By Sally Stewart
On March 31, 2025, Just One Generation Cat Rescue will close permanently. This is not a decision that was made lightly. Our program has been on hiatus for several months during the illness and death of my sister. The pause in our activity gave me time to thoughtfully consider all aspects of potential closure. In the past 12 years, we have helped over 5,000 cats obtain spay/neuter services, provided medical and surgical care to those who came to us sick or injured, and helped hundreds of ownerless cats and kittens find the safety and security of a loving home. I am deeply attached to these animals, and it is incredibly painful for me to be unable to respond to those in need. But with each year of operation, my family has taken in those cats considered “unadoptable” because of age, medical condition, physical anomalies, or personalities. I now have a multitude of cats living at my home and property for whom I am committed to their lifelong care. I am at the limits of what my space and my wallet can accommodate.
I was hopeful that when the time for closure came, that there would be an option for cats in need to be taken to our local animal shelter. Construction of the building annex that will provide some space for holding cats is back on track following a 10-month delay to transfer two acres of land required for the septic system from the state to the county. The County Commission is now working to prepare bids to advertise for the project. However, it is unrealistic to think that the project will be completed in the current year. There are currently no other rescues in our county, and many shelters in other counties either do not take animals from outside their area or have high euthanasia rates that keeps space available. That means that it will be up to caring individuals within our community to offer assistance to those cats and kittens in need and give them a fighting chance at a life.
My program did not operate without the contributions of time, talent, funds, and in-kind services of individuals and organizations too numerous to mention. Please know I am forever grateful to all. To those who opened their hearts and homes to either provide foster care or adopt from us, you have made a significant difference in the lives of these animals and are heroes in our eyes. Because it is so hard for me to say no to requests for help, I ask for your understanding and patience when I do not respond to messages or calls. Please know up front that I CANNOT accept any intakes, and I do not have the names of anyone else you can call. Our local shelter has applied for spay/neuter assistance grant money, and they can be contacted directly for updated program information. Thank you in advance and bless all those who help meet the upcoming challenge.