CherrPurrs began in an unusual way.

While fostering with the Winnipeg Humane Society, we started to grow an online following on Instagram and Facebook, sharing cute photos and charming updates of our temporary residents. In connecting with more of the local community, we came to a realization—the shelters were filled to the brim, with nobody to help those who didn’t fit the intake criteria. Facebook followers started reaching out to us directly, asking if we could take their neighbour’s abandoned cat or some nearby pregnant strays. “The shelters are full,” they’d tell us. “Their hands are tied. They can’t help.”

So we made it work. We took them in and tried our best. Some we managed to squeeze into shelters, others we kept until adoption. The majority cost a lot—food, vaccines, surgeries… it sure was a shock after fostering with other rescues, where all expenses are covered! But when the world presents you with a problem and you have the ability to fix it, you don’t hesitate. You jump in and try your best.

We love fostering with the Winnipeg Humane Society and will continue to do so. However, it’s good to have a system in place for the cases that slip through the cracks. Our goal with CherrPurrs isn’t to compete with or replace large rescues, but rather to work in the sidelines, offering an alternative place for kitties to stay until the overwhelming shelter numbers decline.

Thank you for stopping by and supporting our mission. We couldn’t do it without you!

Sincerely,

Valerius & Ashton