Shelter for those who only have the street - Cat shelter in Sabugal

We are Reymar and Ana, from the Association for Happy Paws. In Sabugal, there is no shelter for stray cats. With your support, we will build a cattery – a home where each cat will have dignity, affection, and a second chance. Help us!

A Shelter with a Future: For the Cats of Sabugal

Imagine a place where the only thing separating an animal from safety is the lack of a roof over its head. The municipality of Sabugal, a land of stunning landscapes and welcoming people, faces a harsh reality: there is no public or private infrastructure to shelter abandoned cats, leaving the felines to fend for themselves, subject to all kinds of dangers.

It's not just a matter of abandonment. It's a matter of life or death. With the growing wave of fires ravaging the countryside, the situation becomes even more dramatic. We have all seen the news and the suffering of the animals, who are often only saved by a miracle. For a cat, alone and without shelter, a fire is almost always a death sentence.

Tired of seeing this reality, we decided to act. Our goal is to build the first cat shelter in Sabugal – not one, but two. Why two? Because we believe in a responsible and informed approach. One shelter will be for healthy cats or those with non-contagious diseases. The other will be a safe and dedicated space for cats that test positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV is a common disease in stray cat populations, and the correct management of these animals is essential to prevent the spread of the disease. Separating seropositive cats is not a punishment, it is an act of responsibility and care. It allows these animals, often condemned to ostracism, to live with dignity, comfort and proper care, while protecting the health of the others.

filho de gata prenha de rua

But our mission goes further. Sabugal is a high-risk fire zone. Therefore, our project doesn't stop at the walls. We will equip both catteries with a fire detection and fighting system and an effective evacuation plan. In case of an emergency, the animals will have a real chance of survival. Complementing the space, each cattery will have comfortable feeders, waterers, and beds, guaranteeing the basic well-being to which all living beings are entitled.

This project is ambitious and has a high cost. We need to raise funds for the acquisition and construction of the two cat enclosures, complete installation of fire safety and evacuation systems, assembly of all feeders, waterers and beds, and installation and legalization costs. We do not have the support of large institutions for this structure. This campaign is our cry for help. We don't just want you to know about our project; we need it to become a reality, and that will only be possible with your help.

Every euro donated is a brick in this project. It's a step towards ensuring that, in Sabugal, no cat has to sleep on the street or flee from the flames. It's the certainty that we are building a future where compassion for animals is a priority.

Join us. Become a sponsor of this cause. Don't let the cats of Sabugal be silenced. Support this campaign, share it with your family and friends. Your solidarity is the only thing we need to turn this dream into a shelter.

Donate now and be part of this story of hope. Together, we can save lives.

About the author

We are the Association for Happy Paws, but more than just a name, we are a tight hug given to those who need it most and have no voice to ask for it. We were born from the meeting of two hearts that always beat stronger for every tired gaze, for every trembling paw, for every animal life that crossed our path. I am Ana, and by my side is Reymar. Together, we transformed our passion into a mission and our home into a haven for dozens of paws who no longer knew what it was like to feel safe.

This association is not just our project; it's an extension of ourselves. It's the smile that appears on our faces when we see a rescued animal taking its first confident steps. It's the tear held back when a distrustful look transforms into a look of gratitude. It's the certainty that, even on the hardest days, it's worth fighting for those who depend on us. And believe me, we have fought. Day after day, night after night, with the strength of those who know that love never tires and that hope is the only leash we want to wear.

Yes, we have experience. Not in boardrooms, but on the streets, in kennels, in veterinary emergencies, and especially on the ground, where our four-legged friends teach us daily the true meaning of resilience. We have rescued, treated, neutered, fed, and found homes for dozens of animals. We have learned from each of them that time heals, that affection regenerates, and that patience is the greatest tool of a protector. But we have also learned that we cannot do it alone. We need you.

As you read these words, you might think you're just another person seeing this request. But, for us, you are the missing link in this chain. You are the helping hand that can make the difference between another day of struggle and a day of victory. Every share, every contribution, every word of encouragement is a paw that helps us walk further. And we want to walk. We want to grow, expand our space, guarantee dignified veterinary treatments and, above all, continue to say "yes" to every new life that knocks on our door.

We are Ana and Reymar, two ordinary people with an extraordinary dream. We don't have magic wands, but we have heart, determination, and an unconditional love that drives us to be better every day. We invite you to be a part of this story. Because, ultimately, there are no happy paws without generous hearts like yours. And together, we want to write a happy ending for each of them.

Thank you for existing. Thank you for listening to us. And, if you allow it, thank you for walking with us.

With all my love,
Ana and Reymar - Association for Happy Paws

Budget and due dates

1. GATIS (2 units)

• 2 modular removable catteries: €1,500 each = €3,000

• Labor for installation: €450

• Note: We opted for removable structures because the land was granted to us temporarily. This solution allows us to dismantle and transport the cattery to a future plot of land of our own, once we are able to purchase it.

Subtotal Gatis: €3,450

SCHEDULED TIMELINE

Note: The deadline may be subject to minor adjustments depending on weather conditions and supplier availability, but we commit to completing the work within a maximum of 2 months after financing is secured.

2. FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION SYSTEM

Given that Sabugal is a high-risk area for wildfires, the safety of animals is an absolute priority. Portuguese legislation requires fuel management strips of 50 meters around buildings in forested areas, and we are strictly complying with all regulations.

Subtotal for Fire System: €665

3. Indoor Equipment for Cats

Subtotal for Interior Equipment: €270

4. Unforeseen Events and Fees

• Margin for unforeseen expenses (5%): €200

TOTAL PROJECT COST: €4,635

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