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One of the most beautiful creatures that ever blessed the grounds of CARE was our Brutus or better known as “Papa”. Many years ago, with no where to go, a terrified and angry African Lion found his home in Bridgeport. His life of abuse and neglect were evident by the scars on his face. No one could escape his awesome presence exhibited in his incredible power and great demand for respect. Endless love, compassion and selflessness, given by the CARE family allowed “Papa” to become the cornerstone and protector of all who entered the gates of CARE. We celebrate the 15 years of trust and love he learned to share. On October 30, 2005, due to old age, Brutus (Papa) was laid to rest at the estimated age of 23. We celebrate the phenomenal gift of the life of “Papa” and all the dedicated individuals he grew to love.

A beautiful wild leopard arrived in Bridgeport in August of 1993. He was frightened and wild. Without his new home he would have been euphonized due to his extreme aggressive behaviors with his past owners. After several months of intensive constant love Malachi realized he could trust humans. He became one of the gentlest spirits to bless the grounds of CARE. He was happy and strong. Unfortunately in the summer of 2005 the nightmare of his early life returned to haunt Malachi and all of those who grew to love him. He was viciously de-clawed before his arrival. Now, twelve years later a mass grew on his foot. The claws had been growing inside his foot. Tireless months of intensive care and four surgeries were followed with the heartbreaking news, “cancer of the foot….leg…then finally it spread to the lymph nodes. Malachi’s life was over soon after the news. Malachi will be greatly missed.

Each cat at CARE is unique and special, but Adderly was particularly special as he sought over the years to tame his wild spirit, and to share this beautiful spirit with those who were close to him. It wasn’t easy for Adderly. Even though he was born in captivity; he especially exuded the spirit of his ancestors in the wild. He preferred to be alone, and somewhat distant from his human companions. Deep down he desired to express his loving spirit, but his wild instinct seemed to take over, making it hard for him to be with people. His wild spirit was beautiful in itself, but as he grew older, he made a courageous transformation. The love within him began to take over, and he allowed people to come in and share his beautiful soul. It wasn’t easy for him, as he straddled two worlds. Yet, I believe that was his greatest gift-sharing such a wild spirit and sharing love. He was unique and special, and will be greatly missed. Adderly died peacefully in his sleep, December 5^th, 2006 at the age of 20.

It is with great sorrow that we inform you that we have lost our Momma lion. Momma arrived 14 years ago terrified, and in desperate need of love. Momma came to CARE with a kind heart, despite her previous abusive home. She was Brutus’ loyal companion, as he was her strength and protection. Side by side, they began their journey together. They learned to trust their new surroundings, and accepted the unconditional love given to them at CARE. From that point on, they were home. Their roars were proud and strong, as they became the “pride” of CARE. Thank you for donating your time and love to CARE. Your giving has allowed Momma to live peaceful fulfilling life that she rightfully deserved. In this time of mourning for our loss, we are reminded that Momma is in a better place. Her spirit is now whole again as she is reunited with her soul mate, Brutus. Together, their spirits will live in our hearts. The story of Brutus and Momma will continue to inspire us. Hopefully, they will remind all of us that, together we can embrace life and make a difference.

Many years ago I saw something that would change my world….a beautiful baby tiger. I never in my wildest dreams could imagine something more beautiful. It truly took my breath away. It was the most beautiful experience I had ever had.

This day started when I heard a noise. I ran to find out what all the commotion was about and found a baby white tiger taking its first breaths of earthly air. He was perfectly beautiful. The first snow white tiger we had ever had. I immediately fell in love with the little fuzz ball. I called him Whitey, obviously a temporary name that would be changed later when a better one to fit his personality would arise. Well…the day never arrived.

Whitey grew fast, as do all tigers. He was full of his own adversity with eye surgeries.

I have always grown attached to the underdog, so Whitey was a perfect fit for me. We spent many months recovering from surgeries and loving each other in the comfort of my home. When it was time for him to grow up, he left me for Calamity, who became his life long mate. Being tigers the two were more independent and solitary than the family oriented lions. They lived together but were separate spirits. All was well.

