Barn Cat Buddies, Inc.

Judy drive from an hour away to help me trap 3 feral cats to be re-homed. She also showed me how to do it myself so I could trap two kittens I needed to take to the shelter. She is a kind and compassionate woman who is awesome at helping cats! Highly recommended!

I had 3 kittens and their 2 adult parents that are feral. No agency wanted to help except Barn Cats. Judy came out and was BEYOND wonderful. It took almost 4 days to capture all of them. She was knowledgeable, patient and had a great understanding for how the feline brain works. When she brought them home after spay/neuter and vaccines she tolerated my frantic calls for days. The cats initially scattered but she kept telling me they would return and they all have. Could not be more pleased.

Two years ago I moved into a new house and found close to 20 stray and feral cats living in the woods next to me. I called everywhere for help for months and had no luck. A friend of my sons actually told me about barn cat buddies, I reached out right before thanksgiving and had a phone call the next day. Three days later Judy came out and started helping me catch all of the cats. She was kind, professional and an absolute delight to work with!. I am beyond grateful to have met Judy and this amazing organization! Everyone who works for and volunteers with barn cat buddies works incredibly hard and always does their best to be able to continue to offer these services.

Last year we contacted Barn Cat Buddies to help us with the feral cats around my house, Judy came out and trapped 13 cats, she got them fixed for us and solved our cat population problem, she was so nice and cared for the cats till she brought them back to be released, we are forever grateful to her for all that she did, I would highly recommend them

Came and rescued a lot of cats and kittens that were left to fend for themselves. Very sick ones.
They are so helpful and knowledgeable.
Compassionate and caring.
Awesome rescuers♥️

Judy, with Barn Cat Buddies, came out and spent almost an entire weekend at my house trapping wild cats. We got 18 of them spayed/ neutered and got them their shots.
She and the people who helped her that weekend are simply amazing! We had a serious problem going on in my neighborhood that she helped ensure wouldn't get even worse.
I am truly in her debt!

Overall, we were excited to work with barn cat buddies. We were quickly contacted, and the process was easy to initiate. In very short order, we had two kitties on our property.

That being said, that’s when things began to fall apart. There was very little discussion about what our needs were. We have a large property with several old barns that attract mice…. We needed working cats, not “pets”. We already have 3 cats, one of which is indoor/outdoor. I’m 100% sure that the first two random kitties were grabbed, with little understanding of their personality or needs. One of the cats is great. He’s doing exactly what we wanted. The other… is an indoor cat. He wants to be inside. He wants attention and affection. He’s skittish and perhaps a bit unsocialized, but he is most definitely NOT an outdoor working cat. He sits on our porch or outside of the barn where we set them up and cries incessantly. He’s desperate for affection and attention and does nothing in the way of working. He’s literally drawing coyotes and other predators into our property. So now we’re stuck with a cat who wants to be a pet, without the resources or ability to make him one. We’ll likely have to return him to a shelter, as much for the good and safety of our other pets, as for his own. This was not a fair situation for anyone, least of all this poor kitty who is miserable.

I was also frustrated with repeatedly being asked to take in more than the two kitties, as well as the general rudeness of the woman who placed them. She came onto our property without our permission, and when we were not home to get the kennels initially used to acclimate the cats. We were close by, and could have met her quickly, had we known when she intended to come to the property. But instead she showed up unannounced, and then was rude that we had not been there, or had the kennels ready for her to remove.

This is a great concept, but in their desperation to clear out shelters, it’s being poorly executed to the detriment to the same cats they are hoping to help. It’s unfortunate.

Judy from this organization, came to my home one day when a feral cat was having kittens in broad daylight on my front porch. Thanks to this amazing organization and especially Judy, I was able to rescue and spay/neuter 4 feral cats and rescue 2 litters of kittens (6 total) all were spayed/neutered and adopted out to wonderful homes! I can’t thank them enough for their support and ongoing advice. They deserve 10 stars not 5!������������‼️

These people are awesome! They do so much with so little.

For them, it's truly all about the kitties.

Please donate to this worthy cause to help them persue their mission.

I have been a volunteer with BCB for 8 years. They are a small group, but very dedicated to what they do.

They are a very caring, dynamic group that truly cares about the kitties and the people that want to adopt them. They're so full of energy and passion for what they do. I'm so impressed with the whole organization!!!

This is a great small group of people who truly care about the welfare of all cats.
They help so many people. They are wonderful to work with,

Barn Cat Buddies was a great help when I was working on TNRing the feral cats in my neighborhood. They loaned me traps, gave me some great advice for trapping, and even were willing to help cover some of the costs if I needed it. I really appreciate their hard work!

I think what they do is just amazing !!! I love that they help indoor kitties too !

When I was in the vets office for the final time, these ladies reached out to me with understanding and comfort. They said they would help me find a new cat when I was ready. It gave me hope to go on and heal after my elderly cat had passed on.

They have helped us so much with a few strays on our property. They paid to have them fixed and vaccinated and we released them back on the property!

I love what they do! I try to donate food weekly at my vets office as they always help when asked.
I texted a picture one evening of a stray cat w kittens living in a drain to ask if they could help and they were already working the situation.

The people that run BCB truly give from the heart - and they have BIG hearts! I have witnessed them work tirelessly for the sake of the animals - in both the swealtering summer heat and the freezing cold of winter.

Every donated penny goes to the betterment of the animals. Often times they take money from their own pockets to make up any shortfall.

