–by Penny Edwards, ARC Shelter Manager

April 12-29, 2016: This year began like all the others before, wrapping up an old year and getting things organized for the new. The first couple of months are typically quiet as far as the intake of animals, since it’s not kitten or puppy season. Thankfully, the beginning of the year moves on at a slower pace, which helps in the busy phase of scheduling and planning events for the year, renovating the shelter and getting all our records together for tax season. This year has had its ups and downs so far. Thanks to the contributions of donors, we’ve been able to renovate the basement, but some unfortunate things have happened as well.

One event in particular stands out as life-changing for me.

Two of our volunteers, Missy and Madison, let us know that there was a small black cat that was injured in Radcliff.
Now, I need to keep this rated “G”, and I don’t mean “G” for “Graphic”.

After speaking to some people who knew about this kitty, we found out that this little girl had been dragging herself around for a year or more. It seems that she was hit by a car as a kitten: her hind legs were destroyed, and she had been unable to walk since. The worst part of the story is that the people who feed these feral cats did nothing to help her. Worse, they saw nothing wrong with the sight of this little cutie dragging herself through the neighborhood. After I heard this, I was furious.

After 25 years I have seen a lot, but this little girl affected me profoundly. Cookie was only with us for 24 short hours before she crossed the Rainbow Bridge, but the impact that she had on me was extraordinary. It’s saying something when the first thing your veterinarian asks is: “What is the plan for this kitty?” and they look relieved when you say, “Euthanasia.”

Cookie was caught on a Sunday and our veterinarian came on Monday. Cookie was frightened at first, but she enjoyed her canned food and probably for the first time in her life she enjoyed sleeping on a soft, warm and–most of all–clean bed. She looked on us with an expression on her sweet little face that would melt your heart. We knew how tough it was for a little girl like this one to survive out on the streets. We said she was one tough Cookie, and the name stuck.

Needless to say, that was one sleepless night for me, and many more nights of bad dreams followed. I fretted over the fact that this little girl may have never known kindness, that she was not able to have a lot of dignity in life.

It was important to me that we show Cookie that someone actually cared about her. It was very important to me that Cookie’s death would not be in vain.

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We understand that changing the world overnight isn’t possible. However, your generous donation allows us to make a significant impact on the lives of homeless community cats. By contributing, you help us provide essential care—spaying or neutering, feeding, and alleviating their suffering. Your support brings us one step closer to giving these cats the loving homes they deserve.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah identifies three major obstacles preventing the U.S. from becoming entirely No-Kill: community (feral) cats, breed-specific laws against Pit Bulls, and puppy mills. Addressing the first issue is crucial. We need to advocate for cats, starting right here in Hardin County. Your donations enable us to support our volunteers and community efforts through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release), a proven life-saving method.

To honor Cookie’s memory and extend her legacy, we’ve established “Cookie’s Legacy.” Your contributions will fund the spaying and neutering of feral cats in Hardin County—spaying a cat costs $45, and neutering $30. Please donate generously to help as many community cats as possible.

We hope to make this program a cornerstone of ARC, envisioning each trapdoor snap as a step towards a new home for another homeless cat, with Cookie watching over us.

To make a lasting impact, pledge online via PayPal or credit card to Cookie’s Legacy. Your support directly saves lives.

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On April 29, 2017: A landmark: