By Lisa Stukel, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Brenda Weinstein, along with Co-Founder Claudia Bruno, have rescued 125 abandoned and neglected cats since the fall of 2009, after starting the Calliope Rescue Organization. Calliope Rescue is a nonprofit, all volunteer, no-kill, shelter that operates through a network of foster homes to save, rehabilitate and adopt abandoned, neglected and homeless animals.
Weinstein networks with other local rescue organizations and has helped countless other animals find foster homes.
“We take in a wide variety of cats,” Weinstein said. “Our intakes include bottle babies – a specialty of ours – senior cats, moms with kittens, and cats with a myriad of preexisting medical conditions.”
Extra care is provided to each and every animal that is rescued including food and medical care, no matter how expensive.
“We work closely with local veterinarians to provide the utmost medical care,” Weinstein said. “We provide ultrasounds, dental care, and even EKG's if necessary. We provide a warm and loving environment for the animals to rehabilitate and find adoptive families.”
Weinstein's devotion to animals began when she was young, taking care of a slew of animals in her childhood home.
“My dad wanted to be a veterinarian, so I grew up with cats, dogs, birds and rabbits,” she said.
Weinstein began volunteering at animal rescue shelters in the 90's, and in 2002, she became a manager at the Gifford Cat Shelter in Brighton, where she met future business partner and artist, Claudia Bruno. The two decided to form their own, small, nonprofit organization to help find adoptive homes for animals.
“We are licensed and approved by the USDA, and are able to rescue cats and dogs,” Weinstein said. “We network with other shelters and hold discussion groups online to provide advice on animal behavior or cats in need of financial services. Our hope is to find additional foster homes, there are so many animals in need!”
Funding for Calliope is provided by donations from the general public and corporate sponsors. In addition to donations, funds are collected through the purchase of handcrafted items for people and pets, via their online store www.callioperescuestore.esty.com.
Bruno is a “Steampunk” designer and sells jewelry and other artwork all over the world. She designs and creates handcrafted cards of animals, books, pillows and hand-sewn catnip pouches sold at the store.
“We have a team of artists that have raised funds for the rescue,” Bruno said. “We have a huge network of artists called the “esty team” who are dedicated to raising funds for the rescue of animals.”
Anyone interested in learning about fostering can visit their website www.callioperescue.org.
(Photos/Lisa Stukel)
