Goathouse Year End Letter
Posted December 02, 2022
Dear friends and family of the Goathouse Refuge,
It is that time of year as we approach the Holiday Season that we always think back with the greatest gratitude for all that each of our donors has done for the refuge through these many years. Would you believe it? Almost 20 years! We simply would not exist if it were not for your trust and generosity; we would not have saved and found forever homes for more than 4,000 kittens and cats; and we would not today have with us approximately 100 cats that are too old, or too scared, or too disabled to find forever homes.
When I wrote to you in my September 24, 2022 letter that the Goathouse was going to change its focus from younger cats and kittens to the older, shyer, and harder-to-adopt-out cats, I hope I made clear that the Goathouse is only changing its focus from a refuge driven to adopt out as many cats and kittens as possible to a sanctuary for cats that have no other place to seek solace and care.
The Goathouse has approximately 100 cats that fall in the “very unlikely to be adopted” category. And the transition I have in mind is only changing the Goathouse’s focus from a Refuge to a Sanctuary. As you may know, I have just finished three difficult years of health problems, and having reached my 82nd year, this refocusing makes great sense as I simply do not have the same energy as I had when I was a mere 60.
However, this is not to say that refocusing on cats that fall in the “very unlikely to be adopted-out category” is a smaller or easier task. My goal will be to bring public focus and sympathy to this category so that these animals can receive the dignity and respect that they have always deserved and so often have not received – just as so many senior humans have fallen into similar neglect and disrespect. I intend that this new focus on a sanctuary will affect minds and change the discourse about and treatment of our elderly feline sojourners.
All of this will, of course, take money. Yes, old cats, like people, have problems that need care. We still must work hard to find forever homes for our younger cats in the remainder of 2022 and into 2023 as needed. I know that you, my donors, are not surprised that I come to you at this time of year to ask for your continued participation and support. I am asking you to really think about these old beautiful, or just wise souls in pain with arthritis or dental disease who crave attention and affection. And most have need for medications, Vet care, good prescription food for renal or liver problems. So please be as generous as you can…. We will take very good care of them, and we are inviting people to come and love them with us!
I am feeling much better now and have returned to pottery, and I am finding again the joy of letting my hands, even if with arthritis like the old cats, make what they want, and I really like what is coming out. The proceeds from the pots and the donations given to the Goathouse by our friends and donors will all go to supporting the Goathouse operations: the staff, the vets, the upkeep of the buildings, and the care of these little hearts. Please dig deep into your pockets and support us this holiday season. Your donations this season will define whether I can pursue this dream with the ardor I wish to bring to its realization while I still have time.
You may donate online using the donate button below or by sending a check made out to Goathouse Refuge to the address at the end of this letter. And please come visit me, our wonderful staff, and the marvelous cats at the Refuge, and I will tell you of our plans for transitioning to a sanctuary and would love for you to do more than just impart your ideas, but to be part of the change.
I feel a deep sense of community, of kinship, with all the donors who have supported my dreams through the years. I delight in knowing you or finally meeting you or having a chance to place a voice with a face. It is a great joy for me, so please come to visit me here in the forest and the gorgeous gardens where I began the refuge more than 17 years ago.
We are grateful to everyone who has joined and stayed with us during this journey. You are proof that positive social change for the welfare and rights of animals is powerful when we stand together. Again, if you need a tax-deductible donation by the end of the year, please consider our work at Goathouse Refuge and click the donate button below.
We wish the warmest of Holidays to each of you,
Siglinda