Their focus is on the cats and it is a labor of love.

They are an amazing group of people!

I have been volunteering with Barn Cat Buddies now for 4 1/2 years. I started with them because of the over population of cats/kittens in my small community. Since starting I have been blessed by their support, by spaying & neutering over 700 cats. Not only do they spay & neuter these kitties, but they have found homes for hundreds, thousands of homeless cats. I could not do what I do without their support. They do NOT receive a salary. All they get is the satisfaction of a job well done! They/I love what we do.

Barn Cat Buddies is an awesome nonprofit organization. They have saved the lives of so many cats that would have otherwise been euthanized or left behind to fend for themselves. All cats, friendly, semi friendly or feral, deserve a chance and it is their mission to give them that chance.

I'm the manager for the City of Salem Animal Shelter and I must say how appreciative we are of the Barn Cat Buddies Program. They do such a great service for our feline friends! They really do go above and beyond to do what they can. Love them to pieces!!

My wife operates a small furniture store in downtown Rocky Mount. With that location comes a collection of neighborhood, community, feral and domestic cats. Barn Cat Buddies has provided assistance by providing traps, transporting animals, finding placement opportunities for cats, facilitating spay/neuter services, and offering medical services to injured or diseased cats, significantly improving their quality of life. The volunteers of Barn Cat Buddies have always gone above and beyond, treating the animals with great care and enthusiasm. They have been impressive in their commitment to animal health and happiness, and we are pleased to be able to continue working with them!

Very dedicated group who work hard and get good results in helping to better the lives of ferrel, stray or hard to home kitties. The group does a lot with meager funds. Staff are caring and dedicated. They work well with other community animal rescue agencies.

A great organization that helps often forgotten and neglected part of our communities. Thanks for all that you do!

Excellent organization geared towards getting barn kitties placed safely.

This is a great nonprofit. They care deeply for all cats!

This organization is a great asset to our community. Always willing to help our community cats and residents. Wonderful people

This organization has been working hard for the last decade to reduce/stop the population of cats, they have vetted and saved the lives of many cats, helped feed homeless cats and re homed many cats. This small group of volunteers works endlessly to make a difference and they are doing it!!! I am proud to be a volunteer !!!

I can not say enough good things about the great work these people do! They are truly there for the animals and caregivers!

I cannot say enough good things about this program and their volunteers. When I had questions about trapping cats in my area, Barn Cat Buddies were patient and encouraging with me helping me with something I had no experience with. They loaned me traps and sheet covers and explained the process to me in a simple way that assuaged my fears.
What would we do without this program in SW Virginia?

We have 5 cats from barn cat buddies and couldn't be happier. When getting the cats the process was super easy. Working with the coordinators was a breeze and they were always available when we had questions and concerns. The cats are amazing! We have a small farm and they mingle well with the pigs, goats, chickens and even the wild birds that we feed. We are thankful for this organization and the services that they provide!

When our older cat passed away, our other cat was crying and distressed for two weeks before my husband agreed to adopt another! But once the decision was made, I called Diane of BCB, because I knew she knew how to match us with just the right pet. We adopted a sweet tortoiseshell cat who had originally been in a feral colony but she was tame--had obviously just been abandoned. She was exactly what Diane had promised and we had warm hearts knowing we could provide a permanent home for such a deserving animal. We had a bit of a mix up in initial paperwork but Diane went above the call of duty to make sure the cat we adopted had been tested free of kitty diseases and fully vaccinated. This group fills a niche that many animal groups ignore and I recommend them highly. I am a past president of a Humane society and spent thirty years in animal rescue but was retired due to health reasons when we adopted Baby Lisa. She has brought a lot of joy in to our lives. This group helps cats who come from situations where many property owners would just kill them! We are so glad this didn't happen to our sweetie because BCB stepped up.

I have been a donor to Barn Cat Buddies for several years and have always been impressed by their dedication to and their love of the cats they help. They have guided me through my own search for a lost kitten and through a difficult adoption. Not only do they help the community's cats, but they also support their members/volunteers/donors on a personal level. I could not be more pleased to be involved with this organization and more proud of the work they accomplish every year!

This is a great organization. They make sure there are no more kittens born out in the wild. They find homes on farms where they earn their keep catching mice & rats. I highly recommend this group for this money!!

Barn Cat Buddies fills a huge need for community cats in our area. They are great to work with and take tremendous care to make certain that their adopters have a positive experience and that their cats find appropriate placement. Top Notch organization.

Barn Cat Buddies has fine, dedicated volunteers. This is my favorite animal welfare group. A bunch of hardworking and tireless people of the best kind.

I am a local veterinarian and will often be presented with a "disaster". With a disaster you call everyone you know to try to save cats which are in a hoarding situation. Recently I was involved with a hoarding situation that involved over 90 cats in a home. I contacted any rescue since I was told there was a deadline 3 business days before these cats would be "removed" by animal control. Diane Novak with Barn Cat Buddies was instrumental in helping me find other rescues and in helping me with the 34 cats/kittens I did not expect to have, but an emergent situation on a Sunday. She also assured me she would help me find placement for all of these cats and I would not get "stuck"--at my house-- cats have to be indoors because of cat killing dogs in the neighborhood and coyotes--I did not want my numbers to turn from 6 to 40 but did not want to see anyone die. The ninety cats that were saved in part from Barn Cat Buddies which absorbed the nonadoptable cats saved these cats from a horrible situation and certain death!!

