Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
GLENCOE - Six kittens were left trapped inside a taped-up box without food or air at the Strathroy Walmart parking lot on September 26. Severely dehydrated and weak, the kittens were rescued by a couple who found the box and contacted the Southwest Middlesex Animal Shelter in Glencoe. This incident highlights the increasing pressure the shelter is facing as more abandoned animals continue to arrive.
Jodi Bedore, who co-runs the shelter with her husband Jeoff, described the situation as one of the most challenging they have faced. “Yesterday, we had four orphaned, two-day-old kittens dropped off because there was no mom, so we’re bottle-feeding them,” she explained during our interview. She then highlighted the case of the six kittens abandoned at the Walmart parking lot in Strathroy, which added to the growing number of animals they have been caring for. Since obtaining their licence on May 30 of this year, the number of surrenders has escalated quickly. “It started with just a few cats, and now we have so many more,” Jodi noted.
The Southwest Middlesex Animal Shelter operates on donations and fundraising efforts, which are essential to cover the costs of caring for the many animals they take in. This growing financial burden has pushed the Bedores to find creative ways to sustain the shelter while meeting the increasing demand. “Everything costs money, and it takes time,” Jodi explained. Their current fundraising goal of $25,000, as part of their ongoing GoFundMe campaign, is crucial to support veterinary care, food, and other necessities, especially as the colder months approach and the needs of the animals become more urgent.
The shelter is addressing the growing issue of stray and barn cats multiplying in rural areas. While these cats help control mouse problems, their numbers are rapidly increasing, creating challenges in managing the proliferation of cats. This overpopulation leads to more animals being abandoned or left without proper care, as seen in cases like the Walmart incident.
When asked about the adoption process for the kittens, Jodi stressed that it’s not about finding the quickest home but the right home. “I definitely want the right family for these guys, and not just a ‘Christmas kitty’ or someone who has the most money. There is an adoption process with any of our applications.” Jeoff elaborated that the shelter works closely with local Pet Valu stores in Strathroy and Komoka, where prospective adopters are assessed by the staff before their applications are sent to Jodi for final approval. “We make sure that they are not going to be outdoor cats and that they are in suitable homes,” Jodi emphasized. All animals are vaccinated and spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter, ensuring they are ready for a healthy transition to a new home.
In addition to the kittens from Walmart, the shelter is currently caring for around 72 cats, including newborns that require bottle-feeding and others with medical needs. “We have had some come with respiratory issues, so we have them medicated,” Jodi noted.
The Bedores are determined to continue their work, but they acknowledge the challenges. “We wish we could take on more,” Jodi said. With winter looming and the influx of animals showing no signs of slowing, the family is working tirelessly to expand the shelter’s capacity. They have even enlisted the help of local fabricators and electricians to build proper housing for the cats in their care, but progress is slow.
For anyone who wants to help, the shelter welcomes donations of food, cat litter, construction materials, and services such as electrical work. Monetary donations can be sent directly to their email (swmanimalshelter@gmail.com), which are essential to cover vet bills and ensuring the animals receive the care they need.
As Jodi poignantly summed up, “It’s not about the money. It’s about giving these animals a chance at a better life.” The Bedore family’s dedication shows that, despite the challenges, there is still hope in the kindness and generosity of others.
