To provide care and temporary housing to stray,abandoned, injured, orphaned and/or owner-released felines; to place them into permanent, safe, and loving homes; to obtain necessary medical care including sterilization surgery; to help reduce pet overpopulation and increase knowledge and awareness of this problem.
Elizabeth Lake Animal Rescue is a small, private, non-euthanasia rescue (exceptions listed below) in the Waterford/Union Lake area. The organization was founded in May 1994, but some of our rescuers have been making similar efforts for more than 20 years. We are run strictly by
volunteers and donations, which are tax-deductible, and receipts are issued upon request.
Exceptions: 1) Animal tests positive for Feline Leukemia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. 2) The animal is diagnosed with any other life-threatening, contagious disease. 3) The animal is severely injured and deemed "beyond repair" by our veterinarian.
We concentrate on the rescue and rehabilitation of stray and feral cats and kittens as well as providing assistance (when space is available) in the placing of cats deemed unwanted and/or disposable by their previous owner(s).
Additionally, we pride ourselves on being one of the few rescues that takes the time to bottle-feed and raise orphan kittens whenever possible. We also take in seriously injured cats for medical treatment, rehabilitation and
placement into homes.
All animals are tested for feline leukemia, vaccinated for distemper, feline leukemia and rabies (kept current for each cat, depending on age). Each feline is spayed/neutered and dewormed for roundworms before it is adopted into a new home. Illness and injuries are treated. The cat/kitten is also microchipped. Once taken in, they are loved and cared for until permanent homes can be found. All felines are kept in our homes, in foster care, until adoption.
Applications for adoption can be picked up at Pet Supplies Plus in Union Lake at any time, or on the adoption days specified. Another option is to click on the link OUR HOME SITE which is listed above to apply online, or applications can be mailed or faxed at your request.
Many times, we are asked why we do this, why spend the time and effort and money on these cats. I'm reminded of this story we heard several years ago.
"One day, an old man was walking along the beach, as he did most mornings.
It was a beautiful day, the tide was out and the sky ,a beautiful blue. As
he walked, he noticed, farther down the beach, a human who looked like he was
dancing. As he got closer, he could tell that this wasn't a dance, but the
person was picking something up off the beach and tossing it gently into the
waves. Closer still, the old man saw hundreds and hundreds of starfish
beached by the tide. "Excuse me, young man, but what are you doing?" As he
asked this question, he could see the younger man was tossing the starfish
back into the water. I'm returning them to the sea. If I don't do this,
they will die" he replied. "But", the old man said" there are so many. You
can't possibly make a difference" As the young man tossed yet another
starfish, he said to the old man,
" But it makes a difference to THIS one". And he bent down to pick up
another... "and This one"...
Volunteers are always needed and can help in a variety of ways. From cat taxi service to supply pick-up to data-entry to adoption day set-up and tear down of cages and supplies, to scooping litter pans to washing food dishes
and litter pans to letter writing to just about anything else you could imagine. Just call. We can put your spare time to good use.
Donations are always welcome, and are tax-deductible. Blankets, Cat Litter, Litter Boxes, Carriers, Cages, Food dishes, Sheets, Towels, Comforters, Heating Pads, Canned or Dry Food, Treats, Stamps, Postcards, Copy Paper, Money (of course) are just some of the things we can use. Call or email for a drop-off location.
Adoption events are held the first Saturday of each month (usually) at Pet Supplies Plus at 8020 Cooley Lake Road in Union Lake. It is between Williams Lake Road and Union Lake Road. 10AM - 2PM 360-1400
