The Accident

On October 13, we experienced a heartbreaking tragedy. While transporting 37 cats to a partner shelter in Vermont, just 90 minutes after departure, our van was involved in a severe multi-car accident on I-85 that resulted in multiple fatalities. Our entire organization was devastated, and our hearts immediately went out to the families affected.

Many were injured in the crash, including our driver. In the chaos of the wreckage, cages were crushed, and frightened cats began to flee. Thirty-two cats were initially accounted for, and our team immediately rushed to the scene to attempt to recover the five missing cats.

In those first hours, our team was performing triage—evaluating every cat, assessing injuries, and doing everything in our power to keep them safe. We asked for compassion, prayers, and strength - not just for our team and animals, but for the families who had lost loved ones. It was a tragic day that none of us will ever forget.

The Following Days

In the days that followed, our team worked tirelessly to recover and regroup. Our TransFur van, a vehicle that helps us save hundreds of animals each year, had been completely destroyed in the crash. The driver, thankfully, was released from the hospital with stitches and bruising. Even in crisis, he stayed with our cats and did all he could to help them.

Many of the cats had scattered in fear, but by the next day, we had recovered 35 of the 37. Two—Birch and Strawberry Shortcake—remain missing. Our staff and volunteers set up live traps and searched tirelessly in the surrounding area, determined to bring them home.

One tiny kitten, Morticia, was hospitalized at the University of Georgia with pulmonary contusions and needed oxygen to stay stable. The rest of the cats were being closely monitored and evaluated for injuries. It felt like a miracle that more weren’t lost, but we knew the recovery process had only just begun.

As we started to piece everything back together, we asked for help to replace what was lost—our transport van, supplies, and cages—all vital tools for saving lives. The outpouring of support that followed was incredible. If you would also like to make a contribution, you can do so here.

We are deeply grateful to the emergency responders and local authorities who acted quickly and selflessly to help: Holly Bennett Kash and the team at Jackson County Animal Control, Jackson County Fire Department, EMS, Commerce Police Department, Commerce Fire Department, Plainview Fire Department, and Tom Barrett of Love’s in Commerce, who allowed us to set up a triage station to care for the cats immediately after the crash.

Healing and Gratitude

Every message, every donation, every act of kindness from our community lifted us in ways we can’t fully express.

We were overjoyed to share that Morticia, the little kitten hospitalized after the accident, had been released and was back with her foster, being showered with love and cuddles. ♥️ The other kittens involved were stable and had returned to their foster homes to rest and heal.

Our hearts are full of gratitude for our first responders, staff, volunteers, and fosters—every person who showed up and helped without hesitation. Your quick action and love made all the difference.

Our search continues for Birch and Strawberry Shortcake, our two missing kittens. Each day without them weighs heavily on our hearts, but we remain hopeful and determined to bring them safely home. If you see them, please reach out to us immediately at 706-265-5637.

This tragedy has reminded us of both the fragility of life and the incredible strength of community. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us, for loving our animals, and for helping us continue the work we were born to do—saving lives, one paw at a time.