First Posted: 3/13/2014

ST. PAULS — A sanctuary in St. Pauls that works to save blind cats has been given a national award to continue its efforts.

Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary Inc was awarded $1,000 through the Animal Rescue Site 2014 Shelter Challenge operated by GreaterGood.org, a charitable organization devoted “to improving the health and well being of people, pets, and the planet.”

Liz Baker, executive director of GreaterGood.org., said the support of local voters helped the sanctuary, which is located off Great Marsh Church Road, win the grant.

“The Animal Rescue Site Shelter Challenge is an amazing way for shelters and rescue groups all over the world to energize their audiences and enlist support for local animals,” Baker said. “By enlisting fans as supporters and advocates, the shelters not only have the chance at win financial support, but they can raise awareness for their cause.”

GreaterGood’s Animal Rescue Site has funded more than $1.3 million in grants to shelters and rescue groups since the Shelter Challenge began in 2008. In 2014, The Animal Rescue Site plans to give more than $100,000 to shelters in need. The funds for the grants come from The Animal Rescue Site’s innovative Gifts that Give MoreTM program and sponsors.

Alana Miller, who runs the blind cat rescue, said the money will be used to help with vet bills.

“We are very grateful for the grant from GreaterGood and for every vote that we received,” Miller said. “We have a huge following on Facebook and that helped us gain the grant.”

Miller said that the Blind Cat Rescue was started in 2005 to provide for a safe place for blind cats that were deemed unadoptable by regular shelters.

“The cats were going to be killed just because they are blind,” she said.

The sanctuary is currently at capacity with 89 cats.

Miller did not want the sanctuary’s address published for fear that animals would be abandoned there.