My husband and I noticed a young cat staying in our backyard during
the day and sometimes at night. We attempted to approach him.
However, as soon as he saw us, he would run away. We contacted Barn Cat Buddies and Toni told us what to do. We safely trapped him and brought him to Angels of Assisi. He has been neutered and medically checked out.

Because, of Toni and Barn Cat Buddies, this young cat has the best chance at having a very good future.

Please remember to donate what you can. There are many expenses. Every penny counts.

We have been volunteering with Barn Cat Buddies for 6 years and have been very impressed with the organization.
They do a tremendous service helping community cats in our rural counties of Virginia.

Sarah and Rick

Barn Cat Buddies is a animal loving charity that is trying to ease the suffering of homeless cats and kittens in Southwestern Virginia. In my experience with them, they have always shown love and care for homeless cats in need of loving homes and also, for their well being.

Please consider them when making donations if you love animals. They are reputable and honest. I appreciate their work and glad for the cats of Southwestern Virginia that they are here.

They helped me with several cat colonies living at dangerously busy Truck Stops! Helped me get them spayed/neutered/rabies. They also subsidized the surgery for 2 different kittens that needed a leg amputated. Not enough words to say about them and their PEOPLE....all the most caring you'll ever meet!

Great organization! Very helpful in placing barn cats in the appropriate homes....people nice to work with, easy to contact and communicate with. We love our barn cats and they were are great mousers!

Barn Cat Buddies has been a wonderful resource for me over the years several times. I have assisted a lady that feeds a colony of feral cats, and I am the one who has trapped and neutered/spayed them, Barn Cat Buddies has helped me with answering questions and assisting where they can. I also helped an elderly lady that had fed and befriended a feral cat that was at her apartment complex, she had worked up to being able to pet and pick the cat up, but she was not able to keep it due to rental agreement, Barn Cat Buddies helped to place this kitty, and this meant the world to this elderly lady and her husband to know that their "special friend" found a home and was being cared for. And seeing this meant the world to me. This organization is Awesome !!!!

A rescuer myself, I have worked with Barn Cat Buddies many times over the years. They are always willing to help find homes for "Barn Cats", give valuable advice on how to trap the ones that never want to be gotten, help with good info about low cost spay and neuter and many other things. Our community would be a much poorer place with this outstanding organization.

When we purchased a 100 year old farm, mice ran across our path at every turn. Thanks to the 4 adopted cats from Barn Cat Buddies we never see mice around. They brought cages to help get the cats oriented and were very helpful!

We have been so blessed to have found Barn Cat Buddies! Our horse barn was over-populated with sparrows. They were messing in the horses' feed dishes and on the hay. We were hoping that possibly a couple of barn cats would help convince the birds to move out. We wanted friendly cats because I had a riding lesson program with lots of kids who would want to pet and hold the cats. Barn Cat Buddies found us just the right cats! "Fred Astray" and "Pounder" have exceeded our expectations! They are the sweetest cats and when they met they became best friends! Their presence in our barn has caused the birds to move out! They love to be petted, held and even carried around by some of the kids and Pounder offers everyone the chance to give him a belly rub within 10 seconds of meeting him! They both came neutered and healthy and I love them both so much! They will always be a part of our farm family. Thank you Barn Cat Buddies for these two special kitties and for all you do!

Barn Cat Buddies helped me trap, neuter and return a feral family I had been feeding. I could not have done this alone, and their support and knowledge was amazing!
Carolyn , Roanoke, VA

AWESOME group!!! Fill a very necessary need in the community.

I do not even know where to start about this group. In a word....FANTASTIC!! So helpful and caring. So thankful to have a group like them in our midst! The assistance they provide is invaluable and makes such a measurable difference in the lives of the feral cats in not only their community but surrounding communities as well. Thanks for being there, and for caring!!

I would like to thank a wonderful organization that I have followed for several years now. Barn Cat Buddies is a Godsend to our local and surrounding area!Last year I adopted a beautiful Burmese mix kit from BCB. It seems that her "owners" had moved and left this adorable cat in the apartment. I applied for and adopted her. She is a very loving addition to my family. I also have an impromptu feral cat group on my back deck. About 6 weeks ago I noticed a new member. He stuck out because he has this LARGE lump hanging down from his belly. I named him "Max". He looked neutered to me and he was VERY friendly and lovable. After weeks of trying to find his owner, I decided to contact BCB to see if they could help him. I agreed to foster him if he could have access to medical attention for his belly lump. They graciously agreed and I made him an appointment. Imagine my surprise when the Vet told me that "Max" is "Maxine"!! Turned out Maxine had an umbellical cord hernia and show signs of being with babies, though not certain. I was told if she hadn't gotten medical attention, and she was pregnant, it would have been fatal to her. She will be my foster cat until her furever home can be found. I want to let everyone know the great things BCB does in saving so many lives. There hard work and dedication gives many, many cats a much better quality of life that would have miserable if these folks hadn't helped. It takes an army to save so many lives and I want to thank them for helping in this situation with "Maxine" and all that they do!! Vicki Keyser Roanoke, VA

Toula, a lovely tortoise shell female cat, "adopted" us during the summer of 2013. Our Vet estimates that she is currently about 3 or 4 years old. She has been spayed, microchipped, and under regular veterinary care as soon as we were able to physically lure her into her kitty carrier. Now she allows us to pick her up and take her into the mobile clinic when our Vet arrives to care for our animals.

