Rescue Village will close at 4pm on Wednesday, 12/24/25. We are closed on Thursday, 12/25/25.
From Stray to Beloved Companion
Holly’s story began in a small spare room in Ashtabula. A man found her outside after someone left her at his home. He was allergic to cats, yet he brought her indoors, closed the door, and kept her safe while he searched for help. When it became clear she needed medical attention, he contacted Rescue Village through our owner surrender program.
Rescue Village’s owner surrender program serves as a safety net for animals across the region, and the need is significant. Each month, we receive nearly 400 requests from people seeking help for cats and dogs they can no longer care for. Our wait list is often long, and while we cannot assist every family immediately, we guide people toward resources, support them through the process, and accept animals as space and medical capacity allow. For the animals who enter our care, we commit fully to their safety and well-being. Holly was one of them.
Most of the cats who come to Rescue Village arrive this way. Approximately eighty percent enter as strays or are surrendered by their owners. Some are found wandering. Some have medical needs their finders cannot meet. All of them need stability, safety, and a path forward. Holly arrived with a deep wound on her back leg and significant hair loss across her hind end. She was frightened and uncomfortable. Her condition suggested she had been struggling for a long time.
Care began as soon as she settled in. Our veterinary team cleaned and treated her wound, eased her discomfort, and completed the diagnostic work needed to understand the cause of her skin issues. Testing confirmed Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex, an allergy-related condition that requires long-term management. Holly remained with us from April through June while she healed and regained strength. Staff monitored her closely, adjusted her treatment as she improved, and gave her the space and support she needed to feel secure.
As her health stabilized, Holly began to learn the rhythm of daily life in the adoption room. She approached visitors in small steps and rested when she needed space. Cats with her temperament often take longer to be chosen, especially when their care needs extend beyond the basics.
Her next chapter began in early autumn. A young woman emailed after researching shy black cats and wanting to adopt one who might be overlooked. We introduced her to two cats, Holly and Bebe, and she spent time with each. Holly’s quiet presence stayed with her. She returned, sat with Holly again, and the choice became clear. She was prepared for the ongoing care Holly would need and ready to offer a patient, understanding home. After 114 days in our care, Holly went home.
Most adoptions at Rescue Village unfold exactly this way. A vulnerable animal arrives. Medical work begins. Staff and volunteers provide structure, patience, and daily support. Someone in the community learns about an animal who needs them, and a careful match comes together. This steady, behind-the-scenes work is where rescue truly happens, and it is what allows animals like Holly to begin again.
