10/11/2026
We cried twice in rescue this weekend — and most people wouldn’t be surprised to hear that. Rescue is hard. Rescue is not for the weak. People can be careless, cruel, or simply thoughtless. But these tears weren’t from heartbreak. These were happy tears — the kind that remind us why we keep going, even when the work feels impossible.
We took in three cats whose owners could no longer care for them due to failing health. Three cats we promised to love like our own. None of them were kittens. None of them were “easy” to adopt.
Smokey and Thatcher needed to stay together because we made that promise to their dying dad. Ruth, whose mom had entered palliative care, was fourteen, with double hip dysplasia. All three had been rescued off the streets as kittens and given a forever home — a promise their owners kept until illness made it impossible. These cats were deeply loved, and surrendering them was an act of heartbreak, not abandonment.
This weekend, Ruth found her person — a lovely woman who understands how bodies age and how souls stay young. The best part? Ruth chose her. She walked right up, made her intentions clear, and the connection was instant. Ruth is extraordinary, yet she kept getting overlooked simply because she was “too old.”
Smokey and Thatcher were adopted by a young couple, and we were thrilled. So many young adopters want kittens, and these middle‑aged boys often fade into the background. But their new parents saw their sweetness even in a busy shelter environment. We are beyond grateful that we could keep our promise to their dad — and that these boys will never have to live the shelter life again.
What we want people to understand is this:
Kittens are adorable — we all love kittens — but kittens are also chaos wrapped in fur. They scratch (accidentally or intentionally), they climb, they explore, and they require patience. That’s perfectly fine if you’re prepared for it. But if you’re looking to add a feline family member, we ask you to slow down. Sit with the cats. Get to know them. Don’t dismiss a cat because of age. Don’t dismiss a cat because they’re timid. Every cat has the ability to blossom in a patient home — especially one that isn’t filled with 100 other cats and constant noise.
All they want is to feel safe. All they want is to feel loved.
And if you ever have a free moment and want some kitty cuddles, stop by during open hours — or consider joining our team of volunteers. The work is hard, but it is deeply rewarding. Sometimes, it even brings happy tears.
Happy life, Smokey, Thatcher & Ruth! ❤️
Volunteer Application - Help | Lycoming Animal Protection Society https://share.google/lXbqWBawH1hW6Bwoh
Donate - Help | Lycoming Animal Protection Society https://share.google/PniQBAYKxMGYLCldi
