Seven Persian cats named Cleopatra, Goldfinger, Leo, Midnight, Napoleon, Snowball, and Squeaky, previously residing in a $2.5 million mansion in South Tampa, Florida, are on the lookout for loving homes. The cats are beneficiaries of a generous inheritance left by their late owner, Nancy Sauer, who passed away last November, as reported by NBC affiliate WFLA-TV and the Tampa Bay Times.
Sauer, whose cats were her family following the loss of her husband and son, ensured a sizable portion of her estate was designated to the care and welfare of her feline companions. This provision, totaling approximately $300,000, was intended to cover all future vet bills, food expenses, and grooming costs, ensuring the cats’ needs would be met without financial burden for future owners.
A Neighborly Reflection on Sauer
“She was a lot of fun, and we miss her in the neighborhood,” Leslie Farrell, a 10-year neighbor of Sauer, stated. “I really enjoyed just chatting with her.” Farrell’s relief at the cats’ future well-being echoes the sentiment shared by many in the community who were touched by Sauer’s care and loved for her pets. “What she really wanted was for them to be cared for,” Farrell shared.
The Humane Society Steps In
After Sauer’s death, the cats were initially looked after in their opulent home. However, it was soon realized that the assigned caregivers were not meeting the expectations set by Sauer’s estate. Hence, the executor of her estate, a close friend of Sauer, contacted the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
“The executor of her estate called us to ask as experts what we think of them because they were basically living in dog cages at the house,” CEO Sherry Silk explained. It was decided to transition the cats to the care of the Humane Society, where they have been residing for the past month.
Adoption Process Ensures Sauer’s Wishes Are Honored
New prospective owners, heavily vetted by the Humane Society, will initially cover vet bills, food expenses, and grooming costs upfront. However, Sauer’s provision allows these owners to be reimbursed by presenting receipts for any cat-related expenses to the Humane Society, alleviating financial burdens.
Sherry Silk adds, “We’re going to take care of them because of Nancy’s request, which is great. It’s a testament to her love for these cats. Like a lot of people, cats and dogs are their four-legged family members.”
Progress in Adoption
Despite the loss of their previous owner, the cats’ transition to their new life has already begun. With dozens of inquiries received from potential owners, one of them, Snowball, who has a special heart condition, has found a new home with a local veterinarian.
The Humane Society also received a donation from Sauer’s estate, the amount of which is still undisclosed. Sauer’s heartfelt legacy, ensuring her beloved cats’ well-being, stands as a touching testament to the bond between humans and their pets.
The Humane Society is working diligently to ensure that all seven cats are settled into caring homes that can offer the kind of love and care Sauer had always provided. Silk noted, “We know the Humane Society will vet very carefully who gets them, and I think she’d be happy about that.” This is a crucial part of honoring Sauer’s final wishes and ensuring her beloved cats find their “fur-ever” homes.
A Testament to Unconditional Love
Nancy Sauer’s devotion to her feline family is a heartening example of the depth of affection that can exist between humans and their pets. Not only did she provide for them during her lifetime, but she also made thoughtful arrangements to ensure their comfort and care after her passing. Sauer’s love for her cats has extended beyond her lifetime, setting a precedent for how pet owners can ensure the well-being of their pets in unforeseen circumstances.
Future Ahead for the Furry Family
While they may have lost their primary caretaker, Sauer’s cats have not been left without a family. The Humane Society, the executor of Sauer’s estate, and the community at large have all come together to make sure that these cats are well cared for. There is widespread hope that soon each of the seven cats will find a home where they are loved just as they were in Sauer’s million-dollar home.
Every application for adoption is a promise that Sauer’s love and compassion for her pets will live on. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is doing everything in its power to ensure these cats continue to live the comfortable lives they are accustomed to. It is their goal that the cats not only find new homes but also continue to feel the love and warmth that Sauer always offered them.
Creating A Furry Legacy
As the cats find new homes and their stories unfold, they leave behind a legacy of their late owner’s boundless love and meticulous planning for their futures. This love story between a woman and her cats has already inspired many in the community and beyond to reflect on the relationships they share with their own pets.
In the end, Nancy Sauer’s love and dedication to her pets extend far beyond her lifetime, forever reminding us of the powerful bond between humans and their pets. Her foresight and compassion have not only secured a promising future for her cherished cats, but also set an inspiring example for pet owners everywhere.
