Fourteen adored cats share their lives with In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner, Doll Stanley. For 32 years in Mississippi, Doll has helped rescue thousands of animals — and a lucky few found their forever refuge with her.

Kitty Haven is the cozy corner of Doll’s home designed just for these resilient felines. Rescued at different times from cornfields, alleyways, engine blocks, and even the county dump, they now lounge in a spacious room with climbing spots and hideaways, and also have the constant ability to pad out to a breezy, escape-proof catio. There’s a bench with a fold-down table for snack time, sunny ledges for afternoon naps, and toys that seem to multiply overnight.

Some of their stories feel like destiny. Katie and her brother, Christopher, were discovered on a late-night search for an injured dog in miles of tall cornfields. Two boys spotted the dog, and their dad called the Tallahatchie County Sheriff’s Department. The call reached Doll — the county’s go-to for animal protection for more than three decades. That same spirit of community care brought the kittens to safety.

Cole’s story still brings tears to the eyes. He was a tiny black fluffball at a plant full of hazards. An employee nearly clipped him with a forklift, leapt down in tears, and begged for help. Cole needed a home immediately. A friend connected Doll, and the rest is purr-filled history. Cole chirps like a little bird when he “talks,” and he is as loving as he sounds.

Others arrived by twist and chance: Harry from a cotton field; Melanie from the warm cradle of an SUV motor; Iris and Macey from a vacant building by an alley; Elvira from the county dump; Nigel, Simon, and Stewart were sickly kittens brought to Doll’s door, They are mischievous to their core; Lila from a culvert; and Lillian, once feral, who chose trust at last. Little Mandy makes 14. Each carries a past, and each now carries joy.

Doll works with Hope Animal Sanctuary and regional rescue organizations. She welcomes dogs who prefer canine companions over close human cuddles. Those rescued by Doll who are not adopted settle into their thoughtfully designed dog room with access to a huge yard with sunning steps and decks where they can feel secure, heal, and bloom. Three chihuahuas with their own little issues reside with Doll in the other area of her happy home.

There is never a dull moment in Stanley’s world, only softer landings, fuller food bowls, and a chorus of contented purrs. To everyone who helps make rescues like these possible, thank you. Your support, including signing and sharing our alerts, changes lives every day.