Violet's House Cat Rescue

I still cannot believe that Katie is actually gone as we had been chatting just days before her passing. Her obituary is indeed a testament to what a kind hearted person Katie was to people and animals alike.

In Katie’s honor and with the help of Turbeville Impact, Dr. Audrey Turbeville and Top Gun Veterinary Clinic we are hoping to continue Katie’s generous spirit and help others to TNR some kitties. It will never make up for the loss of Katie in the rescue community.

Obituary information for Katherine Malene “Katie” Brennan View Katherine Malene “Katie” Brennan's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

It is with deep sadness that I can now confirm the passing of our dear rescue friend Katie Brennan.

Katie came into my life shortly after opening Violet’s House Cat Rescue. At the time, we had agreed to take in a tiny sickly bottle baby from a mutual who knew she was in over her head. Not long afterwards I was contacted about a hoarding situation with approximately 40 cats. I happened to mention this case to Katie, and despite having 4 kids, farm and pet sitting gigs, a baking career and a husband at home she quickly said “I can help, what time do you want to meet there?”.

What we walked into was a nightmare. Both Katie and I walked into a small home with 98 cats, a chronic smoker and a serious lack of litter boxes. Another rescuer had snatched up all the little kittens (25-26) before we got there and left us with 98 adults and older kittens, and many pregnant females. This was not the deal I had prepared for and went basically catatonic 😂. Katie rolled up her sleeves immediately and called her vet, the AMAZING Dr. Audrey Turberville Gun Veterinary Hospital who agreed to open on a weekend to help us get as many pregnant and younger kitties out and spayed/neutered as we could fit in our cars. And off we went…I looked at her and said “well I guess we are doing this?”, and we did. With the help of many fellow rescuers and networks Katie, with a lot of help from Thom Dougherty of DoRe Ranch and Rescue and Casey Maynor within 2-3 months we had every kitty vetted and placed outside of that home.

I will always remember Katie and I laughing about driving with the windows down in our cars after visits to the hoarding house, how bad our hair would smell in the shower once water hit it, burning our clothing and her and I laughing over her having to go wretch in the yard because the smell finally got to her.

My heart is broken for the loss of this animal lover, mother, wife and friend. Rest now Katie, you have more than earned it.

Information on services is pending and we will share details once we know more. If anyone would like to make contribution to help Katie’s family I will provide a donation link. Please make a note that it is “For Katie”.

Shanin

Zelle 630-453-8292 Violet’s House Cat Rescue
Venmo -trivanovic

Violet’s House is now officially 4 years in and has saved 296 kitties. We have provided spay and neuter services for well over 100 cats and kittens.

Personally, I have been doing rescue for 9 years with little to no breaks in between. I honestly cannot even remember the last time I did not have a foster cat in my own home. While I remain proud of the work I have done, to be honest…I am seriously burnt out and dealing with a serious case of compassion fatigue. I am going to be taking a big step back to take some time for myself. The state of the world currently is honestly terrifying for rescuers. The economy is 💩, and I worry everyday about people potentially rehoming adopted cats and I worry that the unwanted pet crisis is only getting worse. Things feel bleak and if I am going to continue, I need to step away, take a mental health break, regroup and ascertain how I can continue making an impact without allowing rescue to take over my existence.

Until our adult kitties are adopted, Violet's House Cat Rescue will remain closed for any and all intake. We will still while we are able to provide assistance for community members requiring spay and neuter assistance.

My day got away from me a bit yesterday, but I would love to take a moment and wish our snow loving donation coordinator Tracy Berthelson a very very happy birthday!!!!!

Tracy is truly a special person with the kindest and most generous heart who loves all the kitties!!!

Everyone take a moment to wish Tracy all the best for her birthday (even if it is a wee bit belated)🥴.

A little update on our “owner surrender” kitties Ren and Lily. Thanks to the loving and patient care of their foster family, Lily and Ren have blossomed into a wonderful pair of cats.

These babies were soooooo traumatized by their previous owners they both had untreated cystitis and urinary tracts infections. Lily also had some gnarly gut bacteria issues and was so nervous and fearful.

Lily, while still a more cautious girly has become brave and has been exploring the entirety of her foster home. Lily absolutely adores the teenagers in the family and sleeps with his foster human sister every night. Ren is just the happiest of boys. He loves to play and is so confident. He just wants to be wherever the people are.

My perfect home for these two would have no toddlers or dogs. Lily and Ren have put in a special request to have at least one parent who works from home a bit because they truly cannot get enough of their people and love to supervise their human’s work day. I think these two were so neglected and attention starved by their previous owners that they want to be with their humans as much as possible.

Congratulations to Tuna and Bert who found an absolutely wonderful family! Thank you to Camryn Von Amalie for providing a loving an happy home for these boys to grow in and thrive in. I love when two lonely kittens can become besties and live their best kitten lives together.

Rescue is hard, emotionally draining and financially burdensome…but every once in a while you get a glimmer of good stuff!

I realize our page has been a bit quiet. After 9
years of rescue, most of those managing all facets from intake, vetting and adoption…I am dealing with a bit of compassion fatigue and burn out.

The work continues, but it looks a little different for the time being. I have been assisting some Good Samaritans to find homes for some kitties they have been caring for. We have provided the financial assistance to get them vetted (thanks to all of our donors…mostly my husband😂).

Please share and take a peek at these cuties and I will happily put you in contact with their care givers.

Smokey - the black kitten loves dogs, cats and kids and is so loving and affectionate. Smokey will be spayed and fully vaxxed in the coming weeks.

Roxy and Leila are a fully vetted mom and daughter bonded pair. They are amazing kitties just waiting for someone to love them both.

Help me wish the director of Violet's House Cat Rescue a very Happy Birthday! Shanin has saved hundreds of lives during her rescue journey. Her beauty shines both inside and out. The world is definitely a better place because of her. Shanin, I hope your special day is as amazing as you are. Happy Birthday from me (Casey) and all the kitties who get to celebrate birthdays each year because of you ❤️

Ya’ll please take a minute and wish our good rescue friend Casey Maynor a very happy birthday!!!! This lady has the biggest heart and a stomach for the most gruesome cases out there.

From all the kitties and our followers, Happy Happy Birthday Casey!!!! We appreciate all you do!!!!