Founded in 2009, PetitsPawz is a Montreal-area cat rescue that also helps dogs in emergency situations. Susan Mackasey, the president and founder says her organization has helped over 400 cats and about 15 dogs all through a network of foster homes.

When did you make animal rescue a part of your life? And how did your adventure in animal rescue begin?

I have always loved animals, but my specific experience in rescue began about six years ago. My 17-year-old cat snuck out of the house. She was nearly deaf, could not see very well and was on thyroid medication. I was absolutely beside myself and put over 3000 flyers in individual mailboxes. Patricia Paulozzi volunteered to help when she saw the flyer and found my cat seven nights later. Patricia and I became best of friends. She worked as a volunteer for another rescue organization at the time (PetitsPawz was not founded then), and I decided to foster, and held a fundraiser to show my gratitude. From that point, I was dedicated to helping animals and in 2009 founded PetitsPawz.

What rescue experience moved or inspired you the most?

There are several. One is the story of Angel. Angel was a cat that had been thrown off a balcony at the beginning of winter. She was out in frigid temperatures for several months and had suffered brain damage and was not able to walk properly. We tried to trap her with a humane animal trap but she was too terrified to go in. Finally, we had a special trap built and caught her on the first attempt. She is now safe and loved in a permanent home. She has epilepsy and still cannot walk that well, but she has a great quality of life where she plays and receives lots of affection.

Another one that moves me is the story of Bailey. Two years ago, several amazing women were able to save Bailey from a life of abuse and living on the streets all year round. PetitsPawz first became involved when two very special women, including Barbara Berube, discovered an ill and emaciated dog living on the street. It was soon discovered that he was abused, malnourished and needed urgent help. As soon as Bailey was caught he was taken to our vet, where he stayed for several weeks. In the meantime, we worked tirelessly to try to find a foster family for him. In the end, we never needed a foster family as the amazing Mylène Du Paul Marboeuf and her wonderful partner Danny Ravary fell in love and adopted him!