05/30/2026
⚠️ Trigger warning. Animal neglect, loss, and heartbreaking conditions.
There are some stories that stay with you forever, and for us, this is one of them.
Over the last few years, we found ourselves trying to help cats who simply were not thriving indoors, but also could not safely be returned outside. Some came from dangerous areas or places where people wanted them gone. And in Virginia Beach, TNR being illegal only made those situations even harder.
We spent so much time searching for another option. Somewhere safe and peaceful where these cats could just exist without fear.
That is when we found the Good Shepherd Cat Sanctuary in Maryland.
They promised an indoor-and-outdoor sanctuary environment for cats that were not socialized enough for traditional homes. We wanted so badly to believe we had finally found the answer for cats that felt impossible to place. We trusted them with some of the most difficult and heartbreaking cases we had. We raised funds and even used funds we didn't have to make this possible.
Then one day, one of our volunteers saw videos posted by Humane World for Animals that appeared to show a raid on a cat sanctuary in Maryland.
The panic we felt in that moment is impossible to explain.
After hours of digging, phone calls, and waiting for answers, our worst fears were confirmed. Cats had been found deceased, and others were severely emaciated. The conditions were horrific. Over 100 cats were removed from the property alive.
We sent 23 cats there.
Only four were recovered.
Even typing those words still makes us sick. To make everything even more devastating, a deceased raccoon found on the property later tested positive for rabies, which led to an extended quarantine process.
After what felt like forever, and after providing proof of prior rabies vaccinations, we were finally able to bring three of our cats home from Maryland. One additional kitty is still being held by Humane World while we continue trying to negotiate their return.
Among the cats who came back are Ty and Xerxes.
These two boys are deeply bonded and have already been through more than most people could imagine. One of our volunteers fostered them for an entire year while trying to socialize them. During that time, several antisocial cats from the same group eventually opened up and were adopted into loving homes.
Ty and Xerxes never quite got there.
We tried different foster homes, different environments, more time, more patience. But they remained terrified indoors and withdrawn from people. We truly believed this sanctuary would be the kindest possible outcome for them, and in July 2025, we made the heartbreaking decision to send them there.
We thought we were helping them.
That is the part that hurts the most.
But now they are home.
Somehow, despite everything they endured, they are trying again.
Ty has started meowing, something feral cats rarely do. He has been caught making biscuits and even purring. Xerxes has let out a few soft little meows, too, though he still tries hard to act like the tough one.
For the first time, we truly believe they know they are safe.
They are back with their original foster, who now has more time to dedicate fully to helping them heal and learn to trust people. We owe it to them to keep trying. After everything they survived, we owe them patience, comfort, medical care, and every chance possible at finally experiencing peace.
Right now, we are asking for help.
We attached their wishlist of food, toys, enrichment items, and supplies to support their continued socialization. We also desperately want to get them fully checked over medically after the last 10 months, but this year has absolutely buried us in veterinary expenses.
If you can donate, thank you. If you can send something from their wishlist, thank you. If all you can do is share their story, thank you.
We mean that with our whole hearts.
Wishlist - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/FGZCGMUBFBEF?ref_=wl_share
⭐️ https://www.zeffy.com/.../give-hope-to-cats-in-need...
⭐️ PayPal: PayPal.Me/LilRoarCatRescue https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LilRoarCatRescue
⭐️ Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/LilRoarCR
⭐️ CashApp: $LilRoarCatRescue https://cash.app/$LilRoarCatRescue
⭐️ Zelle: [email protected]