Top Pets · Rescue Grant
Lisa Smith
I'm a 63 yr old retired person. I spent 30 years owning and operating a daycare. When I retired I realized that I wanted to continue to give to my community. I have always had a great love for animals. When I saw a plea for help on Facebook, I couldn't just look away. That started my journey in fostering. My 1st foster was a feral momma and 4 kittens. I housed them in the now unused daycare bathroom. That bathroom has now seen multiple litters of kittens and pets that need extra medical care that our local rescues can't provide. I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren that join me is socializing the fosters. This gives them a wide variety of interactions. During "kitten season" I am constantly being tagged on Facebook for kittens needing rescuing and bottle feeding. I would love the space and supplies to be able accommodate more. As someone on a limited income this is sometimes difficult.
Juliette
Found taped up in a box on the side of the road. Her eyes weren't even open yet.
Poppy, Peach, Peony
Attacked by a dog. Mom was killed.
Kai before Surgery
Hit by a machete
Kai after surgery
Kai today
Leilani and Floofy
Were found feral. Now doing well in new homes.
Expanding Rescue Capacity to Save More Lives—From Neonatal Kittens to Emergency Dog Placements
I am applying for the Top Pets: Rescue Grant to continue and expand my commitment to rescuing animals in need, particularly cats and kittens. Over the past year, I have been deeply involved in kitten rescue—providing hands-on care, shelter, and support to neonatal kittens and adult cats. This work builds on a lifelong dedication to helping vulnerable animals and has become a central part of my daily life and purpose.
Hands-On Rescue Work
Through my efforts, I have cared for animals with a wide range of needs:
• Bottle-feeding newborn kittens
• Rehabilitating and socializing adult cats
• Providing safe, stable environments for recovery and transition
Each rescue requires time, resources, and a controlled space where animals can heal and thrive.
Emergency Placement – Kai’s Story
In addition to cats, I also serve as an emergency placement for dogs in crisis.
One example is Kai, a dog who came to me in urgent need of care. He had been accidentally hit with a machete and required surgery and a safe place to recover. I was able to provide that stability—ensuring he received the care, rest, and support he needed both before and after surgery.
The transformation in Kai—from vulnerable and in need, to healing and safe—represents the heart of my work. (Photos included show his journey before and after surgery.)
Current Limitations
While I have helped many animals, I am currently limited by:
• Available space
• Access to specialized equipment
• Capacity to safely house multiple rescues at once
How This Grant Will Help
If awarded, I will use the funds to:
• Create a dedicated rescue space to safely house more animals
• Add furnishings and enrichment tools for comfort and development
• Purchase a neonatal incubator, critical for kitten survival and care
• Expand my ability to provide emergency placement for dogs like Kai
Impact
This grant will:
• Increase the number of animals I can rescue and rehabilitate
• Improve survival rates for neonatal kittens
• Provide safe recovery for emergency cases
• Strengthen a compassionate, community-based rescue effort
This work is more than rescue; it’s giving animals a second chance at life, safety, and love.
I am committed to continuing and growing this impact, and I’m grateful for your consideration.