As with all stories there is a beginning middle and an end. The end of the story begins with a diagnosis of malignant melanoma for Whitey. A massive tumor arose from no where and had massed to soccer ball sized in the matter of two weeks. He only had a matter of weeks to live. With great sadness people filed in to give the regal man one last good-bye.

I spent the night with him a few days ago as he recovered from anesthesia after his biopsy. The cold blustery December wind blew and a cold mist fell over us like a blanket. As I looked at the bright Texas stars, I shared with him stories about our past together, including the times I would ride on his back, I many pounds lighter and he much stronger. I told of stories of rubbing sore teething gums and soothing an upset belly. This was long ago when I was able to hold him in one hand. Now I held his massive paw with deepened sadness. The same paw I spent years trusting with my life.

I had difficulty leaving him the next morning. I knew I would not have the time to be with him all the time due to all of the other work at CARE. Calamity was quite distant and detached, as a tiger would be in such a situation…staying far away. In the following weeks, in which Whitey would take his last breaths somewhat alone, saddened me greatly. I wish I could bring him back to my home he lived in as a cub, and love and hold him in his final days. As you all know it is impossible.

Today is yet another cold, wet blustery Texas day. I worried about Whitey alone in the cold. At daybreak I rose to check on my old friend. I could not find him anywhere. It was as though he was gone. I frantically ran back to the house where Calamity laid. With tears in my eyes I yelled where is he?…and over her back rose the massive head of Whitey. He laid his chin on her back. What an amazing site to behold. Whitey was not alone. Calamity now cared for him. This again was the most beautiful experience I had ever had.

Within days, Whitey made his final journey to the running grounds of Brutus, Maji, Momma, Malachi, Jake and the others who have taken the trip before him. They lead his spirit without fear to the other side. As I laid beside his motionless body saying my last good-bye, I realized how blessed I was to have this wonderful man in my life. I know he will remember how much he was loved in this life. With my final kiss on his still warm nose I realized yet again this was the most beautiful experience I had ever had.

About 5 years ago Tabby began to deteriorate in health, which normal for a 17-year-old tiger. As days went by, she showed signs of a desire to make her final journey. Several months later she fell to depression and sickness: she would not leave her house, sores appeared all over her body—we knew we had to do something quickly. This is when we moved Tabby to the vet center. Her health improved immediately with love and attention offered here. We then moved her back to her outdoor enclosure, where her health again took a turn for the worse. This process happened 3 times in the following 6 months until she finally did not have the strength to stand. I went to her enclosure, very sullen and sat with her trying to make the decision if she was able to make the trip just one more time. The interns brought the transport cage to her enclosure. After coxing her, Tabby (literally, falling side to side) staggered into the transporter.

We brought Tabby to the life-giving vet center, which is where she has lived for the past 5 years with a small indoor and outdoor area. She had a mattress to keep her tired bones comfortable as well as pillows and blankets and many stuffed animals (her “babies”) to play with. She carried her “babies” as if they were her own, cleaning and loving them, almost as if she were giving them life and they giving life to her. Her greatest gift of all was not in what people had given to her, but that of what she had given to them. It may be our love and interaction that had given her the desire to live the past 5 years, but it is her overwhelming strength and love that keeps us going even today. Tabby passed September 22, 2008 at the wonderful age of 22.

