When the news broke that nearly 800 cats were being hoarded, neglected, starved and dehydrated on a compound near Death Valley in Pahrump, Nev., a positive outcome for such a horrific situation seemed impossible. More than 75 percent of the cats were ill or injured, animal control was overwhelmed and local shelters couldn't handle the load. Euthanizing all of the cats seemed like the only option.
But Minneapolis-based foster parent Stephanie Timberlake, who joined an emergency rescue operation spearheaded by Best Friends Animal Society, knew that saving the cats and giving them a second chance at life was possible, even though most had special needs and would be much harder to place than usual.
**Get the August 2008 issue of CAT FANCY to read the full article.**