December 29, 2019

CatCon Heroes of 2019

Lil BUB, Space Cat and Advocate

A true friend to all and magical force for good, Lil BUB crossed the Rainbow Bridge on December 1st of this year, but her impact on the lives of animals in need carries on. In her eight years on this planet she brought joy, science, and magic to the masses and helped raise over $700,000 for animals in need. She and her Dude joined us at CatCon for a number of years, where she met her fans and participated in seminars including They Put the Special in Special Needs. Her little 3.5 lb presence will be sorely missed, and her big eyed bub-beauty was unparalleled in the annals of kitty cuteness. Her message of positivity and perseverance touched people all over the world, and her legacy shall carry on with her Big Fund, as well as commemorative items that help special needs pets. Good job, BUB.

Tara Kay, Founder of the Odd Cat Sanctuary

An animal lover her entire life, Tara Kay founded The Odd Cat Sanctuary in Salem, Massachusetts to help odd cats who have no place to turn – regardless of whether they have medical illnesses, behavioral issues, are physically challenged, are abandoned, or are seniors. Tara and her group of volunteers believe that all cats deserve love, attention, and medical care, first with a caring foster, and then with placement in a loving forever home. Formerly an emergency veterinary technician, Tara Kay started the rescue in 2015, and she has dedicated her life to rescuing any cat that needs her help. She is meowmy to one of her foster fails, Memphis the 2 Nosed Cat. Odd Cat Sanctuary has saved over 3,000 cats to date, and currently has 65 cats in rescue and foster homes. Odd Cat was one of CatCon’s five charity beneficiaries of 2019.

Sir Thomas Trueheart, Feline Advocate

We lost this sweet kitty boy in November of this year, and in his short time on earth, he achieved so so much. The victim of horrific abuse, he rose above his wounds to become an advocate for those with no voice. With Tommy’s Cruelty-free Thursday, he spoke out against bullying, and offered support to special needs pets, as well as educated humans about his ongoing battle with FIV, and made the world a better place. He shared his world with us, his love and affection for his lady love, Daisy, and his meowmy, Michele. His forever home, Milo’s Sanctuary continues their good work in honor of Tommy and his new friend, Wizard, who will continue to carry on Tommy’s message of hope and kindness to humans around the globe.

Sterling “Trap King” Davis, TNR Advocate

“I was born to be a voice for the voiceless,” says Sterling. His mission to humanely address the problem of overpopulation and disease in feral cat colonies started in Atlanta, GA but quickly grew thanks to his viral videos and Instagram posts. “I have a children’s book called “Marvin, TrapKing for a day” and the intent is to teach compassion to the young, as well as work towards a TNR badge for Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts. I think it’s good for young men growing up to see a man with a cat to break some of the stereotypes…especially in the black community.”

He continues to evangelize Trap-Neuter-Return, and is bringing awareness and diversity to animal rescue to communities across the country.

Ashley Morrison, “The Youngest Old Cat Lady”, Foster Mom

Ashley Morrison has been fostering animals in need for years. After losing her father, she started caring for her first “bottle babies,” kittens in need of round-the-clock care. Today she helps spread knowledge and happiness as the “Youngest Old Cat Lady”, sharing resources and spreading the word about the most vulnerable feline population.

Dr Marty Becker, Veterinarian, Professor and Advocate

There’s a reason why Dr. Marty Becker was dubbed “America’s Veterinarian” on “Good Morning America” for 17 years. A kind and gentle soul, Dr. Becker’s has dedicated his life to helping animals large and small, and furthering the human/animal bond. He is Currently a member of the Board of Directors of the American Humane Association as well as its Chief Veterinary Correspondent. In 2016 he founded Fear Free, an initiative that
teaches vets how to “take the ‘pet’ out of ‘petrified’” and get pets back for wellness visits by promoting a considerate approach and gentle control techniques used in calming environments.

With education, information and compassion, Dr. Becker and his team are creating opportunities for pet owners to create better lives for their four legged besties, alleviating fear, anxiety and stress and at the same time, inspiring and educating the people who care for them.

CatCon 2020 is taking place August 29th & 30th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. TICKETS ON SALE SPRING 2020.