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	Jake September 1, 1991 - July 24, 2006 Jake is our facility mascot. He had been purchased as a pet and abandoned, at three months old, without food for nearly 2 weeks. His feet were horribly infected and his digestive tract was dysfunctional. For months, Jake teetered between life and death. With the love and hearts of all who encounter him, including his mate Tinkerbell Jake miraculously lived. Jake was unanimously chosen to represent CARE. His tireless determination to overcome his earlier life nightmare is incomparable. For 15 years Jake has struggled with pain in his feet, due to the crippling de-clawing. Finally Jake’s pain is over. Jake passed to a better place, without pain. Brutus One of the most beautiful creatures that ever blessed the grounds of CARE was our Brutus or better known as “Papa”. Many years ago, with no where to go, a terrified and angry African Lion found his home in Bridgeport. His life of abuse and neglect were evident by the scars on his face. No one could escape his awesome presence exhibited in his incredible power and great demand for respect. Endless love, compassion and selflessness, given by the CARE family allowed “Papa” to become the cornerstone and protector of all who entered the gates of CARE. We celebrate the 15 years of trust and love he learned to share. On October 30, 2005, due to old age, Brutus (Papa) was laid to rest at the estimated age of 23. We celebrate the phenomenal gift of the life of “Papa” and all the dedicated individuals he grew to love. Malachi A beautiful wild leopard arrived in Bridgeport in August of 1993. He was frightened and wild. Without his new home he would have been euphonized due to his extreme aggressive behaviors with his past owners. After several months of intensive constant love Malachi realized he could trust humans. He became one of the gentlest spirits to bless the grounds of CARE. He was happy and strong. Unfortunately in the summer of 2005 the nightmare of his early life returned to haunt Malachi and all of those who grew to love him. He was viciously de-clawed before his arrival. Now, twelve years later a mass grew on his foot. The claws had been growing inside his foot. Tireless months of intensive care and four surgeries were followed with the heartbreaking news, “cancer of the foot….leg…then finally it spread to the lymph nodes. Malachi’s life was over soon after the news. Malachi will be greatly missed. Adderly Each cat at CARE is unique and special, but Adderly was particularly special as he sought over the years to tame his wild spirit, and to share this beautiful spirit with those who were close to him. It wasn’t easy for Adderly. Even though he was born in captivity; he especially exuded the spirit of his ancestors in the wild. He preferred to be alone, and somewhat distant from his human companions. Deep down he desired to express his loving spirit, but his wild instinct seemed to take over, making it hard for him to be with people. His wild spirit was beautiful in itself, but as he grew older, he made a courageous transformation. The love within him began to take over, and he allowed people to come in and share his beautiful soul. It wasn’t easy for him, as he straddled two worlds. Yet, I believe that was his greatest gift-sharing such a wild spirit and sharing love. He was unique and special, and will be greatly missed. Adderly died peacefully in his sleep, December 5^th, 2006 at the age of 20. Momma It is with great sorrow that we inform you that we have lost our Momma lion. Momma arrived 14 years ago terrified, and in desperate need of love. Momma came to CARE with a kind heart, despite her previous abusive home. She was Brutus’ loyal companion, as he was her strength and protection. Side by side, they began their journey together. They learned to trust their new surroundings, and accepted the unconditional love given to them at CARE. From that point on, they were home. Their roars were proud and strong, as they became the “pride” of CARE. Thank you for donating your time and love to CARE. Your giving has allowed Momma to live peaceful fulfilling life that she rightfully deserved. In this time of mourning for our loss, we are reminded that Momma is in a better place. Her spirit is now whole again as she is reunited with her soul mate, Brutus. Together, their spirits will live in our hearts. The story of Brutus and Momma will continue to inspire us. Hopefully, they will remind all of us that, together we can embrace life and make a difference. Whitey Many years ago I saw something that would change my world….a beautiful baby tiger. I never in my wildest dreams could imagine something more beautiful. It truly took my breath away. *It was the most beautiful experience I had ever had. This day started when I heard a noise. I ran to find out what all the commotion was about and found a baby white tiger taking its first breaths of earthly air. He was perfectly beautiful. The first snow white tiger we had ever had. I immediately fell in love with the little fuzz ball. I called him Whitey, obviously