Heart of a Lion Rescue

12/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/qPbeYNHvqch8Mxge/?mibextid=WC7FNe

FOUND KITTENS?

If you find a litter of kittens, please DO NOT move them just because you don't see mom. More than likely mom is taking care of her babies, and it's possible you may never see mom.

Mothers leave their babies for a couple hours each time, as the kittens get older, mom may leave for 3-4 hours at a time. She will go out hunting and doing cat stuff until it's time to feed her young again.

Most cats are very smart when it comes to survival of their young. If they notice you near their nesting spot, or even see you watching them, they may not return back to their babies until they feel the danger (you) is completely gone.

What should you do? Check the kittens. If they are warm and quiet, mom has probably been with them recently. It's okay to briefly touch them, mom will still accept them when she returns.

Place food and water where mom can find it but AWAY from the kittens. This is usually the easiest way to get a glimpse of mom. Even if you don't see mom eating, check the food dish in a couple of hours to see if the food has been eaten. Check the kittens again, if they are still warm, and are quite, leave them be. Watch from a window or somewhere out of sight from mom.

When is it time to intervene? If you are certain mom has been gone for more than 6 hours, the kittens are in need of help at this point. Hungry kittens will not be quiet kittens. When you touch them they will start to cry and wiggle around frantically.

If they have become cold or cool when touched, the kittens need to be brought inside to warm immediately. You can do this by placing a heating pad on low topped with a thick towel or blanket, warming a rice sock, or in a pinch, heat a bottle of water in the microwave until hot and place under the bedding. Always place the heat under the bedding, never directly in contact with the kittens. Make sure not to heat the entire area of the box/crate. Only provide heat to half the area, this way if the kittens become to hot, they can move to a cooler spot.

Never feed a cold kitten, this can kill them. Also NEVER feed ANYTHING other than a formula specifically made for kittens. NEVER feed cows milk, human baby formula, or even plain water to young kittens, this can also be a death sentence for them.

If you've never taken care of small kittens this can be a difficult task. Please reach out to any local rescue group before attempting to feed the kittens. They can put you in contact with someone experienced. A volunteer that can provide you with the information you need to properly care for abandoned kittens.

Once you see kittens eating cat food on their own -typically at 6 weeks old, trapping, vetting, taming of kittens can begin. Spay and neuter of kittens is safe after they weigh at least 2 pounds based on recommendations of your vet clinic.

23/02/2024

I am truly blown away with the amount of generosity and kindness you all have offered these kitties ❤️ In less than 24 hours, almost half of the funds needed for a mobile spay/neuter van have been raised!! If you would like to donate, but not comfortable donating through Facebook, below is a list of other ways you can help :)

Again, I cannot thank you all enough for your support, and I know these kitties are grateful for a much better future ❤️ ~Casey~

PayPal [email protected]

Venmo -trivanovic

There is also a donation tab on the website :)

Amazon wishlist https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/IJVGZG198TVQ?ref_=wl_share

Chewy wishlist https://www.chewy.com/g/violets-house-cat-rescue_b105486183

22/02/2024

Hey everyone 👋 it's Casey. Heart of a Lion is still on break while the director deals with personal issues, but Im reaching out to the HOAL family in hopes of help with a situation.

Many of you remember Shanin who was with HOAL for a few years before opening her own rescue. Shanin does amazing work, and has fostered and helped so many animals in need. Now Shanin could use our help.

A few weeks ago Shanin's rescue Violet's House Cat Rescue stepped up to help a hoarding situation of 100+ cats on a property in Gaffney SC. She has assisted with vetting, rescue transfer, and even taken on many of the pregnant and medical cats under her own rescue. So far, a total of 50+ cats have been rescued from the property thanks to Shanins dedication. The medical expense on these cats alone has been astronomical. Not to mention supplies and unexpected deliveries of more kittens during the process. She has arranged for a mobile spay/neuter van to visit the property and vet/alter the remaining 54+ cats. The goal is, once all of the cats have been vetted, partner rescues can assist in placing the remaining cats on the property.

