After forming Calla's Critter Rescue in May of 2021, Twin Valley High School alumna Calla Gibson of Elverson has continued her work to save unwanted cats and kittens, placing them in foster care until their forever homes can be found.

"In 2023, we hit over 100 adoptions," Calla reported. "We've come a long way. We are really getting ourselves out there."

Calla is also the head kennel manager and adoption manager at Diane's Pet Supplies and Adoption Center in Pottstown. She is assisted in the rescue by her mom, Stephanie Gibson, who is a pet groomer, veterinary technician and foster.

Calla noted that the number of cats and kittens that have been surrendered has increased post-pandemic. "It's a slow adoption time for cats. I have been talking to all of my rescue partners for the past six months, and there are not as many adoptions as last year at this time," she stated. "It may be because everyone is going back to work. When everyone was at home they adopted animals, and many of them are relinquishing them."

She noted that the rescue recently completed a TNVR - trap, neuter, vaccinate, release - project. "We successfully spayed/neutered, vaccinated, vetted, ear tipped and released 27 cats from Sunny High Farm in Pottstown, with the help of Forgotten Cats and Mac's Fund," said Calla. "We were offered a grant for the project."

Additional fosters and adopters are needed. "We currently have about 45 young cats and adults available for adoption," Calla stated. "We are trying to limit taking in (cats) right now so we can get some more (adopted). I'm not into overcrowding. It's not good for the cats or healthy for them. We can't take more in if some don't get adopted."

Volunteers are also needed to help care for the cats and kittens, as well as to transport them to spaying or neutering appointments. "We are heavily pursuing more consistent volunteers - maybe even some students looking for animal experience," said Calla. "This would be an awesome opportunity for some kids to learn how we do things on the veterinary/rescue side if this is something they are interested in pursuing."

Calla credits the success of the rescue to the volunteers and fosters. "I would not be able to do it without my right hand man, Steve Brown," said Calla, noting Brown is also a foster. "I focus on funding and taking care of the cats. He processes all of the applications, and my mom takes the sick cases on. They go to quarantine at her home, and then we move them into other foster homes."

All the cats or kittens that are adopted from the rescue are vaccinated and spayed or neutered. In addition, Calla stays in contact with the adoptive families. "We pride ourselves on being there for the adopters for the rest of the cat's life," she said. "If the (pet owner) has an issue, they need to (contact) us. We truly care about these cats and where they go. We want pictures and updates. We are here to make everything easier for the cats and the owners."

Donations of food, cat litter and monetary contributions are also being accepted. For more information about Calla's Critter Rescue, to view photos of adoptable cats and kittens or to make a donation, visit http://www.callascritterrescue.com or http://www.facebook.com/callascritterrescue. To contact Calla directly, send a message on the Facebook page or email callascritterrescue@gmail.com.