Pet Rescue Network

This Thursday 5/7/26 we celebrate Give Day STL 2026, a chance for caring individuals to support causes close to their hearts. PRN gratefully announces a generous benefactor has pledged to match donations up to $2000. Donate at https://www.givestlday.org/organization/petrescuenetworkstl

Today, we share the story of BJ, now Ben… once a young fellow fending for himself in a remote deeply wooded rural area. One crisp autumn day, he found his way to the secluded cabin of an elderly couple. Scrawny and timid, hunger had driven this lad to raid trash cans inside the garage, searching for sustenance. The owners could not turn a blind eye and thus provided a hearty meal and a warm soft spot sheltered from the cold and rain.

As time went on, Ben made it quite clear that he had unpacked his bags at the cabin, with no intention of moving on or returning to the woods. Attempts to find owners failed. Peeking in the windows or sitting on the porch railings, he seemed to announce, okay, so I’m here to stay. Braver and braver he became as his timidity melted away. He was soon permitting, even craving, affection from humans. Pet Rescue Network stepped up, providing neuter & vaccinations, testing, food, toys galore, and a host of amazing cat beds (of course Ben showed a strong preference for the empty Costco box as his bed of choice)

Ben LOVED the life of a foster cat, safely inside…purring loudly, making biscuits on this foster mom’s lap, zipping in cat tunnels, crazily swatting at dangly toys. Sadly, he had tested positive for FIV, but PRN remained certain a wonderful family could be found who would welcome this gentle soul into their lives.

And talk about happy endings!! After 6 months of being loved and cherished by his foster family, the perfect home was found! Ben is now the only feline “son” of a most remarkable lady, who has been an animal lover her entire life. Residing now in a lovely upscale urban apartment with a wall of windows, he can peer out upon the hustle & bustle of the city scene. He enjoys the fanciest gourmet foods, and snuggles nightly with his doting mom. From woodland waif to debonair city slicker, Ben is happier than one could ever imagine.

The support of donors like you allows PRN to help cats like Ben. Rural and urban areas alike deal with significant numbers of stray cats, many of who are definitely adoptable if fosters and rescue groups can garner resources. Donors allow us to address the needs of these cats who face life on their own, whether born in the wild, abandoned by previous owners, lost or separated by accident or intentionally

Early donations are now open at https://www.givestlday.org/organization/petrescuenetworkstl No donation is too small and EVERY donation deeply appreciated.