Bay State Animal Cooperative
A Safe, Loving, No Kill Rescue for our Animals
Board of Directors
Marcia Motta
Founder and President
I founded the Bay State Animal Cooperative, a 501(c)3 animal rescue organization in 2009 and proudly serve as the volunteer President, foster caregiver, treasurer and trapper. As an animal advocate since childhood, I am proud to stand by other passionate volunteers and directors that help mold this organization. I have supported a no-kill philosophy since I can remember and it is the back-bone of my everyday life with animals.
Animal rescue, advocacy, support and welfare has been my destiny and I have actively pursued this passion since the early 1980’s. Though it all began in 1964 a small town in NH where I raised with an array of rodents, rabbits, dogs, reptiles and great “human” family support.
I currently share my home with two dogs, Bailey and Anderson, and my cat, Talia, in addition to several long foster cats. I have two grown independent daughters and a son who all share their lives with adopted cats and dogs.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Emmanuel College. I have completed many animal science and veterinary technician courses. In 2017, I passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam and am a Massachusetts Certified Veterinary Technician. Additionally, I have held many roles over the years involving animals including; TNR specialist, executive director of another no-kill rescue group, member of the mass animal coalition, and partner with animal control officers, rescues, businesses and schools to educate and assist with feline rescue and adoption.
As a professional pet sitter and dog walker I feel lucky to be able to share every day with animals while assisting pet owners. The coordination of many past and present part-time professions has allowed me to rescue, care for, adopt and spay/neuter thousands of felines over the past 20 years of my life while experiencing many memories with my friends and family.
Though life is hectic and a bit overwhelming at times, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Rita Crowell
Vice President
I am a retired high school Science Department Director with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Masters degree. I taught for 30 years and have had various volunteer experiences throughout that time.
My experience with BSAC has grown by stages. BSAC was the group that I first encountered as a result of kitten visitors in my yard. I needed help and BSAC had suggestions and advice. After a short time, my interest in cats, the attitude of the public towards cats, and how I could help to make the lives of cats and kittens better sent me in a new direction. Educating individuals to help themselves and the cats in their neighborhoods are important to me. BSAC provided the framework for my interests and a way to move forward to provide that help. The goals of the organization are core values that I can support. As a result I became the BSAC shelter manager at a place where myself, and many volunteers would house and care for cats and kittens that were waiting for forever homes.
I am an ardent supporter of animal rights using various internet petition sites, including paid memberships to many animal support groups
My present position at BSAC is vice president. I perform various volunteer functions in the group:
Maintain the pictures and bios on Petfinder of our available cats and kittens
Track of all trapping equipment (including pickup and delivery)
- Perform TNR (trap, neuter, return) in the community and track colony locations
- Provide temporary foster care for many cats and kittens that are transitioning to foster or adoptive homes
- Build and maintain shelters and feeding stations for feral cat colonies
- Transport cats to doctor appointments, spay/neuter
- Post pictures and biographies of our cats in a flyer that is
- distributed to vet offices and clinics and pet stores
- Process adoption applications, when added help is needed
MIchelle Taranto
Director
I am the volunteer coordinator with the Bay State Animal Cooperative and could not be happier with my choice of volunteer work. I was first introduced to Bay State approximately 18 years ago when I was looking for a companion for my adult cat. I was introduced to a friendly feral cat named Cinnamon, and while my family thought my cat was too attached to me to share his home, it could not have been a better fit. They were best friends, and Cinnamon is still with me today at 20 years old!
I started out volunteering with fundraising and administration and was happy to expand my services to volunteer coordinator and working with the cats within our adoption center. I am proud to be a member of BSAC not only because of their no-kill philosophy, but also with its dedication to providing valuable resources to reduce animal overpopulation, assisting pet owners who would otherwise have not humane alternative and educating young and old about rescuing and caring for animals. I also attracted to BSAC as the organization takes in special needs and older cats and will care for them until the exact fit if found...as long as it take. There is no better feeling than finding the purrfect forever home for our beloved felines and brightening the lives of their new families.
I currently have three cats, all adopted through BSAC. I am a Realtor with Keller Williams and love the fact that I not only help find homes for people but for cats who, without BSAC, might not benefit from a second chance to be part of a loving family.
Meet Our Cats
Featured Cats for Adoption
Applications can be downloaded here
Meet Maude
About Maude
Maude is a sweet, quiet little girl who had babies very young. She is a wonderful mother but needs a chance to be a kitten herself- when she is not busy mothering she likes her toys and getting scratches. She has been a perfect roommate at her foster home with no bad habits like scratching furniture or jumping on counters.
Thank you very much for your inquiry to adopt from us. You expressed interest in Maude.
If you still want to adopt Maude you can complete a non-commitment application on our website:
www.baystateanimals.org
In the application, please list in the section that asks what cat you are interested in, that you are interested in Maude and list any specifics you might be looking for (such as gender or color). If Maude is not available we have many other sweet, fun kittens and cats available to consider.
$175 adoption fee includes; spay or neuter, age appropriate vaccines, feline leukemia test, FIV test if over 6 months of age, microchip, flea treatment and roundworm treatment as needed, additional treatments as deemed necessary.
Thank you again and if you do not hear from one of our volunteers in a reasonable amount of time please do not hesitate to reach back out to us!
Meet Sokar
About Sokar
Sokar was recently surrendered to BSAC as his owners moved out of the country. He is currently a cat available for immediate fostering as he has shown that he does not want to reside with other cats while he has been placed in his first foster.
He can surely be adopted too of course, he wants his forever home and this time to be forever. Are you his home?
A little about him;
Name: Sokar
Age: 4y 6m
Color: Grey
Breed: Russian Blue
Health: healthy with records
Sokar was neutered on 1/26 and now that he has recovered, he will need a new foster home. Fostering means you pay for his sheltering, food and litter. Bay State Animal Cooperative will provide any medical care and always support. He CAN NOT BE WITH OTHER ANIMALS. He will spray/mark and act aggressively towards humans and animals if other animals are in the home. This is a result of being an un-neutered alpha male of the house! Our experience with him has led us to believe he will be a great fit in an experienced cat home with no pets.
Sokar truly enjoys humans and being petted at his request. He would fit into a home with older children and experienced cat owners quite nicely. Just let him be the king of the house is all he asks, no other pets!
Please reach out to us if this seems like a great fit for your home.
Meet Sassy
About Sassy
Meet Sassy:
So have you or someone you know wished they had a cat for their cat? Well these cat friends exist and we have one. Bay State Animal Cooperative that is!
Meet Sassy: She was originally adopted by us 8 years ago as a shy young kitty seeking a home with another cat. She found that home. Sadly recently after her cat friend passed away her owner couldn’t no longer care for her and as we stated in our adoption agreement “we will take them back”. So Sassy is in foster care starting over and though she’s VERY shy and has never preferred humans to cats she deserves her final forever home. Her choice, a home where there are ZERO expectations from her but she expects a kitty friend. One who is used to other cats.
Check out her picture with her foster cat friend Neville. Is this a kind of kitty that might fit into your pet portrait? Don’t inquire if you want a cat for yourself. She’s all about herself and her friends (whatever miss Sassy).
She’s the calico! In case that wasn’t clear. ?
If you still want to adopt [Sassy], you can complete a non-commitment application on our website:
www.baystateanimals.org
$175 adoption fee includes; spay or neuter, age appropriate vaccines, feline leukemia test, FIV test if over 6 months of age, microchip, flea treatment and roundworm treatment as needed, additional treatments as deemed necessary.
Thank you again and if you do not hear from one of our volunteers in a reasonable amount of time please do not hesitate to reach back out to us!
Meet Juniper
About Juniper
Meet Juni (Juniper)
Looking for a little spunk in your house? Look no further, Juni is a dainty, agile kitty who loves to jump, hunt, play and sprint across the house. She was born feral and is 4 years 11 months old. She can be skittish with new people, often hiding, but once she gets to know you she is super loving. She loves a good rub down! She loves company (human and furry) but on her terms - she'll come to you, thank you! She has very unique markings, making her a beautiful girl. She can be picky about food, litter and litter box placement, but once those are to her liking, she is a very low maintenance cat. She isn't very vocal... unless she's hungry! She does get stressed out easily, so a quiet home without young kids is preferred, even though she does tolerate them okay without lashing out. If you have sherpa blankets, she'll be your best friend!
