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Cats from hoarding case arrive at Best Friends

The truck rolled in just after midnight, loaded with 114 cats, 2 small dogs, and a handful of pocket pets.

A day earlier, a judge had ruled that they should not be returned to the woman from whom they’d been seized, by county officials in the desert town of Pahrump, Nevada. The county promptly turned them over to Best Friends Animal Society, where, since the beginning of August, our staff had been caring for them at a small, now overflowing, county shelter .

(This is in addition to the more than 600 cats from the same institutionalized hoarding situation at another property in Pahrump.)

While the cats are already recovering from the terrible situation they were in, they still have a long way to go. Best Friends animal care director Patty Hegwood (pictured right) decided to bring them back to the sanctuary for special care before putting any of them up for adoption.

"This is a major accomplishment for the right to a second chance at life," said Patty. "It’s a real triumph.”

Every day, a team from Best Friends went from the cat facility in Pahrump, where we were already taking care of 600+ cats, to the Nye County shelter to care for these cats who could not be moved until a judge ruled. Once the judge handed down her ruling, county animal control moved quickly to transfer ownership to Best Friends. One of the climate-controlled trucks from the sanctuary set off on the 300-mile journey to Pahrump, while Best Friends staff and county officials and veterinarians worked to complete health certificates for the cats’ upcoming journey.

Back at the sanctuary, one of the big yurts, originally donated to our rescue center in New Orleans during the Hurricane Katrina rescue, was readied for the new arrivals.

In what has now become routine for Best Friends, the rescue assembly line sprang into action, splitting into three groups: one to unload the animals in their carriers, one to bring them into the yurts and get them into their cages and make sure the paperwork was done correctly, and one team to clean the carriers.

A few of the cats cowered in the back of their cages, but most of them quickly took stock of their new roomier accommodations and meowed their approval.

In charge of the unloading operation was cats co-manager Bobbie Foster (pictured left). Before coming to Best Friends, Bobbie had been an accessory fashion designer. She gave it all up to care for the animals. But she brought her design sense with her to Best Friends. The large yurt is now dubbed “The Pussycat Lounge.”

Bobbie made sure that each roomy cage had a clean bed, a nice soft toy, fresh dry food and water and a can of wet food which would be opened once the kitties were put in their cages.

By 2:15 a.m., just two hours after the truck drove in, all the animals were settled. The cats were meowing to each other and eating up a storm, their travel carriers were all power-washed and stacked, the troops were beginning to disperse and grab a few hours sleep before beginning the morning routine, and one of the cats was racing around her new quarters tossing her toy mouse around, ready for playtime.

Posted Aug 31 2007, 12:01 by michaelm

Comments

Posted 31 Aug 2007 12:20 by jennifer

It was so awesome to be part of the team that helped unload and get the kitties (and the other assorted beasties) settled. And I think most of the Sanctuary was represented by those who came to help - Welcome Center, Adoptions, Feathered Friends, Cats, Dogs, Accounting, several Founders, Rapid Response, IT, the Clinic.............we were all there because this was really important to us all. As I've said before, many prayers were answered when we were allowed to bring those furry ones here!

Posted 31 Aug 2007 12:25 by czimmer671

This entry just brings tears to my eyes! You guys are unbelievable and amazing to be able to accomplish all this so quickly in answer to the needs of these hurting animals!

Where do I sign up!

Posted 31 Aug 2007 1:12 by veganmarcy

i'll be interested to see if the ferrets or chinchilla pop up with GA profiles, b/c they're such wonderous critters. was there orig. just 1 chinchilla? seems unusal it wasn't more than one, at least a pair, but who knows. i hope it finds a buddy of some sort! thanks for all the work...for all of them.

Posted 31 Aug 2007 1:16 by judylew

Thanks for the update, jennifer. Best Friends is amazing. It shows how caring everyone who works there is when people from all departments show up at midnight to help wiith unloading. Can't wait to meet the kitties! Hopefully pictures will be added.

I hope this doesn't affect your vacation jennifer!

Posted 31 Aug 2007 2:12 by nutmegger

How fantastic! I would have loved to be there to help. I know all of us are quite relieved to know that these poor souls are now safe.