She was a feral cat who we began to feed, and after about 3 months of feeding her and talking to her from a distance, she finally was able to trust us enough to let us get close to her and finally to pet her. Though we have MUCH experience rescuing dogs, Toula is our first experience with a cat. Now you would never know she was a feral cat because she is so affectionate to humans who visit our home and 8 acre property.

She lives primarily outdoors, which is her preference, but she is fed and has climate controlled shelter and a soft bed in my 16 x 16 studio for voice and fine art. We have never brought her inside our main home because first she demonstrates little interest in this, and second, my husband is allergic to cats and probably would not be able to tolerate having her live with us indoors. Toula is very happy here on "her" land where she feels safe and comfortable, and we are so pleased that she has been rehabilitated to trust humans and even our three dogs who hang out with Toula and myself when I am working in my studio.

Because of a recent job situation we are very quickly relocating to Charleston, SC. in September 2015, and after much discussion with people in feral cat rescue, including the knowledgeable staff and volunteers with Barn Cat Buddies, we have decided that it will be best for Toula if she is able to stay on our property, after we move, in the care of the new owner or resident. We have several trusted friends and colleagues interested in buying our home, and if one of them is able to purchase it, we would ensure that they agree to allow Toula to stay where she is safe and happy. Until that time, we have arranged for our neighbors to continue to care and feed Toula after we move and while our home is still on the market.

However, we do not want Toula to fall through the cracks as we rapidly make this transition. Our three dogs are of course coming with us, and if we have no other alternative, we will return for Toula as well. But she would need to stay in a garage and would not be able to roam freely as she does now. We will no longer be in a rural area, and there will be alligators in the water ways near by. She would not be able to stay inside our home because of my husband's allergies. We do not feel it is best for Toula to have to live in our garage when she has been used to having so much freedom and independence. We also do not have the experience to try to transition her to living completely indoors.

If she cannot stay here on our property after we move, what would be ideal would be for an experienced cat person to help her transition to an indoor/outdoor home where she is safe and comfortable and has plenty of independence. She is a very good hunter, so she would be a real asset on a rural property.

So, we have been in touch primarily with Dianne from Barn Cat Buddies to help us find a back up plan for Toula in case we are not able to arrange for her to stay here on our property under the care of a trusted friend/colleague who has purchased our home. We greatly appreciate all of her expertise and compassion as we have had to make the very difficult decision to try to find a new home for Toula. It is wonderful to know that we are not alone in this, and that there are volunteers who care waiting to help us with Toula in whatever way they can. Barn Cat Buddies is a wonderful group to support.

Barn Cat Buddies are buddies to both the felines and humans in our community in Franklin County, VA. They provide great info and referrals. They find homes for kitties whenever possible. They have the biggest hearts and always do the best that they can. Kristina M.

I have watched this non profit make a difference for feral and friendly cats over the years and have never had a platform to sing their praises. These folks not only "talk the talk, but they walk the walk". What most don't realize is that people as well as animals are equally served through this all volunteer organization. Wish I could give them 10 stars. My respect for them is off the charts.

TNR works! This organization works to spay/neuter feral or undersocialized cats thus dramatically decreasing the feral cat population. They also rescue from local pounds, giving adult cats and kittens a chance of finding a home. The cooperation with local veterinarians allows the community another option for low cost spay/neuter.

Barn cat buddies is one of the best bunch of volunteers. They actually do care about the animals.

I can't say enough good things about Barn Cat Buddies! I adopted my wonderful FIV+ kitty from them after they saved him from a local shelter. He has the best personality and I am so grateful his life was spared. BCB also does a fantastic job helping local communities with Trap Neuter Return programs and whenever I notify them of an ear-tipped cat at the pound, they quickly step up to save them. Barn Cat Buddies is run by compassionate people and they are making a great impact in Roanoke and surrounding areas.

Barn Cat Buddies is a great group to volunteer for! They are very appreciative, and it's wonderful that they recently got a grant and were able to get over 400 area feral cats fixed, for FREE! This will be a HUGE help come "kitten season". My favorite thing that BCB does is find homes for older cats. We have a lot of success with that and I am happy to play a small role in helping. The group is supportive of each other and provides advice to people with colonies that need to be fixed. Leadership is terrific to the volunteers -- I am a very busy person but it feels so good to do "just one more thing" for this group when needed. I just wish there were more barns to put the less social cats in -- their foster families are amazing, but full of cats!

As a newcomer to the rural south, I had no idea what to do when my neighbors moved and left behind their outdoor cat (who recently had kittens). Already having three cats of my own, I adopted two kittens and fostered the mother and remaining son until I found a solution. The Bedford Humane Society worked with Barn Cat Buddies to find this pair the perfect home. Not only was I relieved they didn't end up at the County shelter-- but I found my passion for animal welfare work and ended up volunteering for various related causes. Barn Cat Buddies is an inspiration-- a great idea in the hands of those who know how to execute. It is astonishing what they've been able to accomplish by seeing a need and serving that need. Everybody wins when a barn cat gets adopted (except for the mice)!

I have adopted three kitties from Barn Cat Buddies. I was so impressed with the members of this group and their dedication and tireless work toward promoting TNR and rescuing and caring for feral kitties that I had to get involved as a volunteer. Now my husband is involved as well.

Barn Cat Buddies does wonderful work to help the cats and the people that love them. They are a valuable resource for the Roanoke Valley.

