Mewtopia
- by Peggy Rowland, Friday, February 8th, 2008
At the top, Director Ann Illsley holds new arrival Daisy. On the bottom, one of the permanent cats, Harper.
Besides the uniqueness of being surrounded by cats, cat antics and cat merchandise, at Mewtopia Cat Rescue and Gift Shop, there’s also the feeling of being surrounded by compassion.
Director Ann Illsley holds Daisy, a scared orange cat and recent addition to the Mewtopia family of cats waiting for adoption. Mewtopia was Daisy’s last hope before being euthanized simply because she was abandoned. Now she’s taken care of by Illsley and more than 25 loyal volunteers who keep the Mewtopia cat residents fed, petted and in a clean home.
Relying solely on donations and sales from the gift shop, Illsley runs Mewtopia, located at 734 Mount Moriah, without any paid staff. For Illsley, keeping the rescue in top shape is an 80-hour-a-week job that comes with no personal monetary benefits. “I’ve worked many a job, but this is what I wanted to do, and it’s the most enjoyable, pleasurable job I’ve ever had,” Illsley proclaims.
Mewtopia is not only operated with compassion, but it’s the compassion of the community that keeps the doors open. From the veterinarians who offer discounted services, to those who bring in donations of bleach, litter or paper towels, it’s the kindness of cat lovers and volunteers that allows the Mewtopia feline family to live happily until they find their forever homes.
“We think of this as a happy place, because the kitties are happy here,” Illsley says. Some people tell her that they don’t want to come by because shelters are sad places. She responds, “No, we’re a happy place here.”