Some animals arrive with scars. Some with stories. Some—like Pants—arrive yowling, wounded, and full of fight. I didn’t just adopt a cat—I adopted a cause. And I’m raising money for Animal Friends Alliance to make sure every pet gets the home they deserve.
I’m Avery—a Development Assistant at Animal Friends Alliance, a writer, artist, and lifelong rescue advocate. I’m so grateful that my work lets me support our mission creatively and meaningfully—tracking donations, thanking supporters, and helping make sure every animal gets their second chance.
My journey started with a childhood full of rescue pets, and it became a career in 2022 when I worked at a local shelter, the same shelter where earlier that year I had met my own cat: Pants. As is typical of a rescue environment, I wore many hats, from client services to kennel care, and fell in love with the rhythm of rescue.
Now, I get to blend that passion with creativity every day. And as for Pants? He’s the perfect example of why I do this. Loud, scrappy, and totally misunderstood—but underneath it all, a heart that just needed someone to see it.
The Tale of Pants
Hi. I’m Pants.
Yes, like the clothing. No, I really don’t want to talk about it.
Once upon a time, I was just another loudmouth stray in Greeley, Colorado with too much attitude and not enough luck. A rugged street cat with notches in my ears, a bent tail, and an attitude. People said I was “too much.” Too noisy. Too needy. Too angry. I was adopted twice and returned twice—each time, my wounds got deeper, inside and out. By the time Avery met me over three years ago, I had an infected leg, a crooked tail, and a growl you could hear two counties over.
When Avery walked in; I could see she was perfect. Big tote bag. Big heart. Big sucker energy. When I yowled? She smiled. When I jumped into her bag like I already owned her? She laughed. And when the shelter staff nervously told her my history, she simply said, “I think he’s mine.”
Turns out, she was right. And also: I was very right about her.
That first car ride, I punched my way out of the cardboard crate. At home, I smashed her lifelong designer perfume collection within the hour. I didn’t mean to be a menace—I just didn’t know how to trust. But Avery let me be complicated. She never forced it. Just kept showing up. She gave me food on schedule. Blinking slowly. Talking gently. Giving me space.
Now? I’m thriving. A chunky, spoiled, indoor-only house gremlin. I still scream, but mostly for snacks. I follow her like a shadow. I make biscuits like it’s my job. I even (when my mood is just right) let her hold and cuddle me. We’ve come a long way, me and my human.
Avery works at Animal Friends Alliance now. She’s part of the big team of employees and supporters that keeps this rescue going strong. This challenge helps save the next Pants, the ones no one else looks twice at. And trust me: those animals deserve their moment.
If you can spare a little something, we’d be grateful. If not, just remember my story next time you meet a cat who seems “too much.” Underneath all the noise? Could be the loudest love you’ve ever known.
Pants’ story isn’t unique—and that’s the point. Every day, Animal Friends Alliance is helping animals just like him: overlooked, misunderstood, or just in need of a fresh start. Since it’s inception, Animal Friends Alliance has:
-Found loving homes for over 45,623 dogs and cats
-Spayed and neutered 105,836 animals to prevent future litters/overpopulation
-Helped more than 2,400 community cats through TNR and adoption
This work can only happen with the support of compassionate people like you.
During our Saving Pets Challenge, we’re aiming to raise $200,000 to continue our lifesaving work. Whether you donate $5 or $500, you’re giving pets like Pants get their shot at comfort, safety, and a family willing to love them even when they scream like banshees for dinner.
If you’ve ever loved an animal that others didn’t understand… this one’s for you.
From me and Pants—thank you for being part of this journey.
As a very exclusive thank you, every donation made to my page will receive a hand-crafted haiku written by the chunkiest orange tabby around; Pants himself. He’s recently begun studying poetry. And he’s very serious about it.
He’s provided a sample of his work below:
#22 – “Feast Delayed”
The bowl—still too clean.
You said dinner was at six.
It is six-oh-two.