This is a HUGE task for any small rescue. If you could help with a small donation towards the remaining vetting of these cats, it would be greatly appreciated. The mobile van is expected to be another $3000+! You can also visit the Violet's House fb page tagged above for more ways to donate, more information, and updates on the situation. Thank you HOAL family, you've always came together to make big things for little animals happen, and for that... we are beyond grateful ❤️

Other ways to donate
PayPal [email protected]

Venmo is -trivanovic

There is also a donation tab on their website

26/11/2023

Lot's of great toy deals can be found online and in stores right now. We are still in desperate need of items for this year's toy drive. Gifts for children (boys and girls) ages 5-15 years old. This is our 5th year helping families fallen on hard times, provide gifts for their children on Christmas morning. Items can be purchased from the Amazon wishlist below, or dropped off at a Drop-off location in Ballantyne. With your help, we can make sure these children receive a visit from Santa on Christmas morning ❤️ Your donations contribute to lot's of smiles, and excitement, for children who otherwise may not receive anything.

24/11/2023

Many great deals can be found today online and in stores. We've added more items to the wishlist below. Some items are over 50% off! If you are black Friday shopping today and would like to donate a gift to a child in need, it would be greatly appreciated.

10/11/2023

Feel free to share your child's favorite toys and books with us in the comments below. We will be providing gifts for boys and girls ages 1-15 years old. Our children are older now, so we are lacking knowledge in this department. Barney is still a thing right? 😂 Suggestions are welcome and appreciated. Drop a link to the toy in the comments, and we will gladly add it to the Amazon Toy Drive wishlist :)

*Casey*

09/11/2023

Hey HOAL family!! It's that time of year again where we start preparing for the toy drive. In years past, we've been able to help many families, elderly, and children in need, thanks to your generosity. We focus on a rural county in SC. Many of the families we help are working class, battling health issues, recently fallen or hard times, or have absolutely no money left for Santa after the monthly bills are paid.

We also focus on seniors around the county living on fixed income, and limited family support. I (Casey) put a "sign up box" at my business located in the county. Families that need help providing Christmas for their children can sign up ahead of time, then the gifts are delivered to the families a few days before Christmas. We ask them to include the children's clothing size, and tell us a little about each child, so we can find gifts they will enjoy.

In prior years, we created a Amazon Wish List of things we thought the children would enjoy. Of course the kids are appreciative for anything they receive. You are welcome to donate any new items you choose, even if they are not on the list. The children we help are from ages 1-15 years old. Last year, I missed out on some really good sales. I'm willing to stand in line, and go to as many stores as it takes to get the most bang for our buck! I have added several gift card options to the list this year. Those will be used to shop the sales!

New items for children and seniors can also be dropped off in Charlotte at out director Angela's house. We ask all items be ordered or dropped off by December 11th. Our followers have went above and beyond in years past. Your kindness and generosity has brought so many smiles to children's faces, who otherwise may not receive anything from Santa on Christmas morning. I truly hope we can all bring just as many, if not more, of those smiles this Christmas. Below is a link to the Amazon wishlist. Message us if you would like an address for Drop-off :)

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/17LOT7GS33J74?ref_=wl_share

30/09/2023

Some things never change…
Check out these adorable before and after pictures from Izzy’s adopters! 👅

~Amanda

15/09/2023

****UPDATE**** HOME HAS BEEN FOUND ❤️

This is a incredibly sad situation. Not only for the family that is dealing with the sickness of their loved one, but also for this poor cat that was unnecessarily put in this type of situation.

Some of you may know, previous Heart of A Lion Rescue coordinator Shanin Trivanovic branched out, and opened her own Rescue last year. Violet's House Cat Rescue. Shanin is the one that received a message about this situation.

This is why it is extremely important to screen adopters, and always have a backup plan for any animal you are adopting out to the public. This is not a situation any family or animal should be put in, simply to make your adoption numbers look better on paper.

HOAL is still temporarily closed while Angela and Casey handle personal matters. If you can foster or adopt this beautiful kitty, please reach out to Shanin at Violet's House Cat Rescue.

