To all the friends and supporters of Nine Lives, I’m writing a letter that sixteen years ago I never imagined I’d write, one filled with gratitude and astonishment at all the good we’ve accomplished—and all that’s left to be done.
I founded Nine Lives because I saw that too many Bay Area cats and kittens had desperate, unmet needs. They needed a place dedicated to them for spay/neuter to keep populations from exploding. A place to care for them until they found their forever homes. A place with its doors open–always!–to the hurting, the compromised and the forgotten.
The sheer constancy of your devotion and the generosity of your service have shown me that you understand the special nature of cats, and more… that you’re willing to go the distance to honor and protect them. You’re the reason we’ve been able to save thousands upon thousands of lives.
Looking back, I can’t help but remember Smurf and Wanda. The cruelty of others gave me the opportunity to extend my expertise to them when they needed it most. Their fame elevated our public profile, to be sure. But more than that, these two stars shined light on Nine Lives in such a way that enabled us to care for so many more obscure cats—cats who eventually took center stage in their own homes after people made them part of their families. That’s what we’re about, at the core: Where we’ve found depravity against cats, we’ve met it with skillful, compassionate care. Where we’ve seen abuse that broke their spirit, we’ve met it with patience. Where we’ve come across neglect that severed their trust in people, we’ve met it with love.
You helped bring my hopes for Nine Lives to life, breathing into it a boundless commitment that has changed so many lives for the better. I’m saddened that I must move on from Nine Lives at year end, but I can do it knowing that you will stay to lead the way. The staff and board have been working nonstop to ensure that my dream for Nine Lives will live on, strong as ever. I have complete confidence in them– and ask that you support them as you always have me.
And so I personally ask for the last time, humbly, for your contributions to see us into 2021–so we can remain full of promise and ready to meet any challenge that comes our way. Please give what you can; like cats, no gift is too small and all gifts, taken together, have the power to transform a staggering number of feline lives.
It has been the privilege of my career to serve the cats and kittens who need us so desperately and work with all of you to see that these magical creatures remain safe and secure. I would do it all over again, ups and downs, tough and good times alike–but only with good friends like you by my side.
Best wishes and many thanks,
