We received a tearful call from an Ohio woman asking us to help her and her cats. She is a USDA licensed owner who was committed to providing a home for her cats, but realized what the future would mean for her 
and the animals she had in small cages in her backyard.
Though she wanted to provide more for these animals, she’s struggled financially to keep up and was fearful she wouldn’t be able to meet the regulations the new legislation would require.
She researched different sanctuaries and contacted The Wildcat Sanctuary because she felt we could offer what her animals deserved – a home for life, where they wouldn’t be uprooted again and where they would have the open space she couldn’t provide for them.
Sadly, the story of her animals and what they’ve been through is as heart wrenching as many of those who died that day in Zanesville, Ohio. And, like most others, hers is not their first home.
Tasha, the cougar’s, first home was sad. At a young age, she was used for breeding. She lived in a garage for 9 years, but one day escaped through a hole in the roof. Her owner didn’t report her escape, fearful Tasha would be killed. But Tasha did finally return, scared and hungry. (see news articles below)
Then, Tasha went to her second home, living in a 10×20 cage. Declawed by her first owner, it has left her tender footed and she also has vision problems. Her current owner says she trembles, shakes, and drools at the sound of machinery near her cage. But with all she has gone through in her 11 years in captivity, she still craves attention from her human caregivers.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) heard of our efforts and called offering an emergency grant to help with initial costs for Nikita and Tasha’s transfer to The Wildcat Sanctuary.
Nikita and Tasha’s story touched hearts across the country and was covered by several media outlets (scroll down to Articles section below)
Tasha felt right at home from the minute she arrived at TWS. She’s such a gentle soul.
