“Where there is love, there is life.” –Mahatma Gandhi

For me, Gandhi’s quote paints a beautiful picture of just how impactful animal rescue can be. This brings to mind the story of a couple who fostered for the first time during the onset of the pandemic. Their life-changing experience illustrates the power of the connection between animal and human.  

“Palmetto Animal League has a special place in our hearts,” says Dana Jacobs of San Francisco, CA. “Whenever we’re in the Lowcountry, we go spend time in the cat rooms at PAL, giving each of the kitties love.”

One of these visits blossomed into something far more profound.

“In July 2020, my partner and I spent two months in Bluffton with my parents,” explains Dana. “And we convinced them it was the perfect time to foster!”  

So, Dana and her partner, Caitlin Schillings, brought home two kittens. Jeffrey and Grady, recently rescued by PAL, were small and sickly requiring special attention. While it was apparent the pair needed Dana and Caitlin, the couple quickly found they too needed the kittens.  

“They were such a bright light in quarantine,” reflects Dana. “Grady was so warm, cuddly, and trusting, while Jeffrey was brave, playful, and sweet.” 

Eight weeks later, as they boarded a plane back to San Francisco, Dana and Caitlin were incredibly sad to say goodbye to their foster kittens, but they kept close tabs on the two.  

“When we heard Grady had been adopted, we were so happy,” remembers Dana. “Meanwhile, we knew Jeffrey was still at PAL and promised that if he wasn’t adopted by Christmas, we would make him our own.” 

And that’s exactly how the story unfolded. Hours after returning from the west coast last December, Dana and Caitlin came to PAL to bring Jeffrey home. 

“Caitlin and I sat on the floor and all of a sudden, it just seemed to click for Jeffrey,” says Dana. “He remembered us, and he was overjoyed.” 

Now lovingly known as Tigey, he isn’t the only feline who loves spending time with Dana’s parents in Bluffton. 

“My mother is now fostering a litter of very young kittens for PAL who need bottle feeding,” says Dana. “She couldn’t stay away!”

You too can be part of the rescue process! Share the love with homeless pets by sending a valentine to the animal lovers in your life by clicking here. Make a heartfelt donation to send an eCard or print a card at home. Your gift will help save the life of a pet waiting for rescue, proving once more that, “Where there is love, there is life.” 

Amy Campanini, Palmetto Animal League President

Click here to see this story and other local news in The Bluffton Sun. 

Thank you to our PAL Partners in Rescue, The Bluffton Sun and The Hilton Head Sun for being beacons of compassion and hope for homeless pets in our community. Please show your support for these local animal loving businesses!