On February 17th, we received a call from the Albany Police Department requesting assistance with the second hoarding case in just one month. Only a few weeks earlier, we had helped take in 17 cats from another hoarding situation. This time, the homeowner had passed away, and sometimes between their passing and law enforcement being contacted, windows at the residence had been left open. When our team arrived, cats were jumping from open windows, hiding inside the unlivable home, and sheltering underneath the house or on neighboring properties.

We were able to safely capture six cats on the first day. Over the following weeks, a nearby neighbor helped bring in an additional 23 cats. All of the cats have now been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and brought up-to-date on preventative care with several already finding their forever homes.

Because of the quick response of our team, the support of law enforcement, and the compassion of a caring neighbor, 46 cats (and counting!) now have a second chance at safe, healthy lives. This is what community looks like — stepping in when animals have nowhere else to turn.