/03/2026

💙 Remembering Bob Haus 💙

It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that longtime SMAWL volunteer Bob Haus passed away this week.

Bob was so much more than a volunteer to us. He was a former member of the SMAWL Board of Directors and devoted many years to organizing and running our monthly low-cost vaccination clinics. His dedication, kindness, and willingness to give his time made a difference to countless animals and their families in our community.

Bob also opened his heart and home to several SMAWL cats over the years, giving them the love, care, and wonderful lives they deserved. 🐾❤️

His commitment to SMAWL and the animals we serve will never be forgotten. We are incredibly grateful for all the years he gave to our organization and for the countless lives he touched along the way.

Rest peacefully, Bob. You will be deeply missed by your SMAWL family. 🌈🐾

Our thoughts and condolences are with Bob’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

💔 WHOOPIE IS WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO SEE HER HEART.💔

Meet Whoopie — a beautiful black-and-white girl with a very big body and an even bigger need for love. 🖤🤍

Whoopie came to us very overweight, and unfortunately, her size is now affecting her ability to live the carefree life every cat deserves. She is mobile, but she isn't an active girl. Walking can be difficult because of her weight, and because she can't properly groom herself, she needs a person who will help keep her clean and comfortable.

But underneath all of that is a sweet girl who simply needs someone willing to see past her size and love the cat underneath it.

Whoopie needs a very special home.

🏠 A home where her food intake can be carefully monitored
❤️ Someone who will give her patience, affection and encouragement
🧼 Someone willing to help her with grooming when she can't do it herself
🐾 Someone who understands that getting healthy will take time, patience and commitment
💗 Most importantly, someone who will love her through the journey

She didn't choose to become this overweight. She didn't choose to have difficulty moving around. And she certainly didn't choose to need extra help.

But you could choose her.

Imagine being the person who gives Whoopie the chance to feel better, move easier, groom herself again, and discover what it feels like to be truly comfortable in her own body.

She doesn't need someone looking for the perfect cat.

She needs someone willing to be her person.

Someone who will say, "You're worth the extra care. You're worth the patience. You're worth the journey." ❤️

Whoopie has so much life left to live. She just needs someone to believe in her.

Could that someone be you? 🥺🐾

📍 Cat Castle – Callaway, MD

⚠️ Please note: The Cat Castle will be CLOSED September 5th & 6th for the Labor Day weekend.

We hope you'll come meet Whoopie when we reopen. She may need a little more from her adopter than some cats, but the love you receive in return could be priceless. ❤️

📧 [email protected]
📞 (301) 373-5659
🌐 www.smawl.org

Please share Whoopie's story. Her person is out there, and she just hasn't found them yet. 🖤🤍

08/11/2026

⚠️ Thank You for Your Understanding ⚠️

We sincerely apologize to everyone who was unable to receive vaccines at tonight's SMAWL Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic.

Unfortunately, due to lightning in the area, we had to end the clinic early. Because our clinic is held entirely outdoors, it was simply not safe to continue. The safety of our volunteers, our patrons, and the animals in our care must always come first.

We know many of you waited patiently, and we're truly sorry for the inconvenience this caused. We especially want to thank everyone who was so understanding and supportive of our decision. Your kindness, patience, and concern for the safety of our volunteers, fellow pet owners, and the animals meant so much to us.

Our next SMAWL Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic will be held on Monday, September 14th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We hope to see you there and appreciate your continued support as we work to provide affordable veterinary care to our community.

Thank you again for your understanding and for helping us put safety first. ❤️🐾

08/08/2026

🎉🐱 It's our pleasure to announce the winner of our Crocheted Cat Raffle! 🐱🎉

Congratulations, Amber! 🎊 We hope you enjoy your beautiful custom crocheted cat!

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our raffle and helped support the cats and kittens of St. Mary's Animal Welfare League (SMAWL). Your generosity makes a real difference!

💕 Want one of your own? Allison creates amazing custom crocheted cats that capture the personality of your feline friend. You can visit her Etsy shop here:

https://crochetedchoosables.etsy.com/listing/4546943732

Thank you again to everyone who entered (the response was incredible!), and congratulations once more, Amber! 🐾❤️

08/08/2026

Happy International Cat Day! Dill thinks he should be able to have a burger for lunch....I disagreed. So, he stuck his paw in my milkshake instead!