Posted 31 Aug 2007 3:22 by rebecca

It was so worth being up half the night (and being less than alert today) to see the truck roll in and watch them all be put into a cozy, safe place. They're all getting the best care on the planet! Kudos to Sherry Shankle for planning the whole operation - it came off without a hitch!! What a great team.

Posted 31 Aug 2007 4:58 by sue12paws

I'm in the East, but I can see that rescue van pulling in with its precious cargo, and I'm as excited as if I were there helping. You guys are beyond wonderful! Every dollar I send to BF is the best dollar I spend. Imagine the kitties waking up this morning in their comfy beds, looking around at their toys and food, feeling all the love and fuss made over them, and telling their neighbors "I don't think we're in Nevada anymore!" Happy 1st day of your new lives, kitties!! Thank you to Sherry and BF staff and vols for caring so much and pulling this off perfectly!

Posted 31 Aug 2007 5:44 by bjkoll

I had the privilege of being in Kanab last September when the 300 cats and dogs arrived from Lebanon. The excitement at the Sanctuary was overwhelming. It was purely coincidental that they arrived at the same time that we did. I could not have asked for a better volunteer experience. The feeling I got working with 150 cats who had just arrived from a war torn country and who will now have a future because of BF is indescribable.

Posted 31 Aug 2007 11:42 by mariamal

Patti it's great to see you still saving our wonderful critters. God Bless, keep up the great work that you do and everyone else in this wonderful organization Best Friends! I've been following the updates on these poor cats, and thank you all for helping them. Love, Maria Maldonado

Posted 31 Aug 2007 11:58 by stonjes

It is so wonderful to think of those cats safe and secure. Even happy enough to play with their own toy- that's great. What a major project to take in so many kitties and do it well! Way to go Best Friends!!!

Posted 31 Aug 2007 11:59 by Nevada10

I've been holding my breath waiting and worring about these cats at the shelter, but now I am relieved to see BF do what they do so best and so fast, BF you are truly the best of the best and I can't praise you enough, It amazes me what you do and we are so happy that these babies will get great care and hopefully great homes.

Posted 1 Sep 2007 12:03 AM by kittychump

This is what heaven is really like. I am so touched by this I can hardly even breathe. This is what I pray for - this is what life should be about. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart - Bless you & keep you all, critters and humans in one big happy family with the initials: "BF" :)

Posted 1 Sep 2007 2:41 AM by SpecialAgent

Words cannot express what a wonderful organization you are and what wonderful work you do on behalf of all the animals. I visited your place a few months back and look forward to coming and volunteering. Good job on this latest rescue.

Posted 1 Sep 2007 2:54 AM by victoria74

I love animals so much and it makes me so happy to know that there is a safe place like this for them! Thank you!
Vicky

Posted 1 Sep 2007 9:36 AM by muttsrule

THANK YOU :)

Posted 1 Sep 2007 11:28 AM by Paulav

I have volunteered twice at Best Friends - this year stayed in a cottage for eleven whole blissful days! This rescue is just typical of what this awesome organization does and it's so good to know the sanctuary and to imagine where all these cats are housed, and ri picture all the love they are receiving. Hopefully they will all find good homes very soon. God bless you all and the work for the animals you are doing.

Posted 1 Sep 2007 1:44 by epdesigns

It is so nice to hear that one kitty was running around and playing with his mouse so soon after arriving at Best Friends. All those cats are now safe, happy and healthier. It makes my heart so happy and I wish I could take them in myself. Keep up the good work :)

Posted 1 Sep 2007 2:40 by cattees

Good job - as usual - BF!!!

Posted 1 Sep 2007 3:49 by cydette

I was so glad to hear about this. I was really worried that the cats, and all of the other animals, would go back to that crazy woman, just because they wouldn't know what else to do with them. Thank you very much once again Best Friends.

Posted 1 Sep 2007 5:48 by ladyofcats

Thank God! These kitties are now safe. It is so stressful to be waiting on legal reps to say what happens to the precious babies. We never know if the legal person is for or against cats/animals.

If I could get away from work I would spend my vacation time at BF or in Nevada assisting with the other babies still there. Cats are my thing. I am so glad these babies are safe.

Thank you everyone who has helped with this rescue. The kitties do appreciate it. Just watch them shine in the new home they are currently in. BF heals the soul! I know for I have been there.

