In 2006, following the tragic death of his 24-year-old son Eric in a motorcycle accident, Chris discovered a colony of 30 sick kittens near train tracks. He rescued them, nursed them back to health, and found solace in caring for these animals during his grief. This pivotal moment inspired him to dedicate his life to rescuing cats, leading to the creation of the Happy Cat Sanctuary.
The sanctuary became a haven for cats with no other options. Over the years, Chris took in cats that had been victims of hoarding situations, shot at or abused, targeted by gangs for use as bait in dogfighting rings, suffering from blindness or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV,) or neglected or abandoned by their owners.
https://www.happycatsanctuary.com/about_us
Chris ensured all cats were spayed/neutered, provided with medical care, and given a safe environment to heal and thrive. He even built heated perches, hammocks, and cozy shelters for them to enjoy.
Chris lived in an 8x10-foot bedroom within the sanctuary, with only a mini-fridge and microwave for himself. Every dollar he earned or raised went toward the care of the cats. His selflessness was widely recognized by friends and volunteers, who described him as a humanitarian who gave everything to ensure the well-being of animals.
Chris was in the process of relocating the sanctuary to a 30-acre property upstate, intending to create one of the best cat sanctuaries in the country. Tragically, he passed away before realizing this dream.
During the fire that claimed his life, Chris repeatedly ran into the burning building to rescue as many cats as possible. His actions saved dozens of lives but ultimately cost him his own. Volunteers and rescuers have since stepped in to continue his mission by caring for the surviving cats.
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