Letters to the editor

St. Francis supports feline friends

Dear Editor:

St. Francis Animal Rescue is a volunteer no-kill shelter in Venice dedicated to the care of residential cats, adoptable cats and kittens. The organization provides medical attention, food and a safe haven for both adoptable cats and resident cats. Every cat adopted has been spayed or neutered, microchipped and has received appropriate shots. In addition, St. Francis works with volunteers to feed, trap and neuter local feral colonies.

As a volunteer at St. Francis, I've witnessed very ill or injured cats restored to health. I refer to the organization as “give me your tired, your poor,” as we take the most dire cases. My husband and I adopted a cat that was abandoned by her owners, left starving and brutally attacked by a raccoon. She was rescued and required surgery to remove her right front leg. Today she is the picture of health, hopping around our home.

To raise money to accomplish these goals we are having a Cat Gala from 6 to 11 p.m. May 9, at The Plantation Golf and Country Club. The gala consists of dinner, dancing, raffles, prizes and more. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at the shelter, 1925 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, at the thrift store next door or by calling 492-6200.

Mary Lou Loughrey,

Lakewood Ranch