Caboodle Ranch: An Amazing Feline Sanctuary

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| Print | By Jo Singer | July 6, 2009 12:52 PM

Caboodle "cat" Ranch is located in Ponte Vedra Beach, in St. John's County, 18 miles southeast of Jacksonville, Florida. I got to tell you that if I were a stray cat eking out a living, I would be one happy kitty to be invited by Craig Grant to join his colony of cats living in harmony at Caboodle Ranch.

Gate House at Entrance to Ranch
6-gate to entrance caboodle.jpg Created by Mr. Grant, in 2003, this sanctuary is one of the most unique no-kill "shelters" I have yet encountered. Cats who have been "kicked out" of their homes by thoughtless people, and who have led very difficult lives have found a permanent home due to Grant's adoration for felines. Some that he has rescued have been starving or wounded strays he has found. Craig has also rescued cats that have been locked in cages for extended periods of times, languishing in shelters, and waiting for forever loving homes.

Grant has created a wonderland for abandoned kitties. They have an abundant 30 acres of land upon which to roam, complete with nature trails and tree forts, and even underground dens which he has made for them. Craig maintains the property and is often followed by groups of very happy and thankful cats keeping him company on his daily chores. His only goal is to provide a safe haven for cats, and while he says it is not always easy, his mission is to give them the love and care that they deserve.

Grant travels a 250 mile round-trip several times a week to his job to earn money in order to have sufficient funds which he lavishly spends on his kitty ranch. While he does receive some outside contributions made to the sanctuary which helps provide veterinary care and food, the lion's share of dollars comes from his own pockets. All the cats are neutered or spayed and have received their necessary vaccinations. He makes regular appointments for all the cats who reside on his property. At the present time, there are about 500 cats residing at the ranch.

In case you are wondering how he got involved in this prestigious project, Grant eloquently chronicles the history. He says, "I was renting a two bedroom condo by the beach with my son. It had all the comforts and conveniences of home. Nice furniture, a short walk to the beach and close to work. Then my son moved out on his own for the first time. He left his cat, Pepper, with me because he couldn't take it with him. I didn't like cats but I agreed to keep him. I wasn't used to being alone and I guess Pepper wasn't either. We slowly began to get along.

A couple months went by and I found out Pepper was pregnant. Oh great, now what? She had five kittens. I wanted to give them away because I didn't want my beautiful home destroyed, but my son told me they had to stay with their mother for 8 weeks. Over that time I learned that every cat had his own unique personality and it wasn't long before the kittens were swinging from my curtains. I didn't care. Something had changed... I didn't want to give them up. But with six cats, complaints started from the condo owner and the neighbors. I knew I had to look for other places to go. They weren't safe in the neighborhood."

Apparently the man, who formerly didn't like cats in the least, fell in love with them and became truly inspired to build this amazing sanctuary. I am blown away by his obvious devotion and got such a kick by his statement, "I no longer have any of my old furniture; material items aren't important to me anymore. My cats have made me happier than I've ever been. They truly are the best friends I've ever had."

Catch up on the latest news about the ranch at: http://caboodleranch.livejournal.com/

And visit the photo gallery to meet some of the cats.
http://www.caboodleranch.com/Photo_Gallery.html

Caboodle Ranch has just launched a "booster" fund- raising drive to help vaccinate the cats. After you watch the video, if you wish to contribute, you may either write him at:

Caboodle Ranch
P.O. Box 299
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl, 32004

To donate to the 'Booster' fund, please go to PayPal directly. From there, choose the 'Send Money' option, and send to: donations@caboodleranch.org

Please share your thoughts about Caboodle Ranch by leaving a comment.

RELATED TOPICS: Adoption (12) , Blogs (252) , Cats (103) , Rescue (19)

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jmuhj July 6, 2009 4:03 PM

A very inspirational video about a truly great man and his important work on behalf of the cats we love so much. May he live long and prosper, and may he find some reliable, caring volunteers to help, as well as steady donations.

Vicki July 6, 2009 4:07 PM

What a wonderful person this man must be. And what a touching story. This man is truly a blessing to all of these cats. His devotion is quite amazing.

Ruth July 7, 2009 3:14 AM

What a wonderful man !!! All those cats he has saved, it's truly amazing ! It's just the sort of place I've always dreamed of. How I'd love to visit and see it all in reality.

Amy July 8, 2009 5:07 AM

There is a place in kitty heaven for this wonderful man.

Nanette July 10, 2009 10:16 AM

This is a great story Jo, thank you so much for posting it. Just as an update though, Craig no longer works, or commutes to Jacksonville. He is "retired" so he can give 14 hours a day to the cats/ranch, and lives onthe ranch 24/7. He has become a non profit charity and relies soley on donations for the ranch. The big hearts and generosity of others enables him to continue to keep the ranch and keep saving lives. Long live the 'cat man'! -Nanette- Assistant to Craig Grant