Joe and Lauren DiPaolo are cat people to their core. Together, they hold a special place within their hearts for cats – in particular, ones with special needs.
Altogether they have rescued five lucky cats and given them a place that they can now call home – a sanctuary for them to live out their lives with some tender loving care from their big-hearted parents.
Their story is one we felt compelled to share.
“Caring for special needs cats, it takes a lot. It’s a lot of love, a lot of dedication and a lot of funding,” said Joe.
Each of the cats within their little clan was adopted separately.
Little was first. He has a brain condition that severely affects his motor skills. What initially drew Joe and Lauren to him was that he never let it hold him back.
“Here’s this cat, it’s laying there on it’s side and he wants to come over to you – he’s dragging himself over. My heart broke,” said Joe.
“I don’t think he thinks there’s anything wrong with him. He has no limits, he doesn’t get frustrated,” Lauren added.
Next there was Mika. Mika sadly lost her eyes to an infection.
Joe and Lauren felt guilty that Mika was getting lonely because Little goes to work with Lauren every day. They thought – “we can’t have Mika alone all day, that’s not fair.”
So, needless to say, they had to find her another cat to keep her company.
In came Mac. Mac was born with a cleft palate among with many other health issues.
“There were times we were told Mac wasn’t going to make it,” said Joe.
But with some tender love and care, he was able to overcome so many of his health related obstacles.
Then one day when donating to an animal shelter they were told about a beautiful new rescue called Leela.
“When we got there they told us there was a girl there that pretty much looked like a girl version of Mac and she’s handicapped,” said Joe.
The staff asked if Joe and Lauren were interested in meeting her and the rest is history.
Tank is the latest addition to the group (not featured in the video below). Tank was rescued by the couple after being found totally alone freezing on the street. He is a dwarf cat – one look at his adorable face and you can see why he became the final piece in their puzzle.
“It’s a lot but they’re part of our family and you do what you have to do for your family, for your loved ones,” said Joe. “Because of everything they’re going through you just want to take that pain and that suffering and what they’re going through and do it for them, just so they don’t have to deal with it.”
“It’s amazing and it’s so worth it. I look forward to coming home every day and I open the door and Mac’s there waiting to kiss me, and Mika’s there screaming. That makes it all wort it; to come home and know that the’re all there waiting for me,” said Lauren.
If you’re interested in making a donation to this beautiful family, you can do so here.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
All These Special Needs Cats Have A Home — Thanks To One CoupleThis amazing couple has dedicated their lives to adopting special needs cats ??
Posted by The Dodo on Sunday, March 12, 2017
