9th LIFE RESCUE & SANCTUARY
OUR STORY
Our names our Kathy and David, and we are the owners, and very proud parents, of many animals that are 9th Life Rescue & Sanctuary. In 1988, I (Kathy) saved my very first animal – a cat named Den. After feeling what I felt for him, and how he loved me, I continued to save a few cats where I could. In 1987, I contracted Lyme’s Disease (the first time of three) and had to quit my job and go on disability. In 1992, after I was diagnosed with Lupus and RA (autoimmune diseases, which would be one reason I could not have children), I moved back by my family in Abbotsford, Wisconsin. I saved a few more cats, but in 1994, I had a chance to purchase my first home in the City of Abbotsford (pop. 2,000?). Now that I had my own place, I knew it would be easier to help the animals. It’s amazing how many people from different towns knew me and called me to come and help an animal. From 1998 to 2001, I volunteered at a shelter in a neighboring town, until they had to close down due to a lack of funds. I did take home a couple of cats from the shelter and tried to save many newborn kittens. It is rare to have a good outcome with newborn kittens. The ones that did not make it are laid to rest in our front yard. I am there for each one of my animals that have to be euthanized (or are dying naturally), and I hold them as they die, always telling them how much their Mom and Dad love them and will always love them. I do lose control when they are gone and cry for days. I always say a prayer for them. We hold every single animal, unless it is a case where an animal dies while we are sleeping or not home. I even lost my 20-year old cat, Twique, on 9/11/08, of all days. We have so much heartbreak with doing this and so many pleasures.
Years ago, we received a call from a neighbor letting us know that a cat had been hit by a car. We instantly were out the door to find her. I set her in a warm, fleece-lined bag because she was torn up so badly, but I talked softly to her on the way to the vet (I had a driver). The vet said she would have to be euthanized, her back was broken almost everywhere and it was humane that way. I named her Christine and talked to her telling her how much I loved her through the euthanasia procedure. She was treated as one of our own - even if it was for an hour.
In March of 2002, I was lucky enough to find my (human) soul mate, named David. I was shocked that he loved animals and he loved that I was doing these rescues. Little did he know he would end up having many “fur children”. When we get a call, unless an animal is dropped off, we both go together to try to save that animal’s life. The love and feelings David has for these pets is the same as mine and still amazes me to this day.
In August, 2006, the City of Abbotsford decided to pass new bylaws, one of which included being allowed to only own four animals of any type in your home. We went to the board meetings and typed up rescue stories to hand out to the members. The City brought their attorney to a meeting, who advised them that they could give us a “kennel license” since we were a rescue, and actually helping the City save money. In December, 2006, the City Council, by a vote of 6-1, gave us a kennel license for no cost. There are three stipulations that the City requires: 1) The animals must all be fixed; 2) The animals must have their shots; and 3) Our house may be inspected at any time to prevent a hoarding issue and to make sure the house is kept clean. We, of course, agreed considering we were already doing these stipulations. The City has done a few inspections so far, and has stated that they were very impressed with the set-up and cleanliness of our home. We are definitely not hoarders and we absolutely care for and love every animal we receive.
We have saved many other types of animals, including wildlife. Of course, we take the wildlife to a licensed wildlife rescue near us.
Scott Suder, our State Representative, who also happens to live in Abbotsford, has written us a support letter. We have been in two newspapers, on two radio stations and have sent out many mailings asking for donations. We have received a total of $300.00 cash and a few bags of cat food and litter. Unfortunately, living on Social Security Disability makes it financially difficult. My Dad volunteers his time helping us keep the litter boxes clean and is in charge of buying all of the cat litter – which is a lot. Fortunately, for him and us, we invented a system that is much quicker than sifting all of the litter boxes out by hand. We do use the “free bin” feeding system for the dogs and cats. Our sister, Robin, is our foster Mom. She will take in cats and litters of kittens, if we happen to get a few at once. Robin also helps by adopting out healthy animals.
Our one and only dream (goal) is to be able to own a much larger home, out in the country, to provide a lot more room (and play area) for these animals, and for any future ones we might be blessed with. We have even written to Ellen DeGeneres, MANY different times (one with video), hoping and praying for her help as a fellow animal lover. We have been doing this for quite a while, and we are still hopeful that one of these days, our story will cross her desk. Until then, however, any donations we receive are SO appreciated. Remember, donations are tax deductible and we will send a receipt, if asked.
Thank you for checking out our website and learning about 9th Life Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. Don’t forget to spay/neuter your pets, treat your animals like you would want to be treated, and please, if you witness any form of animal abuse or neglect, call your county or local police department.
THANK YOU FOR BEING AN ANIMAL LOVER!
David and Kathy (Knight) Rogers
510 North Third Avenue
Abbotsford, Wisconsin 54405
(715) 316-0054