Last Hope was asked back in November of 2016 to help with a hoarding case.  The woman who was living in the home became ill and had to go into assisted living.  Her two daughters went to the residence after she was placed in the center and were shocked by what they found.  Their mother had stopped letting them in the residence years ago, but they had no idea how bad it was.  Something that started as good intentions had gotten out of hand and there were at least 20 cats needing our help.  Last Hope representatives went to the residence to get a better idea of the situation and the conditions.  Our hearts were immediately broken for the precious kitties living there.  They were living in a world where there wasn’t a clean place to eat, sleep, or go the bathroom.  Clean water was a dream come true.  Basking in the sun of an open window wasn’t even possible.

It was a huge rescue mission that took months and involved a coordinated effort between multiple organizations throughout Iowa and Minnesota.  We also received a grant from PetSmart which helped us with some of the basic vet care.  We couldn’t have accomplished it without all these groups!  We ended up saving 34 cats from the residence.  Most of them had medical issues, some very minor, but others more severe and may not have made it without our intervention.  This case wasn’t without some heartbreak and tears, but it also gave us happy endings which will inspire us for years.