Exploring The World of Animal Shelters: An Inside Look At Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue

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An interview with Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue From Dallas, Texas

Introducing Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue

My name is Stephanie Murdoch, a Senior Volunteer with Texas CARES. I oversee Fundraising and Special Events. I also Foster and volunteer at our monthly adoption events.

How Did Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue Started? What Are The Challenges Encountered Along The Way?

Texas CARES was Incorporated on June 22, 1993, by Marjorie Murphy. We, and about twenty other animal rescue groups, were founded when the McKinney SPCA and Dallas SPCA merged to become the SPCA of Texas. Texas CARES was the first “cat only” adoption group in DFW for several years.

Our original mission was, and remains to this day, to:

· Find permanent homes for our kitties

· Educate the public about responsible pet ownership

· Educate the public about Texas CARES

· Recruit volunteers and acquire support.

Tell Us About The Most “Unusual” Animal That Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue Has Ever Taken.

We rescue cats and kittens. I wouldn’t say any are unusual, per se, but all have unique personalities.

Tell Us About The Most Unique And Creative Fundraising Campaigns Your Rescue Has Done.

We have attended a few Allen American Hockey Games and have a table with items folks can spin a raffle wheel for a suggested donation and win something for themselves or their cat. On one occasion a kitty on a leash rode the Zamboni with one of our volunteers.

Tell Us About The Most Rewarding Part of Running An Animal Shelter.

It’s always great to see a cat find their forever home, especially if you are that cat’s foster. Staying in touch with adopters and getting pictures and updates from them of their adopted kitty is always nice.

What Do You Think Might Be The Greatest Challenge of Running An Animal Rescue?

The greatest challenge is having to say no to a local shelter or someone who needs to surrender because you do not have a foster available, or funds to care for the animal.  

Tell Us More About The Volunteers in Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue

Everyone is equally dedicated and passionate. I would not signal out one individual.

Tell Us More About The Animals In Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue

Most animals come from local city shelters and are forced to make difficult decisions due to the overflow of animals. Cats are brought into foster homes where fosters spend time with the cat to get them socialized and comfortable being around other cats, or even dogs, and ensure they are medically ready to find their forever homes.

What Are The Busiest Periods And How Does Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue Cope?

The busiest time is kitten season, which seems to be longer and longer every year. The need for fosters never ends and unfortunately, we have to decline requests due to a lack of fosters. And we do not want to overwhelm existing fosters or cause burnout. 

What Animals Does Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue Focus On?

Texas CARES has always been a dedicated cat rescue – but we do love all animals. Some cases can be feral and we need to find a barn or ranch for them to live at, for which we have many contacts. All of our volunteers are animal lovers but have a strong affection towards cats.

Working With The Local Community

Texas CARES has great relationships with many DFW shelters and other rescue groups, and we often work together to help with large-scale rescues – results from weather events or hoarding cases.

Tell Us More About Your Events

North Texas Giving Day is our biggest fundraiser of the year. We promote this event starting late August up until the night of the event. Our goal is usually $10,000, but we always hope to raise more.
https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/giving-events/ntx23

Programs And Services That Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue Offers.

We do offer a resources page on our website https://www.texascares.org/resources/

How Was Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue Adapted To The Challenges Presented By The Pandemic?

During the pandemic, our one and only adoption center was closed, so we did a lot of posting on social media. We also posted pictures of our adoptable cats and kittens on the windows of our adoption center. We had a lot of adoptions during the pandemic and were able to deliver cats to adopters homes – masks on – and it was very successful for us.

Share With Us Some Of The Heartwarming Stories Of Animals Rehabilitated And Rehomed By Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue

One animal was Tux. He was found on the streets with a broken jaw and very underweight. A partner organization, Wine To The Rescue, funded his rehabilitation while Tux recovered in a loving foster home for many months. Tux is now in his forever home. 

What Are The Help Needed From The Local Community?

We can always use more fosters – they are the backbone of our organization. Donations are always welcome, too, as we have a lot of veterinary expenses to pay.

Connect With Texas CARES Cat Adoption And Rescue:

Website URL: https://www.texascares.org/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TexasCARES
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/texascares

Mailing Address: 18484 Preston Rd., Suite 102 #169, Dallas, TX 75252, 972-633-2287
Our Adoption Center – Prosper PetSmart – 1001 S Preston Rd, Prosper, TX 75078

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