Posted 1 Sep 2007 7:07 by DonArnold

What a great job done by all that worked here in Pahrump, Thank you Patty H. Sherry S. ,Sue, Ed, Jeff Russ and a great thank you to the people that were at the shelter day after day in some of the worest conditions you could picture, people like Bobbi F. , Shelly T, and all of you that came and spent long hours in unbearable heat, I saw the pain in your eyes day after day and saw how your heart ached for these animals and yet you went on day after day just to keep them alive and nurse them back to health , you all should be so proud of what you did for these animals, YOU guys are my heros and you make me proud to say I am part of Bestfriends, sooo from the rest of the cats here in Pahrump we say thanks from the bottom of our hearts.We love you all. Don and the Pahrump cats.

Posted 2 Sep 2007 11:00 AM by crowbird

That's Wonderful news that these cats are safe now !!! Without the dedication of all these heroes this could have never happened. Don and everyone mentioned below are the BEST!!!

Posted 2 Sep 2007 5:46 by Angeli

As a former resident of Las Vegas I am relieved to learn that over 100 cats are now in Best Friends' care!!
I am wondering, though, what happened/happens to the other 600 cats in Pahrump???
Please clarify- I am very concerned!
Thank you.

Posted 2 Sep 2007 6:08 by Wuzzysmom

The 600 plus cats at the flock site are continuing to recieve care as needed to get them into condition for their new homes. I haven't heard how many have been adopted out in a few days, but I believe the number is in the neighborhood of a hundred. Which should mean that by now, the number at the site is between five and six hundred.

Almost all of the "intake" has been completed, with the cats being id'd, microchipped, vaccinated, spay/neuter verified and tested for FIV/FELV. . The cats in the surrounding areas who were flock escapees are being caught and brought into the facility for whatever care they need and eventual placement.

They are doing really well, and with the shelter group in Utah, the staff and volunteers here in Pahrump will be able to focus exclusively on them, which is good. The difference that a couple of months of food, water, and medical care makes is pretty astonishing to see. They're getting to be a downright good looking bunch of demanding and opinionated felines. Dinner time is amazing to see and gets better every night as they get healthier and hungrier, and the shy ones get braver.

Last I heard the plan was to adopt them out from Pahrump and/or send groups out to other organizations to adopt out in other areas. And that that process should start to accelerate with intakes done and now that they know what they've got. There is a super adoption event planned for Las Vegas this coming Saturday. Pahrump adopted 42, I'm hoping Vegas can take at least 100.

So don't worry about 'em! Or do, and come on out to Pahrump. There's lots of area 51 t-shirts, some really good local cooks who'll feed you if you're volunteering, and a WHOLE bunch of boxes to scoop, cans to open, and ears to rub.

Posted 3 Sep 2007 12:20 by Squeakie42

Each and all of you are everyday heroes. I wish we could bring BF to the East Coast in a permanent way -- to surround the country with revolution.

Posted 3 Sep 2007 4:59 by seasidegrl

I am thrilled that the animals are safe but I do hope that Sherri Allen recieves some care as well. Yes, what she did to the animal was horrible. However, I think all animals (human as well) deserve someone to look into their situation and try to help them. She is obviously a sick woman who needs treatment. It would be better for her and, in the long run, better for any other animals that she might be tempted to hoard again.
Sande

Posted 4 Sep 2007 8:21 AM by snowkatz9

I am happy that the animals were rescued. However, I have 11 cats myself, which is a very long way from the amount that this lady had. What I want to say is, did she ever ask for help before you came to take away her kitties? Lots of times a person will get over whelmed and realize such. They will ask any and all of the rescue places for any help they can get only to be told, there is nothing we can do as we are already overcrowded. Then when the poor person does get in way over their head trying to care for these animals as best they can with NO help whatsoever from these "caring organizations", then the volenteers can't wait to move in to take the animals and do their "good deed" and to put the poor person in the limelight as a terrible person. What they fail to add to the news is that this person may have asked repeadedly for help only to be told, we can't help you.
I know, been there, done that and seen it over and over in animal hoarding cases as ya'll like to call it. Job well done, I might add. God forbid that I ever get too old to care for my own cats and be made an example of as she has been. FYI, I started out with 3 cats of my own, all spayed and neutered, the rest came from people that didn't care enough to take care of their cats and chose to throw them out at my home. What should I have done? Punished them for something that was never their fault??
But I really am happy that someone finally did do something to help. This is exactly the reason that people won't ask for help. So afraid that they will end up on the news as another "animal hoarder" when they are doing the very best they can possibly do with the means they have.
Katt

