NEWARK -- About two years ago, Kathi Brooks started Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue in her Newark home.
Working mostly on her own, she would care for pregnant cats and their kittens until she could help them find permanent families.
But last week, Brooks got a phone call that turned her small animal rescue organization upside down.
On March 22, Newark police and animal control personnel removed 49 cats and eight kittens from an apartment on North Fifth Street. Many of the cats were sick and malnourished.
When Brooks heard what had happened, she knew she had to help the cats somehow.
"I normally don't do this kind of thing," she said. "But they had nowhere else to go."
Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue took in 33 of the cats, which now live in large cages in Brooks' garage. She and a small group of friends and volunteers feed the cats, clean their litter and make sure they get good veterinary care.
Their main goal is to get the cats healthy, then get them adopted, Brooks said.
"I'm not going to give up, and neither will my friends," she said. "We'll get them homes."
HOW TO HELP
» Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue is asking for Purina Cat Chow, scoopable and gravel cat litter, Clorox wipes, paper towels, food bowls and monetary donations to pay for spaying and neutering. To make a donation or adopt a cat, call Kathi Brooks at (740) 349-3254.
» Donations and adoption inquiries also may be made to BARK Animal Rescue, which can be reached at (740) 964-9651, and Stop the Suffering, which can be reached at (740) 507-0996.
» For more information about the spay/neuter clinic at Complete Petmart, call Bob Wirick at (740) 323-0963.
» A Cat-A-Thon adoption event will take place April 15-17 at Complete Petmart, 597 Hebron Road, Heath.
