Penhale says that while her shelter started as a personal project, it quickly grew | Photo by B. Shakyaver
March 2nd is International Cat Rescue Day – and one local organization has been hard at work for the last eight years, saving hundreds of cats.
All those years ago, Bayfield realtor Deb Penhale, had her origins when she noticed a group of kittens while on the job.
Over the years, her orgnaization Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines has filled a crucial gap in animal welfare services.
They post all of their cats to a Facebook group
With no Humane Society or SPCA nearby, Deb and her team have stepped up to provide a lifeline for cats who would otherwise be left to fend for themselves.
From rescuing over 270 cats in a single year to facilitating 184 adoptions in 2023 alone, Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines has demonstrated unwavering dedication to their cause.
Deb says that many volunteers in the community have made their work possible, donating everything from litter, to toys, to their time – working to socialise cats so that they can find new loving homes.
They’ve also found an incredbile partner in a local business.
Their work doesn’t stop at rescuing and rehoming cats. Deb emphasized the importance of education and dispelling misconceptions about rescue cats. Contrary to popular belief, rescue cats are not “dirty” or “unmanageable.” Deb shared heartwarming stories of once-feral cats transforming into loving companions, debunking stereotypes along the way.
Although some might be quick to label Deb as a “crazy cat lady” – she contests the term.
As International Cat Rescue Day approaches, Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines invites animal lovers to join their mission. Whether through adoption, volunteering, or supporting fundraising efforts, every contribution makes a difference in the lives of these deserving animals.
Written by: B. Shakyaver