It has been my pleasure to get involved with BCB over the last few years, and I have so enjoyed doing so. After working with other rescue organizations, and working largely with dog foster, I became interested in the unique mission of BCB. It is such a blessing that a group out there looks into the problems and the causes behind the problems regarding animal welfare. They not only foster, adopt, fundraise, and organize friendly cat rescue, but have found the perfect solution for feral and semi-feral cats. These un-socialized cats can live a wonderful life as expert "rodent technicians" on farms, stockyards, vineyards, greenhouses, etc. This mission, along with a rigorous TNR program (and currently the FREE FELINE FIX) are working together to prevent the suffering and overpopulation of our community's cats. :-) Rock on Barn Cat Buddies!

I can honestly say I LOVE this organization. When I take a look at all the animals that would have been indiscriminately destroyed if not for this group, I am proud to call myself a supporter. As a member of the general public I have read the group’s P&L statements and wish most corporations were as transparent as Barn Cat Buddies. While the group has taken the high road refusing to react to their detractor, as an ‘outsider’ I am moved to comment. When an individual is removed from a board by 100% UNANIMOUS VOTE, one must wonder what type of behavior would elicit this type of reaction from the other members. Think about that when you read this person’s childish attempts to tarnish the group’s reputation. The result? A stronger rally around the group and its mission

As being a prior board member I can honestly say this organization has made a great impact in our community. Lots of cats have been helped and rehomed. This organization has great potential however it isn't as transparent as it should be. Members of the board at not involved in the decision of projects and spending. Though most of the projects are good projects but the board is not consulted. Up until resent new board members were appointed by one person and the office of president is appointed the board is not consulted. I had no idea $37,000 was brought in to the organization last year nor what the $31,000 was spent on. Financial reports at not given to the board. I a m very sure I will be receiving feed back for this review.

Over the years that I have been involved with Barn Cat buddies I have watched this group grow and do so much for so many . Rescues, trapping ferals, saving cats and dogs from trailer parks, adoption events, finding homes for the friendly cats and barns or stables, etc , for those truly feral cats, all having been vetted prior to placement , late night runs to the Vet with a sick or injured cat, and sleepless nights caring for a sick animal . This is just a small part of what this remarkable organization does .Since a large part of my time is spent saving cats from high kill shelters through out the south, I can attest to just what an incredible service Barn Cat Buddies is doing for Franklin County and the surrounding areas . If there were BCB groups all over the country the animals would benefit greatly .
The Board of directors have my full support and thanks for the tireless work that they do and their totally devotion to the welfare and care for the animals .
BCB is a beacon of hope for the animals !!

Barn Cat Buddies helped me find the two most wonderful cats for my farm. These cats have brought my family so much joy. Barn Cat Buddies took me personally to meet cats in foster homes until we found the right ones. I have attended several of their fundraisers and everyone is so friendly and truly cares about animals. And last fall when I stepped in to rescue some starved neighbor horses, Barn Cat Buddies helped me with getting funding to have one sterilized. They are such an amazing support to this rural community! If you are looking for some farm cats you could not find a better charity to work with. I plan to adopt all of my future cats from them.

I cannot say enough great things about Barn Cat Buddies. We have a Horse farm on SML and I was approached to adopt 2 cats. Diane brought out a 3 tired cage, toys and food. I just cracked up as we have 43 horses, 8 dogs, 4 cats, in the house, pigs, a goat, and a sheep. I told her, " I can handle the food". The fact that she cared enough, as a rescue person to bring food here, made us instant friends. Our barn is large, and we have lots of room. There where more cats in need, meaning close to euthanasia. Over the course of two years,Diane has brought more to us, and they have all been an absolute joy. Some stayed at the barn, one came to the house, and one re-homed himself with the neighbor ( who is so happy with him). I cannot say enough great things about Barn Cat Buddies, I personally have 8 new friends who make me smile every day. Like I stated earlier, they are all a joy!!!!
Lisa Dabareiner- Fish n Fun Farm.

Barn Cat Buddies is a group of talented individuals that go the extra mile to help a cat in need.

In response to the catlovers12 comment and those that read it before it was removed, I would like to comment on the vehicle part of the statement. My husband and I were the ones that donated that vehicle and it was donated to BCB with the understanding that the current president, Sara Stein, would drive it solely since she is the one that does trapping, vetting and transporting on a regular basis (daily). The vehicle had over 150,000 miles on it and when it started to have mechanical problems, needed new tires, etc., Sara offered to purchase it from BCB....CONTINUE to use it for the purpose of benefiting BCB AND pay the expenses on it. Sara pays for repairs, insurance, taxes and gas. My husband and I were contacted and asked if that arrangement was good with us and of course, it was a win/win for us all. Please understand that as a fairly young 50lC, we have growing pains but we continue to strive to save lives and we have worked very hard to retain a good, solid reputation with local animal control and with the general public. Thank you for your continued support!!!!

I like many other people who have helped BCB started out as strictly a "dog person".
I have seen the difference they make in the community with feral cats. I always attend any fundraising even that I can...they are professional and fun. A great combination. They are making a difference in the feral cat population in this county.

