When: Saturday, December 13
Where: Blueberry Heaven Ranch, 19325 Lake Pickett Road, Orlando 32820
Time: 1 pm - 4 pm
Come celebrate Santa Lucia 🌟 with us and take a break from Christmas shopping; meet our residents, including horses, ducks and chickens!
Saffron bread and Swedish cinnamon buns will be served.
People always ask us what our immediate needs are, and we always say food...but, here's a more comprehensive list, not in any particular order of need:
Plastic bags - clean, dry grocery bags (if you usually throw away or recycle, consider collecting them in a trash bag for us)
Towels - small to medium size
Blankets - small to medium size
Newspapers
Paper towels
Baby wipes
Clorox wipes (any brand will do)
Clorox bleach (any brand will do)
Pine sol or any generic cleaner
Puppy pads - small to large sizes; our special needs cats always need them
Cat diapers - small diapers, Comfitable by Hertz brand, available on Amazon
Friskies pate - any flavor
Purina One Sensitive Skin and Stomach kibbles
Medium size cat trees (with over 90 cats, they destroy them pretty quickly...)
Pine Pellets - we order a pallet from Tractor Supply so a gift card is a great help to support our $400/month pellet bill
Cat treats, cat nip
Blueberry Heaven Sanctuary provides permanent residence to senior, special needs and hospice cases as well as at risk community cats. We generally do not take in kittens, or healthy, young owner surrendered cats.
At this time, Blueberry Heaven Sanctuary is unfortunately at capacity and is not open for intake of new residents.
Please note that surrender fee is minimum $1000/animal, and $5000 for a geriatric/hospice/special needs cats. While we are not in a position at this time to accept any more cats, generally the age limit is 8 years old and above (we don't take in young, healthy, adoptable cats - this is a sanctuary for those who have no place to go).
Does BHS accept rabbits and/or guinea pigs?
No, BHS is strictly a cat sanctuary.
Does BHS accept puppies/dogs?
No, BHS is strictly a cat sanctuary. BHS is not set up to take in dogs or puppies.
Does BHS provide TNR?
No, at this time, BHS does not have the funds or resources to support TNR programs, but we hope that in the future we can participate in this important community service.
Does BHS adopt out cats surrendered to the sanctuary?
No, BHS does not provide adoption services - all cats who arrive at our sanctuary remain as permanent residents.
Does BHS take in abandoned kittens?
No, BHS does not take in kittens; should you find kittens, please ensure first that the mom cat is indeed not coming back, as often the mom will leave kittens to find food and may return in a few hours. If you are certain the mom has indeed abandoned the kittens, please do the following:
1) foster the kittens until they are at least 8 weeks old and then surrender to Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando or Orange County, who will in turn ensure safe adoption. You will have to sign up with them first to ensure they will take your kittens once they're old enough. They will also provide you with food and supplies, so it's worth taking this route if you find yourself in this situation.
2) If you cannot foster the kittens, please immediately surrender them to Orange County Animal Services, they will reach out to rescue partners for placement.
NEVER post free kittens on social media or Craigslist, as they may end up as snake food or as bait in dog fighting rings (yes, those stories are real). Additionally, even well-intentioned adopters may not be responsible enough to ensure the kitten is spayed/neutered and vaccinated when old enough. Unless you are able and willing to foster the kittens and provide this service on your own, please surrender the kittens to a reputable rescue or Orange County.
Please contact Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando Surrender a Pet Surrender a Pet - Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando - or Orange County Animal Services at www.ocnetpets.com
BHS would like to remind the community that sadly, FL, due to it's warm season lasting much of the year, kitten season continues well into fall, and animal shelters and rescue organizations are facing unprecedented strain. At the same time, many individuals who acquired baby ducks, rabbits, or chicks as Easter novelties are now realizing the significant commitment required to keep these animals safe, healthy, and properly cared for.
Tragically, countless animals will be abandoned in neighborhoods, public parks, or near bodies of water. The fortunate few may make their way to already overburdened shelters and sanctuaries, where resources are stretched thin during this critical period.
We urge all pet owners to act responsibly by making thoughtful, long-term plans for the well-being of the animals they bring into their homes. A rescue or shelter should never serve as a contingency plan for pets that are no longer convenient. Compassionate ownership means honoring the commitment for the entire life of your companion animal.
Lucy
Princess
Milo
Milo
Pinkey
Peeta
Gladys the Hen
Blueberry Heaven Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing permanent refuge to at-risk community cats, special needs, seniors and hospice cats who have no place else to go. Located on a private ranch in the Lake Pickett area of Orlando, FL, the sanctuary provides a safe and nurturing environment for over 90 felines, ranging from 4 months to 18 years old, most of which have special needs, are in hospice care or are geriatric.
Our senior and special needs cats reside inside the residence, enjoying a spacious sunroom, a screened porch, and designated rooms designed to keep them active and engaged. Meanwhile, Annie's Cattery ensures the safety and comfort of our indoor colony.
Currently, we are completing renovations on Annie’s Cattery, a permanent indoor sanctuary for former feral, non-adoptable, or unsocialized cats who need a secure and peaceful home. With ongoing fundraising and community support, our goal is to expand Annie’s Cattery next to include a 600 sq. ft. garden/catio, offering residents a stimulating space where they can observe wildlife—including squirrels, birds, and our rescued ducks and chickens—while enjoying a natural, stress-free environment.
The daily rhythm at BHS is one of quiet dedication, where each rescue finds solace, care, and companionship. We are profoundly grateful to our rescue partners and the generous cat lovers of Central Florida and beyond who continue to support our mission—even while managing their own rescues and feeding countless community cats in our area.
To help us continue providing for these deserving felines, we invite new donors to explore our Amazon and Chewy wish lists and consider contributing to our efforts. Every donation makes a difference in ensuring the well-being of our residents and expanding our ability to serve more cats in need.
Honoring Pinkey and Our Fallen Feline Family
2023 and 2024 saw our sanctuary help some of our precious residents cross the Rainbow Bridge. Pinkey, Milo, Peeta, Princess, Lucy, Willow and our little handicapped hen Gladys. Each was a cherished member of our furry and feathered family and are missed every day.
Please consider making a donation in their memory.
Your generosity will allow us to continue providing lifesaving care, honoring the memory of those we’ve lost, and ensuring our current residents receive the support they deserve.
Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference. Thank you for standing with us in love and compassion.