13/08/2023

We have two beautiful kitties that have been in foster awhile attempting to adjust to indoor life. Of course we would like for all cats to be indoor, but sometimes the cats choose differently. Tee and Duffy are a bonded pair that are not happy living the indoor life. They prefer the freedom of the outdoors to be happy and stress free. They are both beautiful males, around 1 year old.

If you, or someone you know has a farm, horse stable ,or outdoor safe environment, far away from busy roads that could accommodate these two, please reach out to us for more information. The would be wonderful for natural pest control, but would still need access to fresh food and water daily and also shelter from the elements.

10/06/2023

Hey everyone 👋 with the abundance of tiny kittens for adoption, some of our juveniles and adults are getting overlooked :( Meet Duffy! He was found as a feral stray, but with love and care from his foster mom, he's now a sweet, playful, 9 month old ready to find his forever family! Duffy made friends quickly with his foster mom's other cats and would do best in a home with at least one other feline friend. Duffy can be shy at first, but bonds with his human companion one settled in. He is cuddly and playful once he feels comfortable, so he will need an adopter who understands his personality. Duffy is beautiful, pics do not do him justice. If you are interested in meeting Duffy please fill out an application with HOAL.

10/05/2023

Introducing Norbit! Anyone else notice a trend with Casey’s bottle babies? That belly! But seriously, from then to now is a huge improvement. He was the only survivor of his litter. He only weighed 82 grams on intake and had a horrible staph infection and had to be tube fed for 3 days. But once he figured it out, he decided he would never be hungry again! Casey can’t stand hungry babies so clearly he won the jackpot. ❤️ Norbit is 3 weeks old right now and will be ready for home very soon!

~A

18/04/2023

The dreaded kitten season just started, and already hundreds of kittens are being kitten-napped. Just because you do not see the mother cat with her babies, doesn't mean she isn't caring for them. If kittens are quite, warm to the touch, and have plump bellies.... please LEAVE THEM ALONE!
If you are worried no mother is taking care of them, place a large ring of flour around the kittens, or opening of the den and look for tracks in the flour before moving. Depending on a kittens age, a mother cat may feed every 2- 4 hours. Please make absolutely sure kittens are abandoned before removing them from the area.

(Pictured a tiny premature kitten I'm currently caring for with a terrible life-threatening staph infection.) Way too many kittens actually need fosters and rescues to survive without healthy kittens with mothers taking their place and much needed space in rescues.

~Casey~

19/02/2023

(6:30pm update at end of post)
Hey Facebook family! These dogs are in desperate need of funding for medical and supplies. Heart of a Lion Rescue is helping temporarily until reputable rescue has committed. Yesterday, these dogs were rescued from a life of hell. We will spare you the details, but other dogs on the property were not as lucky as these 3 to make it out alive 💔 Even though we are a cat rescue, we absolutely had to help in some way. We are starting to raise funds now, so all 3 dogs can see a vet tomorrow. ALL funds raised will be used towards the dogs current needs, and will transfer to the rescue that takes them in. We are simply starting the process now, because of the urgency and need of the situation.

The adults will need to put on atleast 10lbs before they can be spayed. They are with a foster, and being feed several small meals a day of easy to digest can, and soaked dry food. Both adults will of course need Heartworm testing (and more than likely will be positive). If so, Heartworm treatment will be needed. Both adults will also need vaccines, bloodwork, f***ls, spay, a good diet, and Health Certificates when the times comes for them to travel. Everyone is riddled with parasites 🤢. The puppy (who is in temporarily in foster with myself, Casey) will need vaccines, neuter f***l and HC.... that's just the basics for all 3 dogs, if absolutely nothing else arises from the neglect they have suffered... so it will be quite an expense for any rescue 😞 but I promise, these guys are worth the chance.

My goal is to hopefully raise $1000 towards the care of all 3 dogs. That amount will NOT cover the entire cost of the medical and supplies needed, but will be a huge help towards the rescue that commits. This type of case is very challenging for rescues. The amount of time, funds, and care, these animals need to recover from this type of abuse and neglect, is hard on any small rescue, and of course on the animal itself. It is only possible with the help of donations and a village.

