Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Loralei Lazurek
Arizona is home to a vast number of nonprofit animal welfare organizations, many of which have been around for a very long time and are fairly well-known. However, on a heaven-esque hilltop property in New River, there exists one organization that has been serving Arizona’s cat population for more than 40 years, and you may have never even heard of it.
St. Francis Feline Sanctuary was founded in 1980 by Michael and Pat Pavlina, who purchased the 5-acre property in New River with the specific intention of creating a home for cats.
“They found their dream in creating a haven for cats on this unique hilltop property, complete with a well and a house built to their specifications,” says Tracy Didier, who began volunteering for the nonprofit organization about 20 years ago.
“They were drawn to its undisturbed beauty and spaciousness. Typically caring for 70–80 cats at a time, they kept the sanctuary relatively private and did not actively advertise due to its limited capacity. This quiet life suited Michael and Pat, who lived on the property until their passing in 2021 and 2022, respectively.”
Ten years ago, when the Pavlinas started to face health challenges, they asked if Didier and her husband would be willing to take the reins of their organization after their passing. They unhesitatingly agreed.
“My husband and I have been involved in animal rescue for 25 years,” says Didier, who now serves as St. Francis Feline Sanctuary’s president, director and owner. “My husband’s mother led a large animal rescue, and I joined that through him.
“A few years later, we met Michael and Pat, who inspired us with their dedication to unadoptable cats. They not only provided shelter for feral cats but also built a separate haven for feline leukemia virus-positive felines. We admired their commitment to caring for unwanted animals.”
Many of St. Francis’ residents arrive at the sanctuary from owners who have passed away.
“These cats, typically 10 years or older, are often surrendered due to their age and perceived unadoptability in other shelters,” Didier explains. “We also receive FeLV-positive cats from veterinarians whose clients wish for euthanasia. In these cases, the vet contacts us to see if we can provide a home, and we accept these cats from the veterinarian upon surrender. We have also taken FeLV-positive cats from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.”
The kitties are ultimately free to roam about the beautiful 5-acre, fully enclosed property. They are welcome to spend their time in the main house or outside on the lush desert landscape as they wish. There is a separate half-acre enclosure for FELV-positive residents, who have their own little house, complete with all comforts and amenities.
Four years ago, Didier and her husband purchased an adjacent 5-acre parcel, on which they have begun building a house, with plans to connect it to the sanctuary for easier daily care.
“This project, alongside running our own business and the sanctuary, has taken longer than expected, but we expect to be finished in six months,” says Didier, noting that St. Francis has already started to increase its cat population thanks to its dedicated volunteers and revamped website and social media presence. “We are now honored to care for more than 100 cats.
“We are also cautiously starting adoptions for our cats that previously lived indoors, allowing controlled meet-and-greets and enabling access to crucial grants. For example, we recently rescued two cats that were abandoned in the desert near Cave Creek. Though terrified and traumatized, they are surprisingly social. Once they decompress and receive necessary medical care, including spaying or neutering and vaccinations, they will be available for adoption as indoor-only companions.”
Didier adds that St. Francis carefully screens all potential adopters to ensure such cats go to safe and happy forever homes. However, for most of its residents, the sanctuary will be the home at which they spend the rest of their days.
“Last year, we welcomed Socrates, a 20-year-old tuxedo cat that was surrendered by his owner, Jack, a retired Navy veteran who was entering an assisted living facility,” Didier says. “Socrates, vocal and well-loved, settled comfortably in his corner of the kitchen. We provided him with his favorite foods and a water fountain.
“We have also ensured continued connection to his previous owner through letters and pictures. We strive to maintain the bond between cats and their families whenever possible, understanding the emotional significance these companions hold. We even took Socrates to visit Jack in the care facility he was in. Sadly, both Jack and Socrates passed away before the end of the year. However, even in death, Socrates’ ashes remain at the sanctuary.”
As St. Francis Feline Sanctuary continues to grow under its new leadership, the nonprofit organization welcomes volunteers of all experience levels. Monetary and food donations, both wet and dry, are also always appreciated.
“One of the things that I have learned through St. Francis Feline Sanctuary is that it is never too late to have some fun,” Didier says. “Even older cats, like Socrates, will chase a laser pointer or a mouse with joy. Sometimes it takes a while for new cats to adjust. After all, we do not know their stories or what they have been through. But once they experience the freedom, beauty and tranquility of our sanctuary, they start to play and have fun.
“Until their end, which sometimes we have to help them with, they truly enjoy every last day. We make sure of that. It is truly amazing what happens when even an older cat is given lots of tender loving care, some space and maybe a little bit of catnip. They become kittens again. Seeing that sparkle in their eye and that twitch in their tail is something sincerely special. It is such a beautiful transformation and our group of amazing volunteers make it all possible.”
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