07/02/2026
As we prepare to celebrate our 15th year as a rescue, we have so many memories! Many of you have been there for a lot of them and we love our village of amazing supporters. However, none of them would be possible if we didn't start from the beginning - looking back at the memories with the true heart and soul of Tails......Mike Traut.
Mike was one of our founders and a past President, and everyone that knew about our small but mighty rescue between 2011 and 2016 would have known Mike. He spent so much time at the shelter getting to know the cats and the people. He lived, ate and breathed Tails. It's hard to imagine that so much time has passed, but 10 years ago this weekend was when Mike lost his battle with cancer.
Looking back through old photos, it's difficult to find many of Mike. He was the photographer with his camera close by at all times, and he loved taking pictures of Tails kitties. He would keep snapping the camera button until he found the one that he thought was purrrfect - and he was right every time. This post has a few of our favorites of Mike, a couple of the ones he took, and a picture of the rainbow over the shelter the day that he passed. He is never far from our hearts, and we know he is still with us by watching over us.
Now, as we prepare to celebrate our accomplishments over 15 years, we ask that you celebrate with us on Saturday, October 3 at Around The Corner at 2:00 pm. Click on this link to purchase your tickets now -
https://givebutter.com/pitties-kitties-tails-turns-15-veanir
If you cannot attend and still want to support Tails and Mike's legacy by making a donation - $15 in honor of 15 years, become a monthly cage sponsor, or choose your own amount - click on the following link to our website to find the donate page, and scroll down to learn about Mike's Miracles Memorial Fund-
https://www.TailsfromthecityCleveland.org
Enjoy your holiday weekend and stay safe. Celebrate with friends and family, and give your little 4-legged family members that are Tails alumni an extra hug in honor of Mike.