VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A local animal rescue is working to find homes for dozens of cats after the death of a longtime Volusia County cat advocate who dedicated years of her life to helping animals.
Candace Park recently died following a battle with breast cancer, leaving behind 55 cats in her Port Orange mobile home. Friends say Park was a well-known figure in the Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR, community and spent years helping stray and community cats throughout the area.
“She helped so many people and so many cats,” said Tonja Heer, founder and president of Furry Nation Salvation. “She had a very difficult time letting go of the cats she was helping.”
According to Heer, the situation has created an enormous challenge for volunteers now caring for the animals. Most of the cats are friendly, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. Rescue workers are actively trying to place those cats in permanent homes.
For cats that are feral or less social, Heer said arrangements have been made with a cat sanctuary in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Volunteers plan to transport those animals more than 1,800 miles to safety in a rented cargo van later this month.
Heer said beyond helping the cats, she hopes Park’s story raises awareness about resources available to pet owners and animal caregivers who may need assistance before situations become overwhelming.
Furry Nation Salvation offers a free pet rehoming assistance program for fixed animals, and Volusia County residents also have access to no-cost Trap-Neuter-Return services, according to the organization.
“We want people to know there are organizations and volunteers willing to help,” Heer said.
The rescue is seeking adopters for the remaining cats and accepting donations to help cover transportation costs for the animals headed to Colorado.
Anyone interested in adopting, donating, or learning more can visit FurryNationSalvation.org.
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