Our Vision
About UsSaving Animals & Finding Homes
Our History
Tomodachi was our kitty from 1995 until he passed away too soon in 2000. He was undoubtedly the smartest, most athletic and most loving cat I have had the great fortune and blessing to have in my life.
Animals Helped
Rescue Partners
Dollars Raised
Spay/Neuter/Veterinary Expenses
What Drives Us
Our Mission
1
To reduce feral cat and dog populations in communities and overwhelmed shelters. We assist in catch, spay/neuter and release programs for feral cats and dogs. Ultimately our goal is to have a sanctuary where these animals can be adopted or live out their lives peacefully.
2
Provide financial assistance in medical procedures for animals where prognosis, quality of life and adoptability is good.
3
To work in conjunction with other local shelters and animal charities on homelessness and animal cruelty.
The Tomodachi Tale
Our Story
Early in our marriage my husband and I traveled quite a lot. We decided Jean Luc (our only kitty) was lonely and might appreciate a friend! My mother answered an add for Siamese kittens, and we agreed to fly the kitten in cargo from her home in Idaho through Salt Lake City to me in Kansas City! I think back now about how frightened he must have been flying in cargo and making a plane change too. I remember getting the carrier from the baggage handlers, opening the door to his crate to see amazing blue eyes looking right into mine. It was LOVE at first sight!
I had asked my dad how to say friend in Japanese, he said “tomodachi” or to be a bit less formal you can say “tomo”.
Jean Luc was having none of this friend, tomo or tomodachi nonsense. We quickly realized Jean Luc was one of those kitties that wanted to be the only cat! Thankfully, Tomo and Jean Luc were able to strike a peace treaty and tolerated one another. Every now and then we would come home to find the cats sleeping together, so we would immediately grab a camera for evidence that they were getting along!
Both Tomo and Jean Luc were a lesson about love. I miss them both.
Tomo did some of the funniest antics. He would bring his toys and put them in our luggage, when he saw us packing for a trip. At night he would take all the ornaments off the Christmas tree. Some of those ornaments we didn’t find until months later or not at all!
At one point we lived near a lake in a wooded area. Our neighbor was constantly putting screens, lattice, chicken wire and anything else he thought would keep the woodland creature off his porch. Every time the old guy finished his latest project we would see Tomo on his porch and one time even in his house looking out their bedroom window!
I’m ashamed to say this, but I lost Tomo to what everyone is convinced was coyotes. We had moved to Portland, Oregon and Tomo loved being outdoors there. What I was not aware of at the time, is that the place is teaming with coyotes. After Tomo went missing, my sister came and canvased the area many times. We decided to put signs up of Tomo with a huge reward promised all over Portland. I honestly thought I was going to lose my mind.
I was flooded with calls from people saying they had seen my cat in the picture. I drove all over Portland, and ended up taking two female cats home; because the people that responded to my sign didn’t want anything to do with the cat, and seemed to be more interested in the reward. Those two new characters, Catherine Zeta Jones and Audrey probably saved my sanity and slowly helped piece together a shattered heart. Once again, my cats taught me a lesson about love.
So, I am dedicating this foundation to Tomodachi, Jean Luc, Zeta, Audrey, and all the other wonderful cats in my life.
Founders
Tomodachi Animal Rescue was founded by
Susan and Robert Thompson
Robert Thompson
Co Founder
Susan Thompson
Co Founder