a temporary name that would be changed later when a better one to fit his personality would arise. Well…the day never arrived. Whitey grew fast, as do all tigers. He was full of his own adversity with eye surgeries. I have always grown attached to the underdog, so Whitey was a perfect fit for me. We spent many months recovering from surgeries and loving each other in the comfort of my home. When it was time for him to grow up, he left me for Calamity, who became his life long mate. Being tigers the two were more independent and solitary than the family oriented lions. They lived together but were separate spirits. All was well. As with all stories there is a beginning middle and an end. The end of the story begins with a diagnosis of malignant melanoma for Whitey. A massive tumor arose from no where and had massed to soccer ball sized in the matter of two weeks. He only had a matter of weeks to live. With great sadness people filed in to give the regal man one last good-bye. I spent the night with him a few days ago as he recovered from anesthesia after his biopsy. The cold blustery December wind blew and a cold mist fell over us like a blanket. As I looked at the bright Texas stars, I shared with him stories about our past together, including the times I would ride on his back, I many pounds lighter and he much stronger. I told of stories of rubbing sore teething gums and soothing an upset belly. This was long ago when I was able to hold him in one hand. Now I held his massive paw with deepened sadness. The same paw I spent years trusting with my life. I had difficulty leaving him the next morning. I knew I would not have the time to be with him all the time due to all of the other work at CARE. Calamity was quite distant and detached, as a tiger would be in such a situation…staying far away. In the following weeks, in which Whitey would take his last breaths somewhat alone, saddened me greatly. I wish I could bring him back to my home he lived in as a cub, and love and hold him in his final days. As you all know it is impossible. Today is yet another cold, wet blustery Texas day. I worried about Whitey alone in the cold. At daybreak I rose to check on my old friend. I could not find him anywhere. It was as though he was gone. I frantically ran back to the house where Calamity laid. With tears in my eyes I yelled where is he?…and over her back rose the massive head of Whitey. He laid his chin on her back. What an amazing site to behold. Whitey was not alone. Calamity now cared for him. This again was the most beautiful experience I had ever had.* Within days, Whitey made his final journey to the running grounds of Brutus, Maji, Momma, Malachi, Jake and the others who have taken the trip before him. They lead his spirit without fear to the other side. As I laid beside his motionless body saying my last good-bye, I realized how blessed I was to have this wonderful man in my life. I know he will remember how much he was loved in this life. With my final kiss on his still warm nose I realized yet *again this was the most beautiful experience I had ever had.* Tabby About 5 years ago Tabby began to deteriorate in health, which normal for a 17-year-old tiger. As days went by, she showed signs of a desire to make her final journey. Several months later she fell to depression and sickness: she would not leave her house, sores appeared all over her body—we knew we had to do something quickly. This is when we moved Tabby to the vet center. Her health improved immediately with love and attention offered here. We then moved her back to her outdoor enclosure, where her health again took a turn for the worse. This process happened 3 times in the following 6 months until she finally did not have the strength to stand. I went to her enclosure, very sullen and sat with her trying to make the decision if she was able to make the trip just one more time. The interns brought the transport cage to her enclosure. After coxing her, Tabby (literally, falling side to side) staggered into the transporter. We brought Tabby to the life-giving vet center, which is where she has lived for the past 5 years with a small indoor and outdoor area. She had a mattress to keep her tired bones comfortable as well as pillows and blankets and many stuffed animals (her “babies”) to play with. She carried her “babies” as if they were her own, cleaning and loving them, almost as if she were giving them life and they giving life to her. Her greatest gift of all was not in what people had given to her, but that of what she had given to them. It may be our love and interaction that had given her the desire to live the past 5 years, but it is her overwhelming strength and love that keeps us going even today. Tabby passed September 22, 2008 at the wonderful age of 22. Back to our Cats About - Literature - FAQ - Plans & Goals - Our Cats - In Loving Memory - Photo Gallery - News - Events - Donate - Partnerships - Adoptions - Sponsorships - Wishlist - Volunteer - Tours - Directions - Internship - Research & Education - Retreats - Contact Us - Links - Kids CARE - Donor Appreciation