Cambria’s HART shelter marks 33rd anniversary with Valentine’s offer

This month, HART (Homeless Animal Rescue Team) of Cambria celebrates its 33rd anniversary. HART was founded to establish a program of trap/neuter/release of feral cats in Cambria, San Simeon and Harmony. In the early days of HART, volunteers “fostered” the tamer cats, then offered them for adoption to the public. The earliest adoption efforts took place on the sidewalks and in an empty lot in the West Village.

HART eventually moved into its old site at 1500 Main St.; then moved to our present location in the East Village at 2638 Main St. This past year, HART had 156 cats and kittens adopted. This was a big jump from 2014, which saw 93 adoptions, and 2013 with its total of 67 adoptions. Obviously, we at HART are thrilled with the success of our adoption program. We’ve come a long way since our early days of kittens in cages on a West Village sidewalk!

HART is still actively involved with the trap/neuter/release of feral cats, and we have become a no-kill shelter with a focus on cats. The shelter has as its mission a clear statement of the humane rescue, treatment and adoption of animals, and the reduction and stabilization of the local feral cat population.

In the past HART has rescued all types of companion animals and some injured wildlife. We do not surrender any animal to a “kill” facility. Our philosophy is to ensure quality of life to all living creatures, both feral and domestic.

Valentine’s special

We have set a high goal for adoptions in 2016, and are starting the year with a Valentine’s Day adoption special. Treat yourself or your Valentine to the sweetest gift ever! Adopt a cat or kitten from HART, where we know you can find “The One.” All kitties are available for adoption for only $14 throughout February. The adoption package includes spay/neuter, up-to-date vaccinations, microchip, bag of kibble, follow-up vet exam and HART ID tag.

If now is not a good time to adopt, consider purchasing a Guardian Angel Certificate to help save the life of a homeless animal. A Guardian Angel Certificate Valentine will give the recipient two special gifts: a lovely printed certificate stating that you have made a donation, in their name; and the good feeling of knowing that this gift will help save the life of a homeless animal.

HART Guardian Angel Certificates are available in any amount $5 or more. Contributions to the Guardian Angel Fund are restricted and go specifically to relieve an animal’s suffering, giving them the opportunity to live a full and pain-free life. What could be sweeter than that?

Please visit HART at 2638 Main St. in Cambria. The office is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 5 p.m. Or call 927-7377.

HART cannot survive without the wonderful support of the community. We are a nonprofit and dependent on donations and countless hours of volunteer work to continue our mission. To learn more about HART and ways you can help, visit our website at www.slohart.org or follow our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/slohartcambria.

Save the date: Wines, Pines & Felines Fundraiser — Tuesday, May 3, 2016 — Robin's Restaurant.

This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 10:37 AM with the headline "Cambria’s HART shelter marks 33rd anniversary with Valentine’s offer."