I couldn't disagree more with catlover12. I have been a donor for the last 5 years, and Barn Cat Buddies is one of my most highly regarded charities. I carefully screen each of the charities that I support, and I know that Barn Cat Buddies is a well run organization, staffed by volunteers who have dedicated their lives, and have worked tirelessly, to save animals that would otherwise be lost. I know the officers of this organization and they spend their own funds to help animals in distress, even in times when the organization lacked funds. I would encourage catlover12 to raise any concerns directly with the board of directors, rather than posting an anonymous blog that is based on incorrect facts.

I have volunteered for Barn Cat Buddies for years and it saddens me to think someone would use a blog to throw out accusations such as these. They are always willing to help and go out of their way to do so. This person should request a board meeting so their specific complaint(s) can be addressed properly and discussed. As for financials, you can go to "guide star" and see them for yourself.

Barn Cat Buddies has saved the lives of several cats - and dogs. The volunteers work diligently to find homes for these animals as well. More communities should be lucky enough to have people like those at Barn Cat Buddies as guardians for the many animals who need places to live and be safe.

Barn Cat Buddies is such a blessing to the community. This is a terrific organization that has made it its focus to help cat colonies and ferals that are out there fending for themselves. For most people it's much easier to ignore these cats, well these folks don't! There couldn't be a more dedicated group of people. I applaud their efforts.

A wonderful organization out to help the homeless cats.

Barn Cat Buddies was doing TNR in our area before almost anyone knew what the initials stand for. I met Diane, the founder, years ago when I was doing scrapbooking programs. I started helping her feed a feral colony almost by accident. She had trapped, neutered and returned over a dozen cats to the colony. This was in 2007 and I have been feeding that colony ever since There were 16 cats when I started but over the years, I have rehomed fifteen, two died of natural causes, some were dropped off (they were rehomed) adopted two myself, and we now have five in the colony, whom I see and feed every day. I have also helped Diane with feeding and trapping other colonies. Now with Sara as president and the organization has expanded and associated with Angels of Assisi, they are doing fantastic work with and for cats and those who love and care for them. There are hundreds of casts alive and happy today because of Barn Cat Buddies' efforts.

I HAVE WORKED WITH BARNCAT BUDDIES FOR MANY YEARS AND THEY WITH ME. THE BCB EXPERIENCE IS NOTHING BUT POSITIVE FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE CATS THAT THEY ASSIST. THIS ORGANIZATION IS DOING GREAT THINGS TO FURTHER THE WELFARE OF COMMUNITY CATS. IT IS WONDERFUL TO SEE DISADVANTAGED CATS TRANSFORM INTO HEALTHY PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF THEIR COMMUNITYS AND FAMILYS.
JO

My wife and I both donate to Barn Cat Buddies and have adopted several cats through their help. My wife also volunteers her time in supporting the work done. Barn Cat Buddies is an excellent organization dedicated to re-homing feral and other cats to farms and homes. They practice a TNR (trap-neuter-release) method which has been shown to reduce the number of feral cats in a given area more effectively than other practices. The principals in the organization, Sara Stein and Diane Novak, devote most of their time to BCB and deserve most of the credit for what is accomplished. We are pleased to be a part of Barn Cat Buddies and we expect to continue our participation.

I am not only volunteer but also a client served and a donor. After adopting two kitties from Barn Cat Buddies, I couldn't help but get involved. This rescue/TNR program is top-notch. The board and the volunteers work so hard helping to save kitties, care for feral colonies, foster and find caring homes for all rescued kitties. After our first two adoptions, I started donating money and food with regularity and then started working as a volunteer. Sara Stein and Diane Novak and all the volunteers work tirelessly to keep things up and running with spay/neutering, vaccinations, fundraising events, fostering and finding homes. I now have a third adoptee from the group. I could not think of any group with which I would rather be affiliated. janet B., Roanoke, VA

When I was first introduced to the wonderful people working so hard for feral cats, I was basically a "dog person". My knowledge of trap/neuter/return was slim to none and the first thing that the volunteers did for me was education!!! After realized the plight of homeless and feral cats, I began my quest to help however I could. The energy and determination of the volunteers for Barn Cat Buddies just blew me away and even today, I feel what I do is a VERY small part compared to the other people I meet through this organization. Education, response and dedication is the key to this rescue group working and the many volunteers that spend endless hours and money helping. I am proud to be a member of Barn Cat Buddies.

I am a resident of Franklin County and live in a rural area. Several years ago hungry feral cats began arriving at our home, especially around our inground pool area. At first there were only two and of course we began feeding them and putting out water. Several months ago the numbers increased to ten. I had heard about an organization that helped with feral cats so I contacted Diane with Barn Cat Buddies. She spent a great deal of time instructing me on the humane use of trapping, how to keep them calm once trapped and where to take the cats for spay/neuter(ing) and rabies shots. Diane kept in contact with me throughout the trapping process and has continued to be a support to me and others in this worthwhile endeavor. We have successfully trapped seven of the ten cats and they are back with us all in good health. Without her help and help from the organization the feral cat population in Franklin County would be much greater. A small gain has been made, however with additional monetary resources there would be more humane traps to go around, advertising would reach more persons in the county letting them know there is help, veterinary costs to trappers like me could be reduced, and there would be less loss of cats due to illness, hunger, and cats crossing roads. Thank you for your consideration.

Barn Cat Buddies has been a valued member of the Best Friends NMHP Network for several years. The work they are doing for community cats in Virginia is extraordinary. They have received grant funding and gone above and beyond their goals with the money. Diane is very knowledgeable and routinely advocates for community cats. We are proud to have them as a partner in the network.

