The following story is featured in the Alley Cat Action® 2026 Fall Newsletter. Read the full newsletter edition here.
John chose Alley Cat Allies in his estate plans for one simple but profound reason: he truly loved animals. Inspired by a neighbor, he fed and protected several community cats in their neighborhood for decades. In John’s memory, his wife Deb, wrote to us about their 42 years together, John’s compassion and dedication, and the cats who touched their hearts.
“Interestingly enough, John thought for years that he was allergic to cats! Then 30 years ago, we had a stray show up and get attached to John,” said Deb. “25 years ago, another stray showed up. John, with his love of Warner Brothers cartoons, named her Puddy Cat…Pud lived with us for 16½ years.”
Besides being a dedicated cat advocate, Deb says John was a social studies teacher whose students loved him dearly (even for his never-ending dad jokes), a “consummate extrovert,” and a very “permissive cat daddy.”
John leaves behind their indoor-outdoor cat, Gray, and four community cats named Miss Kitty, Slyvestra, Mini, and Loper. And leaving Alley Cat Allies in his will means his legacy will protect so many more cats and kittens worldwide.
“I am grateful that organizations like Alley Cat Allies exist,” Deb agreed, voicing her support for TNR and its lifesaving impact.
Learn how you can give to Alley Cat Allies today at alleycat.org/Donate.
To make the greatest lifesaving impact for cats, consider a bequest or other planned gift at alleycat.org/PlannedGiving or scan the QR code. (CFC #10964) (EIN #52-1742079) For more information, call 866-309-6207.