Thank you very much for your inquiry to adopt from us. You expressed interest in Juni.
If you still want to adopt Juni you can complete a non-commitment application on our website:
www.baystateanimals.org
$175 adoption fee includes; spay or neuter, age appropriate vaccines, feline leukemia test, FIV test if over 6 months of age, microchip, flea treatment and roundworm treatment as needed, additional treatments as deemed necessary.
Thank you again and if you do not hear from one of our volunteers in a reasonable amount of time please do not hesitate to reach back out to us!Sponsor Our Long Term Foster Cats.....
These semi-feral cats live a comfortable life together, but they need your sponsorship. Please consider a monthly contribution to sponsor one of these cats so we can continue to keep them safe! We need special food, medication and veterinary care for these beautiful cats and your help is needed!
To sponsor, please pledge any denomination through the website or send a monthly check to:
Bay State Animal Cooperative, Inc. PO BOX # 932 Norwood, MA 02062 to support these long term fosters expenses.
Meet Pete
About Pete
Where does his story begin? Pete was rescued from the great outdoors like so many other kittens. He and his siblings were on the older side of kittenhood and slightly harder to socialize. Ideally 8 - 12 weeks of age is an ideal guideline for easier socialization leading to adoption. Pete and his siblings were 3 to 4 months and needless to say, their socializing was a bit longer. However they were ready for new homes and he and his 2 siblings were all adopted to the same fabulous family. Pete, however, did not transition well and cowed in the corners, slithered from place to place, (unlike how he acted at his fosters) and it was agreed by the new parents and BSAC that he should return to the only home he'd ever known - his foster. Pete loved being back in what is now his "long-term" foster where he demonstrates common behaviours of outdoor kitties. As such, he is considered "un-adoptable". He marks his territory, bullies the new foster cats, but has grown to love his humans and select roommates.Controlling his environment has curbed his need to express bad behaviours. That's just what we do!
How can you help Pete? Consider sponsoring him with a monthly donation in his name through our website or send a check to Bay State Animal Cooperative, Inc. PO BOX # 932 Norwood, MA 02062
Meet Swansea
About Swansea
Swansea is a long-term foster cat that has been in our care since the mid 2000’s. Like most of our long-term foster cats, she was trapped after a tragedy hit her family. As a feral cat, she lived outside on a porch cared for by a wonderful man. He provided her with a shelter (heated) and food. She had not been spayed and had kittens in the shelter. One cold winter night, Swansea’s 4 kittens became victims to a hungry raccoon. There was a fight as Swansea fended forever her kittens. One was killed and sadly Swansea was severely injured. Her rear leg was torn from her body.
Her caretaker contacted Bay State Animal Cooperative and we went into action. We worked several days to trap her and her 3 remaining kittens. Luckily the kittens were safe and later adopted. Swansea had to have emergency surgery and her rear limb was amputated. It was evident that going back to her previous existence was not in her best interest. As a true feral, Swansea was placed with existing ferals in a sanctuary where she adjusted fabulously. She is getting older, and has slowed down a bit but is happy. Swansea and all of our long-term fosters, are fed a grain-free canned and dry food diet. We expect more medical expenses as she grows older along with her friends and your help and support is appreciated.
Consider monthly recurring donations through our website http://www.baystateanimals.org or send monthly checks to Bay State Animal Cooperative, Inc. PO BOX # 932 Norwood, MA 02062 to help support Swansea and the other long term foster cats that are cared for daily by Bay State Animal Cooperative.
Amy, Swansea and JR
Meemee, Paul and JR
Snuggle time! Its important we all share the same bed.
