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#GivingTuesday (#GT)
A week from today is #GivingTuesday, a worldwide day of philanthropy. Please send some money our way. We are contacting many, many people, so whatever you can give helps tremendously. We are very grateful to our donors.
So far, we have matching donations of $17,500. Watch our Facebook page for updates on matching gifts.
Thank you. 
- Venmo: @Thundering-Paws—no fee
- Facebook—no fee
- PayPal Giving Fund—no fee
- Website—a fee, but easy to do
- A check in the mail to Thundering Paws, P.O. Box 1555, Dripping Springs, TX 78620—There’s no fee for this of course.
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Adoption Events, Past and Future
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When Jerson met Brady at a recent adoption event, it was instantly the perfect match.
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At our adoption event at PetSmart a few weekends ago got Brady adopted. A man whose application had been approved came to meet some of our kitties. He began petting Brady as soon as he got there and didn’t stop. They were immediately drawn to each other, and Brady is now home.
On 12/3/22, please come to Tomlinson’s in Belterra Village from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see some of our adoptable kitties.
Tomlinson’s have the most amazing cat adoption center, large enough for you to go inside and play with the kitties. Right now, Poppy and Eden are the resident kittens there. That could change before December 3, but there will be other cuties for you to meet.
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How Do You Do This? An Interview with Myself
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Anne started Thundering Paws over 21 years ago with a simple mission, to offer a safe haven for cats who are homeless, neglected, injured, or abused.
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Q. How do you say “no” to pleas for help?
A. With an apology, and other suggestions. Sometimes I can’t come up with any and then my apology is even stronger.
Q. Why do you say no?
A. We have a limited capacity, just like everyone else. We have a limited number of fosters, and of space.
Q. What’s your limit? How do you know what it is?
A. We have a wonderful board of directors, and they limit the number of intakes per year to 200. That comes out to 16.66 cats or kittens per month.
Q. How do you take in 66% of a cat?
A. I take in 17 cats in months with 31 days and 16 cats in months with less than 31 days.
Q. How many have you taken in this year?
A. 147
Q. Isn’t that a little short?
A. Yep.
Q. How do you justify that?
A. Our bank account talks even louder than the board of directors. Our lack of space and fosters talks louder than that!
Q. How do you avoid taking in cats and kittens in seemingly hopeless situations?
A. I try my hardest to find refuge based on the degree of need. For example, if a person finds a very young kitten, I will beg a foster to take the kitty even if only for one night until I can find someone else. I try harder for injured or sick cats, also. When I cannot succeed, I give as much advice and hope as I can to the kitty’s finder.
Q. Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start an animal sanctuary?
A. Yes, learn ways to limit intake and GET HELP! None of us can do this job alone. I have seen people arrested for animal cruelty, the very thing they were trying so desperately to stop! Know your limits. Be kind to yourself. We must care for the caretakers: we’re human.
Q. Doesn't it drive you crazy?
A. Sure! But we’re really trying to take the “crazy” out of the phrase, “Crazy Cat Lady/Gentleman”.
My sanity is restored by looking into the eyes of one we’ve saved, one who is healthy and happy. I just looked into the eyes of Naturi, my 11-year-old office kitty, and told her how important it is to me that she is here. She did the slow blink, which I call “love eyes.”
They know they’ve been rescued. Most of the animals are grateful. It reminds me to be grateful that this is the work I am given to do, the work of my heart.
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Thank you for all you do for us and for animals.
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