Posted 4 Sep 2007 1:44 by veganmarcy

Aside from the usual hoarder apologists lurking below, I was just going to add a thank you for doing the right thing - stepping in and stopping the insanity and abuse, and giving these animals hope for the first time in a long time. Related question - I assume any dead cats at the Pahrump site were buried properly when BF started being involved there, however I know they found long-dead cats and cat parts littering Sheri Allen's home like so much garbage, and I was just hoping to hear that somehow those cats had a proper burial of some sort, that they weren't going to be dumped and forgotten.

Posted 4 Sep 2007 4:29 by marys

Veganmarcy, these little bodies were given the respect they deserve, and placed with ceremony here at Angel's Rest by Beamer, Curt, and Mary Pat.
There will be special ceremonies honoring their lives when the staff in Pahrump are able to attend also.
Snowcatz9, if you ever need help finding homes for these cats you speak of, contact: animalhelp@bestfriends.org. They will supply numerous ideas for finding good homes for homeless animals. If you were truly a hoarder with an illness, you would respond by saying "no thanks, I would never give up any of my kitties"! Let's see how you do! Take responsibility!!!!

Posted 4 Sep 2007 4:38 by ccastello

Here is today's USATODAY article about this event:

http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/life/20070904/d_catreturn04.art.htm

It is in the Life section.

Posted 4 Sep 2007 5:53 by pinkys

Let this tragic situation be a lesson to animal abusers regardless of mental status; there are consequences to criminal action, period. The good to come out of this mess besides the rescue of the cats is now judges can identify these situations as the crimes they are and prosecute offenders accordingly.

Posted 4 Sep 2007 6:09 by bogiedew

I live in GA and every time we turn around there is a new hoarding case. It is really sad. Just go on our community page..you will see lots of stories. : (

Posted 4 Sep 2007 6:21 by JerseyGrrl

ccastello,

Thank you for the link to that story.

I hope that some of the folks posting here will take the time to read this and all the other information available... both on the Best Friends sites and in the regular news media.
It seems like some folks have many questions that they can find the answers to simply by reading a bit more.

I guess it could be slow going on a dial-up connection, but it's worth the effort because you're more likely to get the answers to your questions that way.
I don't know that any Best Friends staff is going to have the time to read every post and respond to every question, especially if the answers are already available elsewhere.

Take care.

Posted 4 Sep 2007 9:03 by hissifit

Hey Snowkatz9, Do you live in a home filled with feces? Is your wallpaper literally pissed off the walls? Does your home stink worse then the city dump? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you could be the next Sherri Allen. Clean the cat litter our of your eyes see the situation for what it IS.

Posted 4 Sep 2007 9:32 by Hope

Does anyone know if the BF people in Pahrump still need stuff donated, like the Wal-Mart gift cards they were asking for earlier? I have some overtime coming to me, & I would like to send a card if it's still needed....

Posted 4 Sep 2007 10:54 by Nevada10

Yes Hope they still need donations, you can get them a prepaid visa or prepaid m/c. They sell them in the supermarkets, that would be better, but you can still get Walmart cards too, though with the others they can get what they need from the different stores. Thanks so much

Posted 5 Sep 2007 1:40 by smcclung

hissifit, your comments are uncalled for. This is a forum. Attacking someone because you believe yourself to be the candle of righteousness is improper. Hate what you will and whom you will, but don't do it in the name of animals, do it because you are judgmental. It serves no good purpose to lift yourself up over another poster.

Posted 5 Sep 2007 3:15 by hissifit

Smcclung, 1. My comments are an open questionnaire for any and all animal lovers. I'm not attacking anyone in particular, unless the person reading my comments/questions has a guilty conscience. 2. I never said I was better than anyone else or a "candle of righteousness", so don't put words in my mouth or grant me an "air." 3. The facts in this case speak for themselves. All a person has to do is read... and for that a person needs clear eyes, thus the kitty litter reference.

Posted 5 Sep 2007 10:28 by Hope

Why don't you people who are having the hissing contest shut your traps & put your energy into trying to help these poor innocent babies. Anybody got a few extra bucks lying around that might be better spent on them rather than on anything else? Even a few old cat toys that your cats aren't playing with anymore? Old bedding? A carrier? Or send them a prepaid visa or mastercard or a Wal-Mart gift card for $10, for God's sake. Every little bit helps. Just save your breath & time with the "cat" fighting. Leave that to the actual cats. They're better at it.

Posted 6 Sep 2007 1:11 AM by Themb4me

Everything should always be all about the animals. No personal issues, gripes, etc. I am a board member of a local humane society and politics and personal agendas get in the way of doing what is best for the animals.

You go, Best Friends. If we can't support you with $$$, we will support you in prayers. Afterall, it isn't about us, or politics, or personal agendas...it is about those lovely furbabies that deserve so much more than they often get.

Candi

Posted 6 Sep 2007 1:22 AM by jonij

For those wanting to donate to the Pahrump kitties, here is the current wishlist for items needed in Pahrump:
Pahrump wish list

The 114 kitties now here at Best Friends residing at The Pussycat Lounge are doing well. They have plenty of toys, foodies, etc. but the little round beds pictured in the article are in short supply. If anyone has any of those to spare, the kitties would greatly appreciate that.

thanx for all the prayers, purrs and positive support you all are giving to each and everyone of these precious kitties caught up in this tough situation.

Posted 6 Sep 2007 10:02 AM by hissifit

What makes any of you think those of us with strong opinions haven't already donated to the cause? Never assume, it's not very becoming.

But you are correct in that it IS all about the animals - their welfare and their future. And BF is the guiding light in an otherwise very dim world.

Posted 6 Sep 2007 10:36 AM by laytoncats

You are so right hissifit. So here is some good news to change the tone of these posts. The 5 cases of A/D cat food were shipped this morning from New Hampshire along with a Visa gift card to help the kitties. Emotions are running high over this situation but it doesn't mean that we are sitting on our huanches doing nothing. The cats will always come first! Prayers are being said for all of us.

Posted 6 Sep 2007 10:47 AM by cherylt

Joni - I would be happy to donate some beds. Can you let me know the size you need and I will order today. Also, the address for the donations.

Cheryl

Posted 7 Sep 2007 12:22 AM by jonij

Cheryl,

Thank you for your offer to donate some beds. Here is a link to the beds.
PetEdge Sherpa Crate Beds

Or these beds would work, too:

West Coast Snoozy Beds

The smallest ones, approx 18 x 14, are perfect for the kitties. They fit well in their large cages and wash up nicely. Any other beds that are about this size and easily washable would also be greatly appreciated by the kitties.

Please send donations to:

The Pussycat Lounge
C/O Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Cat Dept.
5001 Angel Canyon Road
Kanab, UT 84741

Thank you again to everyone offering up help, hope, hugs and prayers to these deserving furry babes. The kitties are doing well and sending back purrs of gratitude.

Joni

Posted 7 Sep 2007 9:00 AM by cherylt

Joni - I just ordered 20 beds - 10 slate blue for the boys and 10 baby pink for the girls. The size at PetEdge is 18 x 12 which I am sure will work as I have ordered these for our shelter - they last forever. Hugs and kisses to all the kitties. I wish I lived closer to be there with all of them.

Posted 7 Sep 2007 9:07 by lemming

Katt,
Good questions, but Sherri Allen did not ask for help. In fact she turned away help at the FLOCK facility when she was still director.

Posted 9 Sep 2007 7:11 by FelineFemme

I am an experienced Veterinary nurse, and I wanted to volunteer, but I don't have a ride - so they responded fairly rudely to my request to volunteer. Is anyone here going to be volunteering there (in the afternoons) who could give me a ride? I really want to help out. Thanks!

Posted 10 Sep 2007 2:01 AM by jonij

felinefemme,

Are you wanting to help out in Pahrump or with these kitties who are now in Kanab? In both places we could use help with cleaning and caring for the cats.

thanx,
Joni