Safe from the cold and no longer hungry, four kittens are now in the care of Okanagan Humane Society thanks to one volunteer.
The first six-week-old kitten was rescued by OHS volunteer Ron Ready about two weeks ago on Halloween. The second kitten was found next and so on until Ready was able to rescue the fourth last week and bring them all to a veterinary partner of the organization.
“I was thrilled when I realized that we had finally caught the fourth one,” said Ready.” I was so proud knowing the kitten would get to go be fed and warm with its family that night.”
All four kittens are currently settled into the home of an OHS volunteer foster where they will grow and learn to socialize as indoor cats. As part of the organization’s mandate to help prevent pet overpopulation, they will also receive all essential medical care, including vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and spaying/neutering, before being put up for adoption.
These four kittens and their mom are just a small part of the larger rescue operation OHS has been working on this last year.
OHS president Romany Runnalls explained that in 2024 alone, nearly 50 cats and kittens from this colony have been helped by the organization, which is primarily volunteer-run.
“There was an influx of homeless or abandoned unfixed cats and kittens in the area, so this particular colony grew significantly in size this year,” said Runnalls.
After being rescued the animals were all brought in for veterinary care and then rehomed.
Ready is one of the many dedicated volunteers who help OHS and work closely with business owners, tenants, and the community to rescue as many lost, abandoned and homeless animals as possible before extreme cold sets in.
“Bringing these animals to safety is so important to make sure they stay warm and protected from potential car strikes, sickness, cold temperatures and predators,” said Runnalls. “It’s really not an easy life, and it’s our mission to prevent further overpopulation and also to give those cats and kittens who are already out there needing help a second chance at a safe life inside.”
On top of these four kittens finding safety, the charity also shared good news regarding its Angels for Animals fundraising campaign launched earlier this month. While the initial fundraising goal was set at $100,000, with four anonymous donors having offered $25,000 each, one of those donors has unexpectedly doubled their contribution to help the organization amp up its efforts for a new fundraising goal of $250,000.
Runnalls said that the average cost of care per animal is $300, meaning if OHS reaches its fund-raising goal, the charity will be able to guarantee support for more than 830 local animals, solidifying its rescue efforts well into the new year.
To make a donation that will be matched, you can visit their website at: https://okanaganhumanesociety.com/angels-for-animals