Michael, a mural artist, was working on his latest creation when he received an unexpected visitor at his home—and she wasn't alone. A stray cat appeared on his porch, but she wasn't there to take in the sights. It was clear the cat was seeking help for the litter of sweet baby kittens she had just given birth to. Though Michael was unprepared to take in the adorable family, they depended on him to survive. Upon seeing the feline family in distress, Michael was determined to ensure each kitten would get a chance at life. He also wanted to prevent momma cat from enduring this struggle again. Michael knew he couldn't do it alone, so he reached out for help. Fortunately, his local Humane Society had received grant funding and was able to provide him with all the supplies Michael needed to help the struggling feline and her litter. With the resources and education he received, Michael could foster all the kittens until they were old enough to go up for adoption. Mama Cat received the spay surgery she needed and was adopted by Michael. She is now a beloved family pet named Kitty and an avid art lover who spends her days watching Michael paint while she frolics around him.
"When Kitty came along, I could not pay for the care she deserved, like vaccinations and getting spayed. However, it is all about the cat; her well-being was most important to me. With the care she received through the program, she will now have a long, healthy life ahead of her,' said Michael.
Stories like Michael and Kitty’s are made possible thanks to Champions for Good like you. Your donations help PetSmart Charities of Canada™ provide grant funding to partners across the country working to improve access to veterinary care. Thanks to gifts from generous pet lovers, PetSmart Charities of Canada has made an $18 million commitment to help pets like Kitty in communities with little to no access to veterinary care due to the cost and other barriers such as transportation and language.
Since 1999, through our partnership with humane societies, SPCAs, and pet rescues across Canada, PetSmart Charities of Canada has helped more than 350 thousand pets find loving homes through its in-store adoption program in over 150 PetSmart® stores. As the leading funder of animal welfare, we have granted over $25 million to positively impact communities, connect people and pets and improve access to veterinary care through initiatives like this.
