It all started in 2020 with Courtney, aka Courtcatness, the founder/originator of Viva Los Gatos.  Growing up in Texas, a respect for animals was all but guaranteed , and Courtney made her first donation to the humane society at just 10 years old.  This just goes to show that she realized right away what it means to help animals in need.  Sometime right before the pandemic, she found herself sharing her life with her new kitten–Zorro. He was a big furry kitten with an even bigger heart, a Maine Coon that was undoubtably the coolest cat on the block, and he went everywhere–Courtney’s constant companion. Courtney would spend time with Zorro in the courtyard where Zorro would attract any neighborhood cat with his sweet demeanor, in turn helping Courtney earn their trust. Courtney unexpectedly lost her beloved Zorro when he was only 11 months old due to pre-existing health problems. He died in her arms at 9am on a Friday morning while trying to get to the vet.  It was devastating, the worst day of her life.  Theory was that he suffered from type of Cardiomyopathy–a disease that affects more cats than you'd think and is commonly known as enlarged heart disease.  Some time after Zorro passed though, a heartbroken Courtney found comfort in caring for the neighborhood cats and kittens that her neighbor Britta found–born in a garage nearby. It’s her belief, and all of us here at Viva Los Gatos, that Zorro was bringing Courtney these babies-in-need to help her move toward healing and help the kittens find the ultimate healing in the form of their forever homes. 

 

Courtney–along with her fellow lifelong animal rescuer friend Britta–have continued to pour their energy into the well being of any and all animals found here locally.  They've worked tirelessly to provide food, medical care, and companionship–in addition to establishing the trust that must be earned when domesticating feral cats.  Courtney had always dreamed of having a sanctuary for these cats while awaiting their forever homes, while also allowing visitors to get to know and love the gang.  A place where humans can find healing themselves thanks in part to these amazing cats of Baja.  Because if there is one thing we know for certain here about our story is that–the love goes both ways, and it's the most powerful remedy of all.

 

So that's it.  Viva Los Gatos Baja was born.  

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