Brigid’s Crossing Foundation, a locally owned, nonprofit cat rescue and holistic sanctuary in Naples, is making a real difference in the rescue and care of homeless, sick and abandoned cats in Collier County. Co-founder Heather Burch, a Naples resident, dedicated conservationist and animal lover, advises that the sanctuary for the homeless felines is really comprised of several private donor properties where the best possible care, medical attention, food and shelter is provided. “We’re unique because we make the transition for cats from one home to another without the trauma of time in cages, pens or cramped room,” says Burch.

She relates a lost pet reality. “One in three pets go missing during its lifetime. Without proper ID, 90 percent never return home. A microchip for dogs and cats gives the best protection with a unique permanent ID that can never be removed or become impossible to read. We team up with HomeAgain, who provides microchips which monthly unite 14,000 pets with the people that love them.”

Burch urges anyone with a furry companion to microchip and register with HomeAgain.com. “They provide a link to a permanent listing in their national lost pet database,” she notes. “Two-leggeds complete their owner information, which must be kept up to date, and manage their four-leggeds profile that includes a photo for a lifetime of anytime/anywhere pet recovery.

A lost pet is taken to an animal shelter or veterinary clinic and scanned for a microchip. The unique code, stored with the pet's profile and linked to owner contact information, is utilized by HomeAgain’s specialists that not only send out lost pet alerts and provide members with a list of animal shelters and veterinary clinics in their area, but also provide personal guidance throughout the process of finding the lost pet. Owners can call local rescue centers to see if their described pet matches any recently brought to the facility.

Brigid’s Crossing microchips rescued felines, provides adoption services and invites fostering, as well as sponsorship, of a special needs feline. Volunteers are always needed at the Shabby Cat retail store, located at 963 Fourth Avenue North, in Naples. Proceeds support animal rescue efforts. “We invite volunteers to play with cats, talk to possible new family and help with cleaning, feeding and paperwork,” says Burch.

For more information, call Brigid’s Crossing Foundation, Bonita Springs, 239-591-8425 or email [email protected]; Shabby Cat, 239-6019, ShabbyCat.org, Facebook.com/ShabbyCatShop.