Again, Heart of a lion Rescue is only helping temporarily, but will make sure 100% of funds raised will be used on the dogs current needs of the dogs, and transferred to the committed rescue. Thank you all in advance for any help ❤️

Venmo
Paypal [email protected]

Please send friends and family, and also note on the donations (huskies). This way it will be easier to keep funds separate.

Update from Angela: we just hit $1005 in just a few hours. Our HOAL family never ceases to amaze me. Anything donated today or tomorrow will go to the huskies (and the new puppy that just stumbled into Casey’s yard🥺). It’s going to be a long kitten and puppy season. Thank you to everyone that donated. We could not do this without you wonderful humans!

17/02/2023

Meet Sammie! He was found all alone in the road with two infected eyes, but thanks to some TLC from the kind people who found him, and Heart of a Lion Rescue, he's all better now! Sammie has some corneal scarring in his right eye, but that doesn't affect him at all, just adds to his cuteness!! Sammie is adorable as you can see, but is ALOT of cat. Sammie is very high energy, and can play rough with other cats. A home with another cat matching his energy would be best. He doesn't get tired easily, but when he does, he is the best cuddler with his human. There is never a dull moment with Sammie, and his large personality is guaranteed to bring you hours of entertainment, and unlimited smiles. If you are interested in meeting Sammie to see if he is a good match for your family, please use the following link to fill out an application with Heart of a Lion Rescue:
https://www.heartofalionrescue.org/adoption-application

25/01/2023

Today, thanks to your generous donations and ongoing support, we were able to partner with another rescue and provide funding for 30 cats to get spayed and neutered. That is like 100 unwanted pregnancies in a year! Some of the cats were from low income families in Chesterfield county. Many of the cats are feral so will be released where they were trapped (TNR). It’s still a hard life but at least now, all 30 kitties will be healthier and a little safer. Thank you so much to Jessica for the coordination of getting everyone to the clinic. As you can see, that is not an easy task! When rescues work together, everyone wins!

~Angela

23/12/2022

Please share the original post! There is a reason they don’t have nearly as many kittens and puppies up north. This weather is why. How is that for a harsh reality?

~Angela

12/12/2022

CHESTERFIELD TOY DRIVE -
Well hello everyone! This is Angela. I have not vanished. I am here, but have had some personal stuff going on so have stepped back a little. Casey and Amanda and all of our fosters and volunteers are doing a spectacular job getting these cats and kittens into the arms of their forever families. With everyone Casey has going on, I offered to help with our annual Chesterfield Toy Drive. We have done this every year with the help of some wonderful teachers and this year, we are going to do a sign up genius to make it a little more organized. I know it's been a tough year for a lot of families. Everything costs more. Food, clothes...animals. Many of us are so blessed and while that grocery store trip can pack a punch, we aren't having to choose between food and electricity. So if you have been blessed this past year, please join me in helping out some of our families that need it. Kids like 10 year old little Lauren, who asked for a jacket and toys. Or 14 year old Deiago, who just wants some board games. Or sweet 11 year old Bentley, who asked if we could help his dad stop from having seizures. Oh sweet child....if only.

So while we can't fix this world, for one day, we can help some kids have a great Christmas and help some parents. I was a single mother. So was Casey. And we will both tell you that wondering how you would give your kids a Christmas is one of the hardest things in the world.

I created 10 slots per child and also some gift card slots for two senior families and the teens on the list. If you would like to adopt a child, you can either put your name in all 10 slots, or if you just want to buy a toy or shoes, that is just as appreciated. Comments are helpful but not required. With less than 200 slots to fill, I have complete faith that our HOAL family has got this. If you have already donated or bought something, you can go ahead and fill in the slot and we can match with the gifts. You can also make monetary donations via paypal or venmo ([email protected]). We need everything by the 22nd at the latest. I know that isn't a lot of time, but we got this.

Items can be dropped off or sent to:
HOAL
c/o Chuck Debono
4942 Dayspring Dr.
Mint Hill, NC 28227

OR
11661 James Richard Drive
Charlotte, NC 28277

As always, if you need some help, you can reach out privately to Casey or me. We take care of our family around here and have each other to lean on when things get rough. Thank you all for your continued support and I hope you all have an amazing holiday.

~Angela

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!