Shirley, a retired scientist and OHS supporter of 40+ years, adopted Rusty after he had been passed around among a series of owners. Rusty was a bit of a challenge; he sometimes let his herding instinct get the better of him and nipped at people’s heels. Shirley adopted Ollie soon after and the boys bonded immediately. They loved their life with Shirley, and each other, in Idaho.

It’s often said that animals know how to find the right person when they need help. Sweetie and Tinkerbell were each wandering the streets as stray cats when they crossed paths with Barbara, a kind-hearted woman who had compassion for animals her whole life.

Sandy* had always had one cat who was part of the family. But one rainy day, a cat came across the field with a small kitten in its mouth. The cat walked up to the sliding glass door and looked up at Sandy who was standing inside the door.

For the 38 years that Susan Blake and I were friends, there was nearly always a sweet cat presence in her home. Her most recent kitty, Ginger, was no exception.

Supporters of OHS have incredible hearts and incredible pets. As a donor relations manager, I have the pleasure of getting to know some of these amazing people.

Stephen Swearingen’s cats were the reason he decided to enroll in the OHS Friends Forever program. Stephen was only 60 years old, but he knew that the diabetes he was battling would soon bring his life to an end. Stephen’s closest companions were his cats Cali and Chelula.

Patricia had done her research and was confident that Friends Forever would take good care of her boys. Patricia included OHS in her will with specific instructions that should she become incapacitated, or when she died, she wanted Mac and Wylie to come to OHS.

Art contacted OHS a few years ago, worried about his two beagles, Bonnie and Clyde. The two dogs were healthy, but Art was worried about their future. What if there came a time when he was unable to care for them?

In December 2013, loyal OHS supporter Susan Powers* was being treated for cancer. Although she was optimistic about her prognosis, she contacted OHS to make a plan for her two cats.