WEST MIDDLESEX — As a lifelong cat lover, Tracy Ashcraft knew she had to do something when a house was about to be demolished with more than 20 cats inside.
With the support of her boyfriend’s family, Ashcraft was able to rescue the cats — and then Tails of Hope Inc. was able to help get all of those rescued cats spayed or neutered.
“I couldn’t have done it without my boyfriend and his family, and this experience has given me such a new appreciation for what Tails of Hope does,” she said.
Ashcraft first learned in July the house in Saxonburg, Butler County, would be demolished. The house previously had belonged to a family friend, and Ashcraft knew the home contained more than 20 cats, some of whom were pregnant.
“The landlord had said the house was getting demolished no matter what, and I’ve always loved cats, so even though it was a spur-of-the-moment thing, I knew I had to do something,” she said.
Ashcraft, who lives in West Middlesex with her boyfriend, Matt Calza, was able to rescue the cats from the house.
A rescue organization from the Pittsburgh area took eight cats, leaving her with 24.
Matt’s father, Chris, and grandmother Carole welcomed the remaining cats into the family’s home, “no questions asked,” according to Ashcraft.
“Matt’s kids and his whole family have helped tremendously with the cats,” she said.
However, it was important for her and the family to get the cats spayed and neutered to keep their numbers from growing, which is where Matt’s family was able to direct her to the Tails of Hope spay-and-neuter clinic in Hermitage.
The family previously had taken their pets to the clinic, and when Carole passed away Sept. 27, the family even asked at the time that donations be made to Tails of Hope in Carole’s memory in lieu of flowers.
A relative and friend were able to donate enough money to cover the costs for eight procedures, but spaying and neutering the remaining cats could cost about $1,600.
Tails of Hope Executive Director Soraya Hejazi said clinic officials then decided to cover the costs for the remaining cats.
Hejazi added that, “with the support of our compassionate veterinarian, Dr. Nicole Grable,” a special arrangement was made for the remaining 12 cats to be processed all at once Oct. 4.
“That took such a burden off of us,” Ashcraft said. “I cried when she (Hejazi) called, it was an answered prayer.”
Ashcraft said they plan to keep a couple of the cats, including one Carole had become attached to before her passing.
Loving homes are being sought for the remaining cats, and if anyone is interested they can contact Ashcraft at (724) 332-1111 or tracylouise2018@gmail.com.
“These cats deserve to be happy and receive good homes,” Ashcraft said. “Being able to save them from God only knows what would have happened to them, and be able to watch them play and be cats again, has been so rewarding.”