I have been dealing with barn cat buddies for about 7 years. It started at my office when there were cats and kittens living near the dumpster in back of my office. They lent me traps, and instructed me how to use them. With some help from my clients, we successfully vetted and found homes for all the animals. The mother was so severely ill her treatment was extensive, and one of my clients said he would take her and never return her to the outdoors again she still happily remains a house cat even though she has access to the outside world.
Through the years my finances have fluctuated. I also like to do some rescue, but sometimes there was no money for vetting. Barn cat buddies stepped up to the plate so that I could help my neighborhood cats in need. One who had a HUGE abscess from a fight, and it was right before Christmas. Thank you!!
I have sent many people to barn cat buddies for help with trapping, spaying and neutering, for general questions, and for help placing animals.
Recently barn cat buddies funded my foster kittens- two who had been wild, and the mother killed by a car. The man who rescued gave all away but two, and his landlord would not allow him to keep them. His only option, since the shelters were full, was to leave them in an abandoned lot. They were so tiny- and could not fend for themselves. I called barn cat buddies and she asked if I could foster them until she could place them. Barn cat buddies funded their shots, deworming, flea control, mites until they were healthy and ready for adoption.
Is that life changing work? I think if you asked these animals, they would say yes. ;) Also, spaying and neutering the feral population is so important. I appreciate all the work that barn cat buddies does for our town and the surrounding towns. I realize it is very hard work, that is emotionally and physically difficult sometimes.

I came across this organization while I was searching for my eagle scout project. They needed a dozen or so shelters to house the cats that they rescued and a feeder. At first it just seemed like an easy project, but the more I talked with the representatives I realized that this organization is doing a wonderful thing by saving these cats. They sacrifice their own time and money to save these animals, and I deeply admire that. You can tell they care deeply about these cats and everyone that volunteers for them. They are so grateful for even the smallest gesture, and they don't take anything for granted. They deserve this award.

I can't say enough good things about this organization. We had a big tom cat that was abandoned by his owners and became quit a nuisance for the neighborhood. The cat had become feral and there didn't seem much hope for him. I would feed him, but I have a senior cat who lived in fear from this aggressive tom. Diane rescued this poor little soul and found him a new home. It restores my faith in humans that there really are people who care about unwanted animals. Thank you Barn Cat Buddies for all that you do.

Diane, with Barn Cat Buddies, has bee a lifesaver for 2 different kitties. One was not very social and thanks to their program, they found him a barn, in order to save him. Last I heard, the new owner's decided to make him, part of their family, instead of a barn kitty. Second, was a very social stray, where if they hadn't found him a home, I'm certain he would have meet certain death, because we live a very busy street. With-in one week, he was neutered and vetted and off to a wonderful home, as a barn cat. She helped me in every way possible, from using their trap to setting up, his new home. I have made donations to them in the past and will again. Money well spent. They do such great work, in helping our cats in need. They love the animals as much as we do.

We are grateful that these people are around to save and care for the cats that are needy. We adopted 2 amazing cats in December. The fact that they are so loving and well cared for, speaks volumes about the work that these folks are doing. We are totally satisfied with our adoption and the way it was handled. Thank you for the wonderful job you do. Keep up the good work.

Barn Cat Buddies is the bomb. They not only save lives, they help feed and vet many cats that otherwise would not get help. In these hard times we live in people can't always afford to take care of their cats and Barn Cat Buddies is there with, food, supplies, spay and neuter services that are discounted or even free.They help people trap strays and get them vetted and find homes or release them back where they can live out their lives. I have taken in several strays that needed a home. The experience has been awesome to say the least. These people are great and they love these animals. The love and compassion they show these animals and the people involved with them is top notch. I hope they will always be here for the cats and other animals they save.

So many cats are left to their own defenses. Many previously owned, and dumped for whatever reasons. Sometimes they become feral. They no longer trust humans (who can blame them?). Often local pounds/shelters/rescues do not feel they are adoptable anymore. The thinking the cats would be better off dead is common. What many don't realize is that these cats still can serve an important part in our community! They are wanted! They are needed! Those of us with a farm know the tremendous efforts they can put forth in saving hundreds to thousands of dollars a year in grain loss prevention! You see, without a cat around, mice, rats, and squirrels will invade the grain room, and the feeding areas for livestock. Those critters then leave their droppings, aka feces, in those areas which can make the livestock sick. THANKFULLY Barn Cat Buddies DOES realize how much this can impact a farm's income. They supply the community with useful cats who help eliminate and control those critters! From storage units, business establishments, to local farms cats are supplied to become a part of those employees. Sometimes they remain feral, and other times the cats learn to trust, and respect humans again. But whether the cat wants only to be fed, and watered daily, or it wants to be rubbed and loved on, their impact is tremendous! Please think about adding a cat or two to your establishment!! Barn Cat Buddies can fill that need!!!

My daughter and I had specific needs for a cant. We wanted to find the right cat to join our family. I told Diane about our 10 year old Brittany and how it was very important that the new member of the family love dogs as much as we did. Diane paired us with Sasha and Celeste. They both love Doc and appear to tolerate the humans in the house (as long as I feed them first thing). BCB is wonderful!

I volunteered to foster abandoned kittens that Barn Cat Buddies took under its wing (took care of vetting, spaying/neutering, and worked to find them homes). Particularly appreciate they they consist solely of unpaid volunteers and operate completely on donations. Very small group of people who make a huge difference. If not for them, the kittens I fostered would like have been killed. Instead, every one of them now has a loving home.

