Until January, 2004, Jim had his own small sanctuary at his home in Northern Pennsylvania. Then, late one January afternoon, after he had celebrated his birthday with friends, he drove home to find his house in ashes, and 13 of his beloved rescued cats and dogs dead inside.
Because Jim is the kind of man he is, he is sublimating his grief and loss into planning another book and building another home and shelter for his remaining rescued furkids, as well as those he will save in the future. As he said in a recent email, "I (also) believe that I was meant to stay in our world for a reason, by the grace of our Creator, and for everything else that is important to me..."
I'll add my own thanks to our Creator for leaving Jim Willis on this planet awhile longer to continue his important work.
Archived Guest Articles by Jim Willis
- How Could You?
This essay has been translated into 25 languages and has been called the most published animal-related essay in the world. Although the main character is a dog, the lives of countless cats have also undoubtedly been saved because of this piece.
- The Fourth Magi - A Christmas Story
Jim shares a glorious story about a cat-hating curmudgeon and the cat who had his own say about the matter.
- Help Stop the Inhumane Killing!
This writer is sickened by the various inhumane methods used across the U.S. in many "shelters," and is advocating for a national law, which he is promoting in the Killing with Kindness campaign, which he jointly founded.
- Free Kittuns
This sad story reminds us that "free to a good home" is unwise, at best, and that spaying and neutering can save lives as well as heartache.
- The Zen of Cat
Losing a cat is never easy, but we have much to learn from them in death as well as life, as illustrated by this wonderful story by a prolific writer and animal lover.
- La Visitadora - The Visitor
A poignant story about a cat, two women, and the man who brought them together, from the prolific writer and artist, Jim Willis, who is a popular contributer to pet sites on About.com
- Beloved of Bast
A sensitive, compassionate story written by Jim Willis, who operated a rescue organization called The Tiergarten Sanctuary, along with a very special extra piece called, "The Animals' Savior," which has become a beacon of strength to shelter workers.
