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Welcome to Scruff's Sanctuary LLC Fishers Island, NY 631-788-7400

About Us

Our staff & volunteers

Rachel Tirabassi - President

Nancy Hamel - Vice President

Nancy Tirabassi - Treasurer

Kristy Pellerin - Secretary

Bee Wrobleski - Volunteer

Our history

Scruff’s Story

For a long time, my mother and I had been feeding feral and stray cats here on the island. One of the feral cats that we were feeding caught my heart. She looked older than the rest and just looking at her I could tell she had lived a rough, lonely life. We named her Scruff because she looked so scruffy. She would sit outside and wait for breakfast and dinner and rub against my legs while I was feeding her.

This happened just after I had to say goodbye to my English bulldog Lily. I was devastated because she was my best friend and I missed her more than words could ever express.

One day it was raining and I went out and there she sat in the pouring rain, soaking wet and the look on her face just broke my heart. I guess defeated is the best word to use. Instead of feeding her and walking inside I scooped her up and put her in a carrier (she didn’t put up a fight) and brought her in the house to my bedroom. Scruff went into my closet and didn’t come out for over a week. I had to put a litter box, a bed, and food n there with her.

After a week Scruff emerged from my closet and became the queen of my room. I took her to the vet and had her spayed and vaccinated. Unfortunately, Scruff tested positive for FIV, but she was quite the fighter.

The vet estimated that she was around 12 years old and most likely had been living outside her entire life. Scruff had to have 6 teeth extracted because they were so rotten. Scruff soon became a little princess being pampered and loved and she was quite happy. She thanked me everyday and showed her appreciation when she started purring the minute she saw me. Scruff slept on top of me every night and her purring put me to sleep.

One day Scruff started limping and soon could not walk on her right leg. Another trip to the vet and we found out that Scruff had cancer in her leg.

Sadly, Scruff passed away 6 months later. Scruff may have had a rough first chapter in life but her last chapter was full of love, comfort and contentment. Scruff was our first rescue. After Scruff passed, we decided to save as many feral and stray cats and kittens as we could so that is just what we are doing.

The cats that were rescued came from one colony (with the exception of three) and were very skittish at first. Some have gotten better while others are taking longer. It will definitely take a lot of time and patience before they will trust other humans, but if you let them come to you for affection, you will be rewarded with a great companion.

cat rescue feral cat shelter cat rehoming

Our mission

The mission of Scruff's Sanctuary is to show these beautiful innocent animals that they do matter and provide them with safety, love and care.

"You may not be able to change the world by saving one cat, but for that one cat it's world will change forever"

It takes a lot of money to run this sanctuary and most of the time, everything is completely out of pocket. When you figure the cost for litter, food, vet visits, up-keep, medicine, etc. Not to mention the time we have put into making this a comfortable, loving atmosphere to nurture these poor neglected cats. That is why we are asking for any help you can give. It can be either monetary donations or items that we use most. We appreciate any and all donations. Check out the links below. Thank you

GoFundMe

Amazon Wishlist

Success Stories

This is Gabby. She was born May 15, 2022 and I adopted her when she was 4 months old. Her name was Meringue but we changed it because she was extremely chatty when we brought her home. She is sassy, sweet, playful and sometimes a little naughty. She loves belly rubs and sitting in the tub after my shower. She likes a lot of her toys, but her favorites are pens, markers, pieces of kibble, hot wheel

Rosie, previously named Jill, is thriving in her new home. She was born in October 2023 and adopted February 2024. She is the sweetest kitten and is loved so much. Her new owners couldn't ask for a better addition. She loves to play fetch and chase anything that moves. She also likes to nibble at her human's feet at night. Another happy adoption!

Phil is a true success story. He's come a long way in the 3 years he's been in his new home. Previously named Boo, he was one of he cats from that was rescued from outside. For the first 1 1/2 years he would hiss & growl at his owner, but slowly, he became more comfortable, though he still gets nervous sometimes. Now he sleeps on the bed, plays with his toys, loves belly rubs, catnip and EATING! H

Freyja was adopted in February 2024 and is approximately 2 years old. Freyja's owners recently lost one of their cats unexpectedly and were understandably devastated. I told her to contact us if or when she was ready to adopt a new fur baby. Her name was Wicca, but it was changed to Freyja who was a goddess in Norse mythology. She is now a very spoiled member of her new family.

Baxter and Damien, formerly Caboose and Coco are siblings who were born in 2021 and adopted together in February 2022. It's nice when we can keep littermates together.

Fantasia and Luke, previously known as Valentine and Eli were born in January 2022 and adopted together. They are living the life of luxury and have the run of the house.

Adult Cats for Adoption

Charlie - Male - neutered - 5 years. He's sweet, but takes a little while to warm up. Gets along with other cats. One eye was damaged when he was living outside.

Jack - Male - neutered - 5 years. Gets along with other cats. Takes a long time to warm up to humans. Will need patience until he trusts you.

Leo - male - neutered - 4 years old

Aggie - female - 4 years old

Boots - female - 4 years old

Reid - male - neutered - 3 years. Very laid back and gets along with other cats. With a little one on one, he would warm up and be a lovable cat.

Welcome to Scruff's Sanctuary LLC Fishers Island, NY 631-788-7400

Welcome to Scruff's Sanctuary LLC Fishers Island, NY 631-788-7400

About Us

Our staff & volunteers

Our history

Our mission

Success Stories

Adult Cats for Adoption

Kittens for Adoption

Furry Friends Memorial

Updates

Contact Us

Contact Us

2219 Crescent Avenue PO Box 374 Fishers Island, NY 06390

Scruff's Sanctuary LLC

Click to request information

Welcome to Scruff's Sanctuary LLC Fishers Island, NY 631-788-7400

Welcome to Scruff's Sanctuary LLC Fishers Island, NY 631-788-7400

About Us

Our staff & volunteers

Our history

Our mission

Success Stories

Adult Cats for Adoption

Kittens for Adoption

Furry Friends Memorial

Updates

Contact Us

Contact Us

2219 Crescent Avenue PO Box 374 Fishers Island, NY 06390

Scruff's Sanctuary LLC

Click to request information

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