Happy people at Happy Cat

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

There were tears, disbelief and plenty of gratitude when Happy Cat Sanctuary learned it had been named the winner of the PawMobile campaign.

For Michele Shave, Director of Operations and one of the organization’s founders, the moment was about much more than receiving a new vehicle. 

“Honestly, we were in complete shock. When we found out we’d won, there were definitely tears,” said Shave. “It wasn’t just about receiving a vehicle; it was the feeling that our community truly believed in the work we do. Standing there as it happened was surreal.”

The Strathmore-based rescue has been helping cats across Alberta since 2003, rescuing abandoned, stray, injured and surrendered cats while providing veterinary care, rehabilitation, foster care and adoption services. 

The organization also focuses on education, spay and neuter initiatives, community partnerships and trap-neuter-return programs to help reduce the number of homeless cats.

Shave said the PawMobile campaign became a reminder of just how many people are invested in the sanctuary’s mission. 

“The support was overwhelming. We had volunteers, adopters, local businesses, families, friends across the world, and people we’d never even met sharing our posts and voting,” she said. “It reminded us that animal rescue isn’t something we do alone; it’s something our entire community is part of.”

The campaign encouraged communities to vote for their favourite rescue, while raising money for the Country for Critters Fund, ensuring every nominated organization benefited.

The new PawMobile will quickly become one of the sanctuary’s most valuable tools. Reliable transportation is a constant need for emergency rescues, veterinary appointments, delivering supplies and attending community events throughout the region.

“It will make an enormous difference,” Shave said. “Reliable transportation is absolutely essential in rescue. We’re constantly transporting cats to veterinary appointments, picking up emergency intakes, delivering supplies, attending community events and supporting rescues in surrounding areas.”

Since opening its larger downtown adoption centre, Happy Cat Sanctuary has continued to expand its work. The facility can comfortably house about 50 cats, although that number depends on the medical and behavioural needs of the animals currently in care. Foster homes remain a critical part of the organization’s success.

“We always need more foster families,” she said. “Every new foster home means we can save more lives.”

Shave, who co-founded Happy Cat Sanctuary with Barb Stefanich in 2003, said she became involved after seeing firsthand the growing need while working at a veterinary clinic. Over the years, her role has included everything from rescuing cats and fundraising to working with veterinarians, municipalities, bylaw officers and volunteers.

Among the hundreds of rescues over the years, one cat continues to stand out.

“For me personally, that would be a cat named Stapler, the first cat we treated for FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). Not long ago a FIP diagnosis was almost always fatal but thanks to new treatments and incredible community support to help fund his medication, Stapler survived,” said Shaver.

Like many animal rescues, the Happy Cat Sanctuary continues to face growing challenges as veterinary costs rise and more abandoned and surrendered animals need help. 

“The need keeps growing while resources don’t,” Shave said. “Donating, volunteering, attending fundraising events, choosing adoption and even sharing our social media posts all make a real difference. Every little bit helps save lives.”

As the excitement of the PawMobile win settles in, Shave hopes supporters know how much their votes and encouragement meant to everyone involved.

“Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. This wasn’t just a win for Happy Cat; it was a win for every cat we’ll be able to help because of your support,” said Shave. “Every vote, every donation, every share and every encouraging message reminded us that our community truly cares.”

Residents will get their first chance to see the new PawMobile during the upcoming Strathmore Stampede.