-- May Fundraiser for Bella’ s Enduring Hope Cat Sanctuary--
Hector and Jasper rarely pay any attention to the bulletin board between the bookshop doors. It’ s usually filled with things only people seem to care about- community events, car washes, and food giveaway locations. But a fundraiser for cats? Now that’ s something worth noticing.
This special event will be held at Antes Fort Village Park( Caboose Lane) and will raise funds for Bella’ s Enduring Hope Cat Sanctuary. Admission is free, and more than 60 vendors will be on hand beginning at 9 am. The Antes Fort Fire Company will offer their popular chicken BBQ and homemade ice cream starting at 10 am until sold out- and that usually means getting there early. The meal is carry-out only from the caboose.
There’ s more! A silent auction will run during the event, and a Challenge Little League game will begin at 10 am at the ballfield. With plenty of free parking, it’ s shaping up to be a great day to get out, support local groups, and help cats in need.
Bella’ s Enduring Hope Cat Sanctuary is not quite like most rescues, though it began the same way many animal nonprofits do- by recognizing a need. In 2021, that need appeared at a rural driveway where a homeowner was overwhelmed by cats. Feral and stray cats and kittens were being dropped off near the property, with the mistaken belief that they would naturally become barn cats. Without the structure of a managed working colony, these abandoned cats often face hunger, illness, injury, and, too often, a painful death.
The homeowner did his best to feed them and reached out for help, but local shelters were already full and not equipped to handle a large population of unsocialized cats. Bella’ s Enduring Hope stepped in to help the cats no one else could. Through a consistent trap-neuter-return( TNR) program, volunteers worked to stabilize the rapidly growing colony. It took three years of steady effort, but the colony has been reduced from about 50 cats to roughly 20. In total, Bella’ s has completed 85 TNRs, most of them connected to this location.
Some cats, however, cannot be returned. Injured adults, sick cats, and young kittens often need more care. Kittens that can be socialized are vetted, fostered, and placed in forever homes. Others- blind from disease, missing a limb, or unable to live safely outdoors- remain at Bella’ s for lifelong care. That’ s what makes Bella’ s a sanctuary as well as a rescue. So far, 125 cats have been taken in, some adopted into homes, many staying permanently.
Providing that level of care is expensive. Even with generous discounts and donated services from local veterinarians, the medical bills are significant. Funds raised at this event will go directly toward reducing the sanctuary’ s veterinary debt and helping them continue their work.
Hector and Jasper agree this is the kind of notice worth reading. Good food, local vendors, a baseball game, and a chance to help cats- it sounds like a perfect community day.
- by Linda Roller, Bookseller, writer, and owner of Liberty Book Shop in beautiful downtown Avis, PA.
LIBERTY BOOK SHOP Linda Roller
Hours: Thursday & Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-3, or by appt.
“ Where yesterday’ s books are today’ s treasures.” www. thelibertybookshop. com 1 East Park Street, Avis • 570-753-5201
Bella’ s Enduring Hope Because every cat deserves a loving home.
Pawsitively Pets-- May 5