Name: Marty

Age: 3 years (as of May 2025)

Last Christmas, I was left on the side of the road—abandoned without a second thought. For months, I had to fend for myself, dodging cars, coyotes, and even bears in a constant fight for survival. Eventually, I stumbled upon a barn where a group of well-cared-for cats lived. Seeking refuge, I started lingering near them, finally feeling a sense of belonging.

But my time outdoors came at a price. In my desperate attempts to escape danger, I badly injured my right paw. The wound worsened, and infection set in, landing me at the vet clinic. Now, the doctors are still deciding whether my leg will need to be amputated.

Thankfully, I’m safe indoors at BHS, growing stronger each day in preparation for surgery. While being confined to one room isn’t exactly my idea of freedom, I can’t complain—I have fresh water, good food, a soft bed, and the comforting security of indoor life. And the other residents? They’re not bad at all. We swap stories about how we ended up here, and I have a feeling mine is one of the most unforgettable. 

Name: Gracie

Age: 1 year (as of May 2025)

This little fighter was rescued from the Orange County Animal Shelter at just four months old in July 2024, and despite her challenges, she’s thriving. With an underdeveloped left eye and very limited vision in her right, she may need corrective surgery in the future to ensure her health and comfort as she grows.

But don’t let her visual impairment fool you—she’s a bundle of energy! She loves to play, wrestle with her kitten friends, and soak up affection. There’s nothing she loves more than being carried, snuggling close, and showering her humans with sweet little kisses.

She’s already spayed, vaccinated, and full of life. Now, we just need to make sure she gets the care she deserves for a bright future ahead.

Please consider becoming a monthly donor to support Gracie🐱

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🌈Lucy sadly crossed the 

Rainbow Bridge December 26, 2024🌈

Lucy’s story is one that breaks hearts but also restores faith in kindness.

She was abandoned on the streets of Homestead, FL, after her person passed away and the family sold the home where she had lived. Sadly, this is a fate far too many companion animals face—left to fend for themselves by people who believe the cruel myth that cats can survive on their own.

With shelters overflowing, the good Samaritan who found Lucy was advised to have her euthanized due to her age—around 18—and her mounting health issues, including kidney and thyroid disease and severe dental problems. But this person refused to let Lucy’s story end that way. Instead, they drove for hours to bring her to BHS, ensuring that she wouldn’t be discarded like an afterthought but given the dignity she deserved.

Though her time with us was brief, it was filled with warmth, comfort, and love. She had soft blankets, plenty of food, and the companionship of Ms. Bee—another old soul who instantly bonded with her. While we wish Lucy had more time, we take solace in knowing she spent her final days surrounded by care, kindness, and the gentle presence of a friend.

She left this world knowing she was cherished, and while she is gone, her memory lingers. Ms. Bee still searches for her, and in our hearts, Lucy’s spirit remains—a testament to resilience, love, and the unwavering compassion of those who refuse to let forgotten souls fade away.

Name: Smokey

Age: 9 years (as of May 2025)

Smokey is a seasoned survivor, a senior gentleman who spent years eluding rescue, relying on the kindness of community cat feeders while enduring the harsh realities of street life. With an injured eye and a severe limp, every day was a battle. It took endless patience and determination to finally bring him in, and when he arrived, he was wary—tired, hurting, and not entirely convinced that this new life was meant for him.

But at BHS, we believe in giving every soul the space and time they need to heal—not just physically, but emotionally, too. Slowly, Smokey began to realize that he was safe, that he didn’t have to fight anymore. Today, his injuries are healed, and while he still likes things on his terms, he has blossomed into a gentle cuddle bug, gracing us with head butts and deep, rumbling purrs.

Smokey, you’re home now. No more scrounging for food, no more battles to survive—just love, warmth, and the peace you’ve always deserved.

🥰

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Name: Barney

Age: 3 (as of May 2025)

When Barney first arrived at BHS, we were told he was a true barn cat—one who thrived outdoors, content with the life of a working feline. But Barney had a different plan. Despite having free rein of the barn, he made it clear that the outdoor life wasn’t for him. No interest in chasing rats, no desire to roam—just a longing for warmth, comfort, and companionship.

Now, Barney is happily settled in Annie's Cattery alongside other former community cats who once lived outside but, given the choice, embraced the safety and coziness of indoor life. His story serves as an important reminder: while many assume colony cats prefer to be outside, the truth is most don’t. Given the chance, they almost always choose shelter, security, and the simple joys of a soft bed and a full bowl.

Barney made his choice, and he’s never looked back.  We love that you chose indoor life, Barney!

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Name: Piper

Age: 3 years (as of June 2025)

Name: Frodo

Age: 9 (as of May 2025)

Frodo’s journey began in uncertainty. He and his littermates were abandoned outside a local feed store, left to fend for themselves with no guarantees of safety or care. One by one, his siblings found homes, but Frodo remained—the last of his litter, waiting for someone to choose him.

While we understand that people often try their best to find homes for abandoned kittens, true rescue means more than just rehoming. It means ensuring that every adopter is vetted and that kittens aren’t placed until they are spayed, neutered, and vaccinated—breaking the cycle of unwanted litters that flood our community each day.

Thankfully, Frodo’s story took a brighter turn. Today, at nine years old, he’s thriving, surrounded by love and security. We can only hope he has long forgotten that cold morning of abandonment and that his littermates were just as fortunate in finding a safe and forever home.

Every kitten deserves more than a chance—they deserve a safe and loving future.

Name: Merlin

Age: 15 years (as of May 2025)

Merlin’s journey to BHS wasn’t an easy one. At just eight months old, he arrived from PAGO with a grim prognosis—weak, suffering from giardia, and battling constant digestive distress that made adoption unlikely. But Merlin had a spirit too strong to fade.

With months of dedicated medical care, he defied the odds, growing stronger, gaining weight, and discovering his boundless energy. Once he found his footing, there was no stopping him—running from one room to the next, as if making up for lost time.

Now, at 15 years old, Merlin isn’t just a resident at BHS—he’s the heart of it. The undeniable "alpha," yet the gentlest soul, he welcomes every newcomer, provides comfort, and makes sure no cat goes unnoticed. There isn’t a bad bone in his body, only kindness and an unwavering sense of duty to his feline family.

Though age has slowed him down to a well-paced jog, one thing hasn’t changed—Merlin still doesn’t miss a meal or a chance to check on those who need him. He’s more than a survivor; he’s the keeper of warmth, the steady presence that turns a shelter into a home.

Name: Pippin

Age: 9 years (as of May 2025)

Tiny, vulnerable, and all alone—Pippin was just six weeks old when he was found wandering near a pond in Ft. Lauderdale, desperately in need of safety. Fortunately, a former student spotted him and knew he couldn’t be left to fend for himself.

After a vet checkup confirmed he was healthy, the next challenge arose—it was the height of summer, shelters were overflowing, and options were limited. But fate had its own plans. Through a series of twists and turns, Pippin found his way to us, and looking back, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, nine years later, that once-tiny bundle of energy has blossomed into a striking, confident tuxedo cat, full of personality and charm. He didn’t just find safety—he found a home, and we couldn’t be happier that he stayed.