06/23/2026
Dear Friends of Dryden Community Cats,
It is with a very heavy heart that I write this letter. I never imagined I would have to share something so painful with all of you, but I feel it is important to tell the story of four very special cats and why this experience has changed me so profoundly.
Many of you may remember that in November 2025, Jo, another dedicated volunteer, and I rescued seven cats that had been abandoned at a local horse farm. We spent several cold days earning their trust—feeding them, trap-training them, and finally bringing them to safety.
The group consisted of one adult female and six adolescent cats, who were likely her spring kittens. They appeared healthy and, while understandably frightened, they were not what I would consider feral cats. The mother cat and one of the kittens already welcomed gentle petting, and although the others were cautious, none ever hissed, scratched, or attempted to bite.
I brought them home to my sanctuary, where they received nutritious food, flea treatment, deworming, and, most importantly, patience and love. Because it was close to Christmas, I gave them festive names. Their mother became Feliz, a beautiful short-haired calico. The girls were Joy, a gray-and-white shorthair, and Bell, a lovely long-haired calico. The boys were Coal, Hark, Harold—all handsome black cats—and sweet Dash, a beautiful orange tabby.
As they continued to make wonderful progress with socialization, I contacted A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue, and they agreed to accept all seven cats into their adoption program. I was genuinely excited knowing these beautiful cats would eventually find loving forever homes.
Unfortunately, by January my worsening hip condition made it increasingly difficult to care for them. Cleaning cages and providing daily care had become physically overwhelming, and after learning surgery would be necessary, I contacted the rescue to ask if the cats could be transferred to other foster homes until they were adopted. I was assured they would find placement for them.
By that time, six of the seven cats happily accepted being petted and held. Only little Bell remained somewhat shy, but she was making steady progress, and I believed that with continued attention she would also become a wonderful adoption candidate.
Three of the boys—Hark, Harold, and Coal—were transferred to the rescue facility. Feliz, Bell, Joy, and Dash went to a foster home. I was thrilled to later learn that Hark and Harold were adopted together, but Coal still remains at the rescue waiting for his family.
Sadly, the story of the other four ended in a way I never could have imagined.
Due to circumstances I cannot discuss, their foster caregiver needed to return Feliz, Bell, Joy, and Dash to the rescue. She prepared them carefully in carriers, believing they would simply be transferred to another foster home. She later assured me they were healthy, well cared for, and that even shy little Bell had become socialized, and loved attention.
Instead, the four cats were taken directly to a veterinary clinic and euthanized.
Learning this left me heartbroken. My first thought was simple: Why wasn't I contacted? Had I known they needed placement, I would have done everything possible to bring them back or find another safe home for them.
I contacted the director of A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue seeking an explanation. I was told only that the veterinary clinic had euthanasia records for the cats but that no additional medical records were available. I was also told they were "extremely feral," making handling and care difficult. Therefore, I believe a medical examination was not done before they made the decision to euthanize.
This explanation does not match the cats I personally cared for over many weeks. I had successfully socialized six of the seven, and numerous volunteers who helped care for them can attest to the progress these cats had made. They were frightened animals who had learned to trust people—not hopelessly feral cats beyond help.
What saddens me most is that I was never given the opportunity to help them again.
For the past several years, I have fostered cats and kittens for A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue because I believed we shared the same mission: giving every animal the greatest possible chance at life. This experience has left me grieving the loss of four cats that I loved and feeling deeply disappointed by the decisions that were made.
Because of this experience, I can no longer foster for, volunteer with, or support A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue.
I am sharing this story not to create division, but because I believe transparency matters. When we entrust animals to a rescue organization, we do so with hope and faith that every reasonable effort will be made on their behalf. I encourage everyone involved in animal rescue to ask questions, understand an organization's policies, and carefully research any rescue before placing animals into its care.
Feliz, Joy, Bell, and Dash deserved to be remembered. They were gentle souls who had survived abandonment and had begun to trust again. I will always be grateful for the time I had with them, and I will always carry them in my heart.
Thank you for taking the time to read their story.
Sincerely,
Kay Hurd
