New organization coming to the rescue for South Okanagan cat populations

A new South Okanagan organization has formed to assist in keeping local cat populations healthy and content.

Shari Rowland and Kristi Baptiste recently announced the opening of Happy Tails Cat Rescue.

Director Kristi Baptiste says the organization is a not-for-profit, 100 per cent volunteer operation that is dedicated to providing rescue, rehabilitation, medical care and adoption to feral cats, orphan cats or any cat someone may need help with, such as an elderly person forced to surrender a cat.

The service will look after the South Okanagan from Osoyoos to Okanagan Falls and the Similkameen. The group has already looked after more than a dozen cats from the Hedley area.

“We’ll work side by side with local groups AlleyCATS Alliance, Critteraid or any other rescues that need help. Sometimes there are instances where a lot of cats are involved, and we can help each other out,” Baptiste says.

She says there is a definite need for the service in the area. Happy Tails’ three board members all have previous experience with a rescue group.

“We’re passionate about felines. You could call us crazy cat ladies," Baptiste says.

She says the rescue group will apply for charity status at first opportunity next year. In the meantime, they’ll be looking for donations as well as applying for grants.

Baptiste says a website and Facebook page is being prepared. In the meantime, anyone with cat issues or needing further information can call Shari Rowland at 250-488-3499, or Kristi Baptiste at 250-809-1572.

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