12/09/2026
It is with deep sadness that I can now confirm the passing of our dear rescue friend Katie Brennan.
Katie came into my life shortly after opening Violet’s House Cat Rescue. At the time, we had agreed to take in a tiny sickly bottle baby from a mutual who knew she was in over her head. Not long afterwards I was contacted about a hoarding situation with approximately 40 cats. I happened to mention this case to Katie, and despite having 4 kids, farm and pet sitting gigs, a baking career and a husband at home she quickly said “I can help, what time do you want to meet there?”.
What we walked into was a nightmare. Both Katie and I walked into a small home with 98 cats, a chronic smoker and a serious lack of litter boxes. Another rescuer had snatched up all the little kittens (25-26) before we got there and left us with 98 adults and older kittens, and many pregnant females. This was not the deal I had prepared for and went basically catatonic 😂. Katie rolled up her sleeves immediately and called her vet, the AMAZING Dr. Audrey Turberville Gun Veterinary Hospital who agreed to open on a weekend to help us get as many pregnant and younger kitties out and spayed/neutered as we could fit in our cars. And off we went…I looked at her and said “well I guess we are doing this?”, and we did. With the help of many fellow rescuers and networks Katie, with a lot of help from Thom Dougherty of DoRe Ranch and Rescue and Casey Maynor within 2-3 months we had every kitty vetted and placed outside of that home.
I will always remember Katie and I laughing about driving with the windows down in our cars after visits to the hoarding house, how bad our hair would smell in the shower once water hit it, burning our clothing and her and I laughing over her having to go wretch in the yard because the smell finally got to her.
My heart is broken for the loss of this animal lover, mother, wife and friend. Rest now Katie, you have more than earned it.
Information on services is pending and we will share details once we know more. If anyone would like to make contribution to help Katie’s family I will provide a donation link. Please make a note that it is “For Katie”.
Shanin
Zelle 630-453-8292 Violet’s House Cat Rescue
Venmo -trivanovic