Inspiration for Motivation

Sassyfrass is my inspiration and passion. He was born into a society that chooses to exploit beautiful specimens like himself for its own personal agenda. Before finding his forever home at Big Cat Rescue, the world's largest accredited sanctuary for big cats, his life was quite difficult. His first owner beat him with a shovel in an attempt to make him a "nicer" cat. He was sold to a couple who loved exotic cats and had hopes to breed these animals for a life in a cage. This couple not only owned him, but also owned another cougar named Freddie, and a male lion they hand raised since he was a cub. One day the wife came home and she found her dog mauled to death in the yard and she saw that the lion cage door was open. At that moment she was uncertain of where her husband was, but more importantly, where the lion was. Law enforcement was called and after spotting the lion, he was shot down and killed. They soon found her husband lying in a pool of his own blood, dead, in the lion's cage. The wound on the man's leg seemed to be from a scratch that just went too deep. The man was probably not killed on purpose, even, the lion could have been playing with his owner. But these animals are strong and are not accustomed to being gentle towards companions, especially fragile humans. After several years the wife committed suicide, leaving Sassyfrass and Freddie with no care. They both became extremely malnourished and lost a lot of weight. When Big Cat rescuers were finally able to rescue Freddy and Sassyfrass, both cougars were in bad shape. Their living quarters consisted of dog igloos too small for a cougar, and rubber flooring. Temperatures were low and neither cougar had proper protection against the environmental elements. After the rescue both cougars transformed into healthy cats, but unfortunately Freddie only lasted six months at Big Cat Rescue before he passed away. Sassyfrass is still at Big Cat today and he is doing fantastic! My name is Sarah, I am a keeper at Big Cat, and I am lucky enough to call him one of my best friends, and greatest companions. We are a no contact facility, so our friendship is based on respect and care for each other. Sassyfrass is a very talkative, happy cougar who truly defines the word forgiveness. He has endured hardships from human contact most of his life, until he was rescued in 2010, and yet he still gets excited to see anyone willing to talk with him. Sassy has found his forever home and will continue to live a pleasurable life for as long as he wants. Hopefully he inspires everyone as much as he has motivated me.