Great River Rescue joins the Million Cat Challenge!

Great River Rescue Pledges to Help Save One Million cats

Bemidji Shelter Partners with University Shelter Medicine Programs in Million Cat Challenge

Bemidji, Minnesota.  December 15, 2014 – Great River Rescue is joining animal shelters across North America to save the lives of one million more cats in the next five years. It’s all part of a joint campaign of the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida and the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program.

The Million Cat Challenge is based on five key initiatives that offer every shelter, in every community, practical choices to reduce euthanasia and increase live outcomes for shelter cats.

Abe, a short-haired gray and white cat sticks out as just one of hundreds of cats that have benefited from the work of Great River Rescue.  Abe came to us from a shelter that was prepared to euthanize him.  Because of our commitment to the animals, we brought Abe to our shelter, and found the right home for him within a matter of weeks.

“The shelters who have taken the Challenge are leading the way in finding and implementing new approaches to saving cats’ lives,” said Dr. Kate Hurley, director of the UC Davis program.

“The reality is that we can’t save every cat.” Said Executive Director Brandon Mustful.  “But, by committing to the five initiatives set forth in the Million Cat Challenge, we can save more cats than ever before.”

About the Million Cat Challenge

The Million Cat Challenge is a shelter-based campaign to save the lives of one million cats in North America over the next five years. The core strategy of the campaign will focus on five key initiatives that offer every shelter, in every community, practical choices to reduce euthanasia and increase live outcomes for shelter cats. Drs. Levy and Hurley are available for interviews. For more information, visit http://www.millioncatchallenge.org/.