Out with the old and in with the new

This year has really put us through it. From January until now, I’ve been in constant catch‑up mode — trying to get Christmas (yes, Christmas) prepared while still making sure our families and their companion animals have the basics they need to survive. Time has not been kind, and although I’m doing everything I can, some obstacles are simply too big to overcome alone.

We’ve faced personal losses, including a few deaths in our family, and we recently said goodbye to a cat we’ve worked with for nearly 15 years. Some long‑standing programs had to be retired, and new ones are on the way. I’ve been pushing hard since the beginning of the year, but the truth is: I’m still far behind. That has never happened before, and I hope it never happens again.

Right now, we are working on the biggest campaign our little group has ever attempted — not because we wanted to go big, but because the need has become impossible to ignore.

To move forward, we urgently need three things:

• Skilled volunteers to help with construction/building repairs, plumbing and painting and roofing. to help us repair, organize, and stabilize our storage areas and buildings so we can safely manage the donations our families and companion animals depend on.

• Donations of funds and food, especially cat food, to prevent another shutdown of our pantry and to keep our programs alive. We are in dire need of cat foods for our senior cats.

• Patience, as we work through delays, rebuild what has fallen behind, and prepare to introduce our new campaign and the changes that must be made.

I’m deeply grateful for everyone who continues to stand with us. Your support, your kindness, and your understanding are the only reasons we’re still here. As we move toward launching this campaign — and a few other things we hope you’ll be excited to support — I’m asking for your continued patience while we get everything in place.