Come one, come all

St. James-Assiniboia

Tails of Freedom Rescue has a big reason to celebrate — and on Sept. 6, it’s inviting the public to join in on the fun.

That date will mark the grand opening of the non-profit animal rescue’s new location, based out of 16-1421 St. James St., whcih was previously owned by Craig Street Cats. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., animal lovers are welcome to enjoy an outdoor barbecue, bake sale, dog and cat clothing sale, temporary tattoo station, and 20 adoptable animals — at least — including Lexy, a husky looking for a home.

As well, there will be opportunity to take part in a silent auction, 50/50, and cat food drive — which will count as an entry into a prize draw — and the first 50 people to arrive will receive a pet-themed goodie bag.

The event will serve as an opening event for the new adoption centre — the first TFR has opened since its founding in March 2019 — as well as a kick-off for getting things moving right away.

Tails of Freedom is largely foster-based and focuses on cats and small breed dogs. Its work is primarily well-known due to its partnership with Cleocatra Cafe, which houses and advertises cats TFR remains financially responsible for until adoption. It remains the only rescue in the city that will not put a cat up for adoption until it’s fixed, as the initial goal was, and remains, to mitigate the overpopulation of stray cats in Winnipeg. Currently, the organization is responsible for over 250 animals.

“Spay and neuter is a massive part of our organization,” said Kristen Perich, one of six directors at the rescue. “We take that very seriously.”

TFR works will friendly, semi-feral, and feral cats, as well as people who help take care of cat colonies.

“It doesn’t just stop at, if you’re not getting adopted, you’re not getting help,” said Chelsey Hayden, also a director. “We’re always around.”

The new adoption centre will house 50 cats and directors will also aim to make it a place that gives back to everyone involved: supporters, volunteers, and the animals themselves.

“People support us, so we want to support them too,” Hayden said, noting that products from local businesses will also be for sale on-site. “So when people come in, we want it to be fun and exciting.”

“The team is so bubbly and so happy,” Hayden added. “This is a new chapter for us … having an environment where everyone feels good.”

As well, TFR wants to stray away from the “regular shelter” look. Already, the walls near the entrance are decorated with a colourful mural depicting smiling cartoon animals, and the cats will be spoiled with toys and interactive rooms promoting mental stimulation.

Once things are up and running, there are plans to host paint nights and other activities on-site, as well, to give people a chance to hang out with the cats and support a local initiative.

“Getting to this point now is a proud moment,” Perich said.

TFR is volunteer-run and has no paid staff. The rescue is funded entirely by donations, sponsors and fundraising. Those who want to keep up with the organization, as well as look at adoptables or potential fosters, can go to tailsoffreedomrescueinc.com