When a Michigan mother packed up her four children and fled their home, it was heartbreaking that one family member had to stay behind.
There was no way the family’s cat, which LACASA Center calls Tabitha, could come along on a multi-state car trip to escape the family’s violent abuser.
The calico tabby arrived at LACASA, a nonprofit agency which provides critical resources for victims of abuse, in a fortuitous series of events.
First, the abuser abandoned Tabitha to wander the suburban neighborhood. Thankfully, the cat was retrieved by a concerned acquaintance, who contacted the Humane Society of the United States for help.
One official from the society remembered hearing LACASA’s President and CEO, Bobette Schrandt, speak at a conference about how abusers often threaten to harm the family pet in order to control victims.
The society official also remembered that LACASA was one of the few domestic violence agencies in the nation to provide shelter and safekeeping for the family pets of abuse victims.
When the Humane Society made the call to the Livingston County nonprofit, LACASA immediately agreed to take in the pet and work on reuniting Tabitha with its family.
“We are thrilled to have Tabitha in our care,” said Schrandt. “Our resources are limited, though, and we are asking the community to help us get Tabitha to her new home.”
Schrandt said that any size donation would help to ensure Tabitha has a safe journey.
“She is a very friendly, affectionate cat. You can tell she was well cared for and well loved,” said Schrandt.
The agency also is in need of pet supplies at its “Safe Pet Place” shelter, which has housed dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, and reptiles in the past.
“At this time, we especially need kitty litter, kitty bowls and cat beds,” Schrandt said. “Our website Wish List gives details about the pet supplies we need regularly.”
Donations to help with Tabitha’s transportation may be made by mailing a check to LACASA, c/o Tabitha, 2895 W. Grand River Ave., Howell, MI 48843. Credit card gifts may be made online at lacasacenter.org or by calling LACASA Finance Director, Bill Grier, at 517-548-1350, ext. 227.
Schrandt says the family is thrilled to know that they will be reunited with Tabitha soon. “We can’t wait to get this adorable pet back to its family safe and sound,” she said.
What a heartwarming story, Thank you LaCasa for helping to get Tabitha back home with her loving family.