![]() While both of these amazing 501c3 programs deserve their own posts, I wanted to take a moment and talk to you about how the Savannah cat community takes care of itself. Originally created by Brigitte Cowell Moyne and Kristine Alessio, both former breeders and ardent exhibitors of the Savannah breed, the national breed rescue has become a community-known entity that has rescued cats all over the country, as well as Canada. As the breed began to develop popularity, both Cowell Moyne and Alessio realized that Savannahs also needed an educated, knowledgeable group to assist with any rescues-- hence Savannah Cat Rescue was born. A team of two has known grown into a team of ten, working daily to assist Savannahs from everywhere. This rescue is unique in its dedication to the breed and always doing what's right for the cat-- regardless of generation, trauma, health issues, or locale. Unlike the majority of breeds within the cat world, Savannahs may have different needs than the average cat. An F1 that has been in the same home for 10 years will not need the same type of placement as an F5 who's owner has passed away. This is where Savannah Rescue steps in and helps out. They assess the cats, find appropriate foster homes (which in itself is not an easy feat) and then find adoptive homes, although often the fosters turn into adopters. It's hard not to-- after all! Savannah Cat Rescue isn't about profiting from the cats and people it helps. Unlike rescues that charge upwards of hundreds to thousands of dollars for an adoption, SCR has extremely reasonable fees for all generations that are then poured back into the other cats waiting upon homes. SCR works hand-in-hand with breeders and would prefer breeders step in and take their cats back, versus going to rescue in the first place. In fact, as Cowell Moyne points out, the majority of breeders SCR have contacted throughout the years are always willing to take their own cats back, but also are willing to foster/transport other Savannahs in need. Another unique aspect of our national Savannah Cat Rescue is that ego is kept in check when it comes to helping these cats. SCR has assisted many other rescues throughout the country when they've obtained a Savannah in their care. Whether it's giving advice to the other rescue groups or blasting out the news of a Savannah in need via social media-- SCR isn't concerned with pride or ego. They are only concerned about the cats. Many years ago, I have had the honor of assisting SCR with two local rescues-- one was a kitten that was on the Vegas strip that the owner wanted gone immediately (Penny) and one was an F2/F3 that was found wondering the streets and its owner could not be located. I was only a brief part of these cats' stories, but I am so glad SCR was in existence to help these babies find loving permanent homes. Looking to adopt? Check out SCR-- Savannah Cat Rescue. As the Savannah cat community has grown throughout the years, another important nonprofit sprung up from need-- the Savannah Cat Care Fund. Paige Dana, working with SCR, started noticing that Savannahs were being surrendered and/or euthanized due to extensive veterinarian bills. While this is not a rare situation, for any breed of animal, it is heartbreaking nonetheless. The reality was-- finances do affect the decisions owners are forced to make with their pets and Dana really wanted to assist these owners in a way that did not result in the loss of their pet. After discussing the need with SCR, Dana created the Savannah Cat Care Fund. This is a 501c3 with a mission full of heart, to quote, "The mission of SVCCF is to ensure that decisions about emergency medical treatment for Savannah cat pets is never made solely on the basis of cost." Ran by Savannah cat breeders and enthusiasts, these volunteers work diligently to keep cats healthy and in their homes versus being surrendered due to medical need, or worse-- euthanized. The SVCCF is ran solely on donations from pet owners and breeders alike. Would you like to donate? Click here! We are strong supporters of our community programs and cannot recommend them enough. Whether you are looking to adopt, need assistance with an emergency vet bill, or would like to donate to help others in need-- the Savannah cat community polices and takes care of its own.
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AuthorTrish Savannahs has been an active member of the purebred cat community since 2005. Since working with Savannahs in 2007 and a brief stint with the Lykoi, she has honed her knowledge and skills about all types of feline issues. ArchivesCategories |