Chris Arsenault had a tragic accident a few years ago when his 24-year-old son Eric was killed in a car accident. The man told the Independent that his life had stopped and lost meaning.
But help came from where Chris never expected it. At the time, the man was working as a conductor on a train and one day accidentally saw three dozen abandoned little kittens on the tracks. Chris realized that if he did not pick up the kittens, they would die, so he sheltered them under his roof.
The man realized that caring for cats was what he wanted to do now and started taking in more animals.
In 2006, Chris founded the Happy Cat Sanctuary, which already has 300 animals. He transformed his house to make it a safe, comfortable home for all of them. The cats have everything they need, including hammocks and heated seats. Chris has kept only a small room for himself where he sleeps.
Chris Arsenault has found solace in caring for the cats he rescued from certain death, and, in turn, they have given him a newfound purpose and joy. He hopes his story will inspire others to open their hearts and homes to abandoned animals who need love and care.
Currently, Chris is focused on the animal shelter. His day begins at seven in the morning; he gets up and takes care of the cats, changing their litter boxes and cleaning their area. Volunteers come to help him take care of the animals, and some even sponsor the shelter partially.
In total, Chris spends about $101,000 a year on the shelter. Of that amount, $80,000 is spent on food, and $20,000 is spent on medicine and trips to the vet.
Even with volunteers, it is challenging to care for such a massive number of cats. Chris admits that by the end of the day, he is so exhausted that he can barely stand up. But this does not bother him because he gets a total return for his work in satisfaction. Whenever he sees a rescued cat happy and healthy, it warms his heart.
“It’s not hard for me to take care of them. You can do it all if you love something and cope with everything. And I love what I do.” — Chris Arsenault.
Through his dedication to the cats, Chris found purpose and solace in a time of pain. He hopes his story will inspire others to open their homes and hearts to abandoned animals who need love and care. For him, it’s not just about rescuing cats but also about helping people.
Chris is determined to ensure no cat gets left behind, and his kindhearted mission will continue for as long as he can care for them. He wants to ensure that every one of his cats has a safe place to call home.
Chris Arsenault’s story highlights the power of kindness, compassion, and resilience in the face of tragedy. His remarkable journey shows us the beauty that can come from helping those in need. He has taken a heartbreaking experience and turned it into something that brings joy to hundreds of needy cats. His courage, commitment, and compassion are an inspiration to us all.
