“Who’s this guy?” I asked upon my first day. “That’s Eric. He has a lot of health problems.” That was an understatement. This handsome, steel-grey sixteen-year old feline is not only diabetic but has valley fever and pancreatitis. His medical files are two folders thick, but you wouldn’t know it by meeting him. He is one of the sweetest, kindest cats you will ever meet. I love this cat. Everyone loves this cat. The staff at Valley Animal Hospital named him as their favorite Hermitage feline.

Eric has been with us since 2009. Unfortunately, his story is not that unusual to us. His disabled owner brought him in when her husband had a stroke, and they could no longer care for him. Because of Eric’s age and health issues, he will probably never experience a real home again, but he will always have a place with us. That’s our vow to Eric and the other cats like him. I am proud to say we care for over 50 special needs cats including those with diabetes, feline leukemia (FelV+), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV+). Because we rescue cats that would probably be euthanized other places, our cost to care for them is staggering. This year our medical care expenses will exceed $100,000.

At the Hermitage, we have medical staff on duty 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Hermitage cats need your dollars to continue this level of care. Because we do not receive government support, every donation is important.

We need your help now.

On behalf of Eric and all of our kitties, I thank you in advance for giving the nearly 500 cats we rescue every year the best chance at a happy, healthy life. Please make your gift by Sept 30.