Sherbet
Meet Sherbet:
Where do we begin....It was September of 2013 when Sherbet and 9 other felines were rescued from a hoarding situation. BSAC stepped in and took these cats. Sherbet appeared healthy and potentially adoptable at initial evaluation. As time went on in foster care, it became very evident that he had been un-socialized for a very long time and his fear of humans did not allow him to trust us. That was OK as he was placed in a large, indoor space with others from his "family" and was adjusting very well to the continued food, shelter and enrichment he was exposed to. Over months of care he allowed feeders to touch him and even enjoyed a good back pet but would not consent to additional affection, including being handled in any fashion. His limitations were evident and he has since lived in this environment with MANY roommates over his 9 years with us. He became a bit more social with a young male volunteer over his almost 10 year relationship with several volunteer through BSAC. In 2021 the place he had always called home was going to change and his greatest opportunity became evident. The young man who he kind of picked as his own, was ready, willing and able to take him to live with him in a quiet, safe apartment. Off Sherbet went to live in Virginia. Though the transition was not easy it was the right choice. Sherbet took several months to trust his new human roommate and over the last 8 months has become "almost" accepting of his human. Additionally, his human's significant other has welcomed him and honestly, Sherbet has chosen her as his new bestie. This is so rewarding for our organization. With this happiness comes a bit of sadness. Our friend of almost a decade has been burdened with significant health issues. In addition to a lifetime of regular care; vaccines, dental procedures and periodic bloodwork, Sherbet required regular care for chronic ear infections advanced medical workups. Recently, he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. This disease requires regular medication and due to his learned fear of us humans he was not at all tolerant to the required treatments. As a result, he has been placed on a extremely expensive prescription diet that has the ability to control this disease. Though we are hopeful, his thyroid disease is not yet "in-control". He has also developed a few more concerns. A recent excessive drooling and associated odor issue, seems to be caused by a growth on his lower jaw. Initially it is being treated as an abscess, but could certainty be a much more serious condition. Keeping our fingers crossed. Bloodwork has also indicated he has a severe kidney infection which is also being treated with antibiotic therapy. Our handsome, now love-bug, is living every day like it's his last. He is the epitome of an appreciative feline who shows very little sign of his current health struggles to his beloved human caretakers.
The main point in his story and other long-term foster care cats is that we, the directors, volunteers, especially the fosters, of BSAC believe in forever care and love for all animals and do our very best to provide this. This does not come without stress, sadness, many hours of coordinating efforts and of course lots of financial and humanity decisions. We like to exemplify what it means to own, love and unconditionally care for a pet. Without every person, and of course our feline friends, we could not do these wonderful things. We are happy to share any receipts regarding the financial care we give our rescued and long-term kitties but want to stress that the expenses for just Sherbet recently, have totaled over $1500 and will be increasing an additional $600 in the short-term and hopefully (meaning his prognosis is not terminal) an additional $1500 for additional procedures over the next few months and at minimum $1000 per year to maintain his hyperthyroidism, chronic ear infections and possibly sub-q fluids for maintaining kidney health. We only HOPE for the long-term expenses as that would be the best-case scenario for Sherbet as he continues his pain-free health and wellness plan in his senior years!
WE need YOU and YOUR friends and family to feel a part of what we do. What we do is real, we can be held accountable and we do all of this with as much in-sight as we can regarding the care, quality of life while using our educated and experienced resources. We treasure what we do and want everyone to see this. Please consider volunteering to foster a short-term adoptable or long-term cat for us. We can promise you, though not always easy, it is ALWAYS rewarding and appreciated!
Thanks for reading about Sherbet. Please read more about each of our long-term foster cats and our commitment to our rescues just like we encourage all pet owners to do for their four-legged (or possibly three-legged) friends.
Have a purrrrfect Day
Indoor/Outdoor cat sanctuary
Volunteer
WHAT WE NEED:
Volunteer Coordinators
Foster Parents
Adoption Coordinators
Adoption Counselors (we will train you)
Animal Transport- to and from vet appointments
Fund-Raising Coordinators
- Administrative Assistants
Pick up and transport of donated food-in your car or truck (mileage is tax-deductible!)
Grant Writers
and more...new ideas are always welcome!
Please fill out a volunteer application form on-line.
Connect With Us
Our Social media links:
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