Dear Peter:

The Goathouse Cat Refuge and Sanctuary

A Lifelong Haven for Cats in Need

Hello,

My name is Lauren Brooks, and I’m a Veterinary Technician at The Goathouse Refuge, a no-kill sanctuary located just outside of Pittsboro, North Carolina. We provide lifelong care, comfort, and love to more than 150 cats—many of whom were rescued from dire situations or faced euthanasia elsewhere.

 💚 What We Do

At the Goathouse, we believe every cat deserves a chance—regardless of age, medical history, or temperament. We care for cats with chronic conditions like FIV, and diabetes, as well as those with neurological or behavioral challenges. Some cats are adoptable and just waiting to find the right home. Others, who may never be adoptable, remain here for life, cared for with compassion and respect.

 💙 The Refuge

Our refuge is designed to give cats space, comfort, and enrichment while they wait for their forever homes. Some are outgoing and affectionate right away; others are shy and need time, patience, and understanding to come out of their shells. We welcome visitors, volunteers, and potential adopters to spend time with the cats, build trust, and discover the unique personalities that make each one special.

 💙 The Sanctuary

The Goathouse is also home to our founder, Siglinda, who lives with many of the cats that are not adoptable—elderly cats, those with complex medical or behavioral needs, and those who simply thrive better in a quiet, home-like setting. Some have lived with her for nearly two decades. After her open-heart surgery, the most vulnerable cats were brought into her home for hands-on care—and many never wanted to leave.

 🔧 Behind the Scenes

Every cat in our care receives individualized attention, veterinary treatment, and the highest-quality diet we can provide. We work closely with trusted veterinary partners and put extensive time into researching the best care options available. The animals here are not just surviving, they’re truly living.

 🤝 How You Can Help

While the love is abundant, the resources are not. Caring for 150+ cats, 5 dogs, 2 goats, and a flock of rescued chickens takes significant financial support—medical care, food, supplies, staff and maintenance add up quickly.

We’re asking for your support particularly as times are becoming harder and because your support has always been the heart of what we do. Whether you can make a one-time donation, become a monthly supporter, or help spread the word by sharing our story on social media, it all helps us continue this vital work.

Goathouse has been here for over 20 years thanks to the support of people who believe in giving every animal a second chance. With your help, we’ll keep doing just that.

 With gratitude,

Lauren Brooks

Veterinary Technician

The Goathouse Refuge

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/

Lauren has the remarkable ability to see each cat as a whole being—not just their medical profile. Her insights, empathy, and diligence have already made her a very important member of our family.

You’re invited to visit our home anytime between 11 AM and 3 PM, just give us a call. While you’re here, we hope you’ll spend time with our resident dogs—they love company as much as we love having you!

Let me introduce them to you:

Tobia may look imposing with his big mastiff head, but behind that size is one of the gentlest souls you’ll ever meet—he often leans into guests for affection and might even give the chickens a sweet kiss if they’re nearby. Cricket is Mamma’s boy : A quiet older guy

Always happy to see a friend but he needs to know where Mom is. Zeus and Indy usually keep to the orchard; Zeus prefers a calm distance from resident cats—he tends to be startled by hisses—and Indy stays close by her buddy, zipping up to guests for affection. Be very careful not to let Zeus and Indy out of the orchard, the cats are out, and Zeus could be too rough with the hissing ones…

Finally, Lina is our petite rescue pup who was mistreated in the past: she’s incredibly gentle-hearted but understandably cautious, so please wait for her to come to you—her tail wag or soft nuzzle is all the invitation she needs. Taken together, these five dogs each bring joy, and nothing delights them more than seeing a friendly face wander through the garden. Whether you’re hoping to spend a quiet moment with Lina, share a laugh with Cricket, or simply dance with Tobia, your presence in their space makes all our hearts fuller—and the dogs couldn’t be happier to meet you.

Thank you—for believing in what we’re building. For supporting the cats, the garden, our meal‑making, our growing team, and my dream of crafting tranquil space where kindness thrives.

With deep gratitude and hope to see you soon,

Big hugs,

Siglinda Scarpa, Founder/Director

Goathouse Cat Refuge

Donate today using PayPal, a Debit or Credit Card, Venmo, or Zelle using the Donate button:

Or to become a Monthly Sustainer, click on Subscribe button and follow instructions on our website:

Thank you for helping us help the cats at the Refuge!

We are their Refuge  • You are their Future

Include Goathouse Refuge.org in your estate planning

Goathouse Refuge:  680 Alton Alston Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312

mailto:goathouserefugeoffice@gmail.com • 919-542-6815

http://www.goathouserefuge.org

https://www.facebook.com/TheGoathouseRefuge/

https://www.instagram.com/goathouserefuge/

https://twitter.com/GoathouseRefuge

Have you read “Behind the Scene”? It has some great stories about kitties and other animals saved by our refuge! Check it out by clicking on the link above.

Plan on visiting the Refuge? Please consider making a donation of one or some of the items on the list of daily-needed items:

To view Refuge Amazon Wish List use this link:

Sign up for an account at Chewy.com using this link and The Goathouse Refuge will receive a donation in your name!