This group works so hard to help the cats of our area. They help rehome many cats, who may seem unadoptable. They work on educatng the public on how to save and control feral cats. Fantastic Group!

they take cats and show how they are useful and if unwanted or not pet friendly they have an alternative besides euthanazia

The people in this organization are committed and professional. I wish them the very best of luck, and hope we can keep growing and influencing others to help felines.

I have worked with this program by writing the first story appearing in the Franklin News-Post about the Barn Cat Buddies program. I have seen the program grow and have heard reports of good results from those using the cats people donate or Diane "rounds up." More counties (and people) need to get involved by spreading the word to barn owners. Good luck!

I have adopted five cats from the barn cat buddies over the past year. Initially when considering the program, I was welcomed with open arms and all of my questions were answered. The ladies that helped me get the cats were super nice and even brought over not only the cats, but supplies to get me started. It has been a great experience and I will continue to support this wonderful cause!!!

I coordinate adoptions at another rescue (Friends of Homeless Animals) and met Barn Cat Buddies when we rescued some cats and kittens from another shelter in that area. Unfortunately, our rescue does not have the capacity to place barn cats at this time yet we get many requests to take cats who would do well in this type of environment. They have been incredibly helpful in answering some of the requests that we recieve and providing guidance on cat adjustment to barn life and other queries. We've been able to develop a mutually beneficial relationship that has resulted in the successful placement of animals that would otherwise be euthanized or put out on the street. Not only are these folks true animal lovers but they are also easy to work with. I highly recommend them.

I have worked with BCB for many years now and have the greatest respect for this organization. They have helped countless cats in need both feral and owned. One of the greatest services they help provide is assisting in placement of feral and semi-wild cats in barn/farm homes. Providing shelter and food to cats in need and free or cheap mousers to people who need them. Great service and a great groups of people.

I have had several dogs and cats throughout my life and have treasured every one. It's never easy to lose a single one although you know that day will come. After losing our Tabby Tyler, I started looking at rescue sites; not to replace Tyler but to balance our family of two dogs and three cats. Our little Sabrina a Bombay, missed him and wasn't eating. We found a lovely little tuxedo cat. We named her Maggie for a character in Williams "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". Diane and her wonderful Wendy Spurlock help these wonderful animals from various hurtful locations and remind them that they are loved. Maggie is our shy girl who darts from couch to couch and looks out of the window. It's such a wonderful service to save these animals for second chances. These people work miracles in an often uncaring world. They still have hope and love every single animal they care for.

Great organization that is very professional and trustworthy.

I have called Barn cat Buddies several times over the past few years to get sound advice on safety about how to deal with feral cats in need. I feed, as do a few others in my neighborhood; the feral cats who roam our area, keeping it free of mice and rats. But I realize they also need to be nuetered and sometimes need medical care, and this is where barn cat buddies has helped me in many different ways. Lending traps, personal instruction on how to use them, safety precautions, direction as to where to take them for low cost spay and nuetering. I also have recieved some financial help on occassion from this organization in times of financial need for me. I have also donated in times of plenty :) I have spread the word, and hung flyers in my office for barn cat buddies, encouraging local people to adopt. I consider the service this organization is providing to the community... quite frankly, the work of which there is no higher. "Not to hurt our humble brethren [the animals] is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission: to be of service to them whenever they require it." St Francis of Assisi. Sincerely, Cyndi Maitri

I adopted a cat from BCB last year. They were very knowledgable and made sure the cat was fully vetted. They followed up with the cat at my home to make sure everyone was adjusting and that she was a good match for us. Barn Cat Buddies has a huge impact in saving cats' lives in this area. I have supported this organization in the past and will continue to do so. Feral cats deserve to live their lives, and BCB enables that to happen.

Diane contacted me from an e-mail I had sent. She has allowed me to bring several animals to my farm to keep them from being killed or living a life in the city. I have had much, much less problem with losing feed to rodents since I have introduced the cats to the barn. This is an amazing program that saves the lives of cats who did not ask to be treated badly. The last little guy I brought home is not in the barn, but in the house, and sleeps with me every night. I've never had such a loving little buddy, and to think he would be dead by now makes my heart cry for those who are not as fortunate. I hope soon to be able to volunteer to help. At present, I have 11 cats, so I cannot take more, but I hope to find people who can.

I volunteer for several local rescue groups and Diane, of Barn Cat Buddies, asked if I knew of a home for an FIV+ cat that was at the local pound and would surely be killed if a home was not found. I usually foster dogs but my husband is a cat fan so I agreed to take the cat that I heard was a real sweetheart. We have been fostering "Magic Johnson" for 2 months and officially adopted him today. He is my husband's little buddy and keeps him company while he's watching TV or playing video games. Magic is very affectionate and has started playing and being silly like kitties should be. It makes me so glad to know this sweet cat is living the good life thanks to Diane and BCB! He is special needs due to having FIV and they have provided support, advice and assistance every time we've needed it. This is an awesome group run by truly awesome people!

I have worked with Diane and the other hard-working volunteers at Barn Cat Buddies for the last 4 years. The service that this organization provides to the Roanoke area (Franklin County, Roanoke County and Bedford County) is invaluable. Their purpose is to find barn homes for homeless cats. All animals are fully vetted prior to being placed in their new home. Some cats are also placed in loving homes if they have been socialized properly.