Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center almost to goal for new facility
It is a story about kindness to animals, and a tale made possible by lots of toes!
Your average cat has 18 toes, but Daniel has 26 - two extra, per paw.
Amy Rowell hosts the domestic short-haired kitty at the Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center, and says she estimates him to be about nine months old.
The rescue center is currently located in Greendale, but the non-profit needs to move, as the business doesn't feel it is part of Southridge Mall's long-term business plan.
City of Greenfield leaders have recommended having the business set up shop on Loomis, near 51st.
"This move would have been a little bit more of a struggle without Daniel," Rowell said.
The fable of the feline has managed to spread far beyond Greendale and Greenfield. Money, in increments of $26, $1 for each of Daniel's toes, started pouring in from across the country.
"We have received donations from 44 states and four counties. We've heard from people from from New York to California, Greece, Quebec," Rowell said.
Rowell says they have received over $30,000 in just the last eight days! It's about a quarer of their annual budget, and will help to secure their new location.
Now, Daniel, with his nine lives, can be credited with helping start a new life for a non-profit organization, that won't turn an animal away.
"We'll be moving hopefully before the end of the year, and we've been amazed and blown away by the kindness of strangers," Rowell said.