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Cats Are Love: Mona Liza Santos, The Woman Who Dedicated Her Life to Rescuing Animals

Asher Bell

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Mona Liza Santos, a self-described 'crazy cat lady,' spent her life rescuing cats off the streets of Manila. She funded her work by selling her paintings, and she also received some help from donations. Santos' work has helped save the lives of thousands of cats, and she has inspired countless others to do the same.

Cats Are Love

by Mona Liza Santos

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	43 pages

A lifelong love of cats

Santos was born in Manila in 1946. She developed a love of cats at a young age. She would often spend hours playing with the cats in her neighborhood. As she grew older, she began to notice the plight of the many stray cats that roamed the city. She was particularly saddened by the sight of kittens that had been abandoned or orphaned.

Starting her rescue work

In 1972, Santos decided to start rescuing stray cats. She began by bringing home the kittens that she found on the streets. She would feed them, care for them, and find homes for them. Santos' work soon grew beyond kittens. She began to take in older cats, as well as cats with injuries or illnesses. She also began to trap and neuter feral cats in order to control the population.

Funding her work

Santos' rescue work was funded by the sale of her paintings. She was a talented artist, and her paintings quickly gained a following. She also received some help from donations from people who were moved by her work. However, Santos never made enough money to fully support her rescue work. She often had to rely on her own savings and the generosity of others.

A home for cats

In 1993, Santos purchased a building in Manila which she converted into a shelter for cats. She named the shelter "Cats Are Love." The shelter provided a safe and loving home for hundreds of cats. Santos also used the shelter to educate the public about the importance of spaying and neutering pets.

Recognition and awards

Santos' work has been recognized by numerous organizations. In 1995, she was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Peace and International Understanding. She was also named one of the "Heroes of the Year" by Time magazine in 2000. In 2003, she was awarded the World Animal Protection Award.

A legacy of love

Santos died in 2012, but her legacy of love continues to live on. Cats Are Love is still in operation today, and it continues to provide care for hundreds of cats each year. Santos' work has inspired countless others to dedicate their lives to helping animals in need.

Mona Liza Santos was a true pioneer in the field of animal rescue. She dedicated her life to helping cats in need, and she inspired countless others to do the same. Her legacy of love will continue to live on for generations to come.

Cats Are Love

by Mona Liza Santos

4.1 out of 5