COMMUNITY & CULTURE
In the six years that it has existed, Tenth Life has grown leaps
and bounds. The organization has a storefront on Cherokee
where a small selection of the cats are featured, but the
vast majority of the felines, of which there are over 100,
currently live in foster homes across the area until they find a
permanent home. “We have the most passionate, dedicated
and amazing volunteers,” Elizabeth said. Responsibilities
range from fostering to helping run fundraisers, playing with
the cats, and everything in between.
In addition to the organization’s Cat Companions
Program, where trained volunteers take a selection of the
cats that have been “temperament-tested” to community
support organizations to provide a form of comfort and
animal assisted therapy, Tenth Life also hosts a yearly 5K
fundraising race, appropriately titled the “Hissin’ Hustle.”
The organization also sets up adoption showcase areas at
farmer’s markets, expos and other public events.
The Cat Companions Program has provided
companionship and care to over 1,900 clients since its
creation two years ago, and is something that Elizabeth
takes a lot of pleasure in. “They just have a lovely time
hanging out with the cats,” she said of the individuals.
“Cats really warm up a home, I think.”
The Tenth Life site features a regularly updated list of cats
to take home, and each potential adoption parent meets
with the cat to ensure that they will be a good match.
All cats are neutered or spayed, microchipped, and their
shots are up to date prior to going home. “It’s not only
rescuing the cat, but also educating people about how
wonderful these cats can be even if they’re not perfect,”
said Elizabeth about making cats with special needs a
priority within the organization.
For more information on Tenth Life, visit tenthlifecats.org,
or call (314) 808-2454.
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY