Challengers House Inc

Challenger’s House is a 501(c)3 non-profit animal shelter incorporated on April 23, 2001 and specializing in the rescue, shelter, and placement of cats that are stray, injured, abandoned, or otherwise relinquished by an owner.

Our name is in memory of a special cat, Challenger, who died at the age of three years after suffering a heart attack caused by hydrotropic cardiomyopathy.  He loved people and expressed his affection by hugging catlovers around the neck.  Challenger watched over orphan kittens and allowed them to cuddle up to him as they tried to nurse.  It is in remembrance of this wonderful cat that we have devoted our time and energy to helping the unwanted and homeless animals of our area.

Challenger’s House sits on six acres in rural Madison County and a 2,200 square foot house serves as home for all our rescued cats as well as residence (two rooms) for our shelter manager. There are currently three areas with animals in residence: a main cat room with attached screen porch for adults, a smaller, secondary room for adult cats, and a holding room for animals that need a little special care before being introduced into the main area.  The main & secondary cat rooms are free-roaming which means animals are not in cages but allowed to interact freely with people and other cats.

Most of our orphans or females with litters are placed in foster homes until the kittens are ready to go to Petsmart to be placed in forever homes.

As part of our adoption process, all persons adopting are reminded that Challenger's House will take back its adopted cats for any reason and at any time no matter how long after adoption. We have taken cats back that have been in their home for 10 years and while we are sad that the cats have to be returned we want to provide a safe, lifetime alternative to places where they might face death.

Our governing board consists of three members: Sherry Carleton, President; Rodney Stephens, Vice President; and Susan Burlingame, Secretary/Treasurer.  Ms. Burlingame also serves as Shelter Manager.  We depend on volunteers to assist in animal care, adoption counseling, fundraising, grounds maintenance, and other projects as needed.

Our current needs are monetary for veterinarian & other expenses, volunteers, foster homes, & adoption counselors.

Your help is valued & appreciated.