Andrew's Story
Every sanctuary begins with one animal. Ours began with Andrew.
Before he had a sanctuary named after him, Andrew was a street cat in Winter Garden. He found his way to Ron Mueller's home and stayed, and that was that. Ron started taking him around town on a leash, usually in his little round sunglasses, and people noticed. Over the years he became something of a local celebrity, and he put the attention to good use as an ambassador for the animals who need help most.
Andrew's Paws for Hope carries his name and his spirit. The idea is simple: give cats without a home the same loving, forever home that Andrew had. Most residents were ferals or strays rescued straight off the street. Others were surrendered when an owner passed away, a household changed, or a family couldn't afford the vet anymore. However they got here, the promise is the same. You are safe, you are loved, and you will never be at risk again.
Caring for them is daily, hands-on work. Some residents are kittens, many are seniors, and several live with chronic conditions like kidney disease, which means special diets, medications, and a lot of monitoring. Veterinary care comes from Graceful Paws Pet Clinic here in Winter Garden, under the ongoing care of Dr. Lynette Reyes and Dr. Brittany Sanchez. Nobody at the sanctuary draws a paycheck. The work gets done by volunteers like Tina Butler and Paige Butler, student volunteers from West Orange High School, and the donors who keep the food bowls full.
Every bowl filled here is filled in his honor.
What we do in his name
Sanctuary, first
A forever home for cats with nowhere else to go. Most residents live out their whole lives here, in the sun.
Adoption, when it's right
When a cat and a family are a true match, we say a happy goodbye. It's rare, and it's wonderful. Adoption application (PDF) →
Safe Harbor
Temporary housing for cats whose people face a medical emergency or domestic violence, so keeping a cat safe never means giving it up. How it works →