About

Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue was started in 2003 by our founder and executive director Lana Bajsel. Lana had been independently involved in rescue for many years when she decided to start Give Me Shelter.

One day, she was walking through the shelter when she came across a very scared kitty named Spit Fire Rose. Now, Spit Fire Rose, being a calico, had quite the little attitude and really hated being caged up at the shelter. Even though she was hissy, Lana saw something more, and could not allow this poor young cat to be euthanised. She decided then and there to take her into her own home, work with her, and try to find her a new loving home. She was our first rescue!

Rosie, as she came to be known, never really got over her hissy fits, but did have a very sweet side to her, she just wasn't too fond of other cats. As is our mission, any cat that we save has a home for life with us, and we thought that would be Miss Rosie's fate. In our hearts, we believed that there was someone out there for this wonderful cat, who could easily deal with her fits and attitude. That wish for Rosie came through December 26th, 2003. Misss Rosie, attitude and all found a wonderful home, and has never been happier. She is the story we tell when ever anyone asks us why we do this. Knowing Rosie as we did, with her attitude and dislikes, she was able to find a wonderful home with a very loving couple, who spoil her endlessly and she has never been happier.

Rosie is why Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue exists today, and will for a long time to come!