About Us - Milo's Sanctuary

Milo's Sanctuary & Special Needs Cat Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) founded on the belief that all cats deserve a second chance at life, especially those that have physical disabilities, are seniors, have a terminal illness, or have been abused and need someone to care for, love, and understand them.

We have a Lifetime Care Program for the cats that cannot be re-homed. Our promise when we rescue them is to provide a safe and loving environment for the rest of their lives. All Milo's cats receive medical care and anything else that they require to have the best quality of life we can give them for as long as we can.

We are always in need of sponsors for our special needs cats. Learn more about our Lifetime Care Program and how you can help save a life!

We rely solely on donations to continue our mission to help special needs cats and kittens that would otherwise die abandoned in the shelter or on the street. Even $1.00 makes a difference and EVERY cent donated goes directly to the care of these beautiful souls. We are strictly an all-volunteer organization and no one receives a salary of any kind. All donations are tax deductible.

Our Board of Directors

Michele Hoffman — President, Founder & Director of Animal Care

Michele Hoffman is the President, Founder, and Director of Animal Care at Milo's Sanctuary, Inc. Michele not only brings both hands-on experience with animals of all species (specializing in cats), but also a solid background in writing, the legal, and financial fields.

Michele's love of all animals started at a very young age when she would rescue and bring home any animal that needed help. Thanks to a mother that shared her love and dedication to animals, she has been rescuing since the age of 6 years old.

After spending many years fostering for various rescue groups in the Southern California area, she witnessed many cats being killed in shelters and abandoned on the streets that were seniors, injured, abused, or had terminal illnesses. Deciding that she needed to change the way people viewed and treated these cats and their situations, she returned to school and graduated with a degree in veterinarian technology. Soon after, Michele created Milo's Sanctuary, proving that cats with special needs can, and should, be given the same opportunity as any animal to have full, happy and wonderful lives. She continues educating the public and those that work in the veterinarian field, as well as those that work at animal shelters and other rescues.

Michele's unwavering dedication and love for the cats that need a little extra help is inspiring a whole new appreciation of the cats with special needs in everyone she encounters.

Randy Hoffman — Treasurer

Randy Hoffman is the Treasurer of Milo's Sanctuary and he joins us with many years of accounting experience in both the technology and movie industries. Randy has always loved animals, especially cats. When he was a young boy, he tamed a feral cat by sitting patiently and talking to him (not an easy feat to sit still and be patient as a child). The cat finally learned to trust Randy and would eat out of his hand. He named him Yeaya and they became good buddies.

Since retiring, Randy now spends his time recording music and volunteering with Milo's Sanctuary. Randy does veterinarian transports, helps with the online store, and gives all the love the cats can handle. We are lucky that he agreed to be Milo's Treasurer as he brings a vast amount of experience, love, and joy to everything he does.

Mirissa

Mirissa grew up in a very "dog loving" family. Though she loved all animals, cats always stole her heart. When Mirissa moved away from the home, the first thing she did was adopt Bailey. Bailey has become her entire world, and thanks to the friendship they share, Mirissa will reach her hand out to any cat who needs her help.

Mirissa has helped TNR her neighborhood and help tons of local feline friends, giving treatment and finding loving homes for kittens who've lost their moms. She is especially grateful for Milos Sanctuary. Mirissa says this organization has completely changed her life and is committed to giving her love and care to every cat that comes through the Sanctuary door. She has formed friendships with all the cats here at Milo's, but Leelee has stolen a piece of her heart!

Patsy Rethore

Patsy Rethore has been working in the field of early childhood development and education for 25 years as a teacher, consultant, behavioral specialist, and parent educator. She currently works with high-risk young children and their families who have been impacted by trauma (homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse). One of her rescued cats, Pandora, is a very important part of her job, as she works as a therapy cat with the children.

Through interactions with Pandora (who is visually impaired), the children with whom Patsy works experience gentleness and empathy, and learn responsibility for others as they talk about how an animal must be cared for. Such opportunities are critically important for these children to build a positive self-image based on kindness, rather than aggression. It is her hope that it helps to break the cycle of animal abuse and neglect.

Patsy believes very strongly in the mission of Milo's Sanctuary because she has seen the powerful impact that animals can have. Rescue animals have enriched her life, strengthened her own family, and brought deeper meaning to her work.

Debbie — Secretary

Debbie grew up in Northern California in a household that always had a cat. Big orange tabbies, a playful black and white bobtail, and a sweet black long-hair. She loved her cats and the cats loved her! When Debbie moved out on her own, she had many, many years of living in small apartments that didn't allow pets or having roommates that didn't want pets. That's when she began visiting her local shelters. These places had so many kitties that needed someone to pet and play with them and Debbie began a regular rotation to the shelters to get her "kitty fix". Finally, a few years ago, Debbie settled into a home where she could invite her fur friends to come live with her. Baker, a big orange tabby and Scout, a feisty black and white tuxedo took up residence with her and have made her house a home.

When a feral kitten came into Debbie's life in 2010 she was in way over her head! She called on her friend Michele at Milo's Sanctuary for advice, support, and encouragement. With Milo's help, her new cat Rocky made a difficult, but ultimately successful transition from feral Studio back lot kitten to sweet, lovable condo cat. Debbie is now the Secretary for the board at Milo's Sanctuary.

Connie

Connie started with Milo's Sanctuary as a very dedicated volunteer in 2016 and has an affinity for all things cat! Connie found us when she came to meet her hero, Lil'Bub, at the cat show we'd hosted, and decided to join the Milo's team. Soon after, she and Sir Thomas Trueheart formed a friendship and decided to start an Instagram account, which she runs with the love and care she puts into everything she does!

Connie also fell in love with Wally Wigglesworth and adopted him without hesitation. Next, she adopted Joey, a rescue tossed on the streets and rescued by Michele and Debbie (two of our other Board members). They're now a happy family and we hear that Wally enjoys watching TV with his human mom, dad, and cat brother Joey!

Jamie

Jamie always felt compelled to help animals, however she did not truly understand cats until she agreed to foster her first stray kitten. Jamie knew immediately she was a foster fail for that first kitten and wanted to learn as much as she could about cats and how to help them.

Now Jamie loves to help through Milo's sanctuary where she keeps records of the current adorable cats up to date as well as providing communications between Milo's and other organizations.