Sarah Vicary has helped thousands of cats, but each one is more than a number.
As the director of the
Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue, Vicary personally commits to each and every kitty in her care. And sometimes, that can be up to 300 cats fostered on-site and in the homes of volunteers.
"We believe that all cats should be valued as individuals," says Vicary. "We make a lifetime commitment to always love them no matter what happens."
Established in 2003, the volunteer-run Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue has placed more than 6,000 cats with adoptive families. Now, Vicary says, it's time for the rescue itself to find a new home.
In early 2015, Vicary and her husband purchased a farm with 20 acres and a 2,000-square foot house in Dimondale. Her hopes are to build as many as 11 new buildings at the site on Michigan Road, and to offer on-site adoptions, vaccine clinics, and special and group events with other animal welcome organizations. Eventually, she would like to add a veterinary clinic, facilities for hospice and special needs care, a retail store and training center.
"We purchased the property for the cats," says Vicary of the property zoned commercial. "We believe in providing a colony setting and do not feel leaving cats in cages long-term is healthy for their mental and physical state."
Vicary is readying to move from her main base of operations and cat foster home on Tulip Street in Grand Ledge. She says volunteers have already packed up and moved some things, and that donations are helping to fund some of the minor repairs and renovations. She hopes to have everything up and running at the new Dimondale location by early- to mid-summer.
As a non-profit, the Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue is funded solely by donations and is run by Vicary and about 200 volunteers. The rescue maintains a "no-kill" policy, and fosters cats for life. All cats and kittens receive basic veterinary care such as neuter, shots and medications. Other services include hospice and specialty care related to particular feline diseases or conditions.
The rescue partners with Petco and PetSmart for once-a-month adoption events, and adopts out between 500 and 600 cats a year. The organization maintains a feral colony of more than 80 cats and practices trap, neuter and release when possible.
Source: Sarah Vicary, Founder, Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
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