EVERETT — Kali the cat was reunited with her family Friday, thanks to the generosity of friends and strangers.
Kali escaped from an open window two weeks ago and turned up at the Everett Animal Shelter.
Kali’s family, the Shellys, are homeless, living in a motel in the Lynnwood area, and couldn’t afford the $205 fee to retrieve Kali from the pound.
Lisa Shelley, the mom, set up a GoFundMe site. After a story appeared in The Daily Herald Friday, the site drew more than $1,300.
Several donors hoped the extra money would go toward more cat food for Kali, or to the family. The family thanked those who donated.
At the shelter, the Shellys showed up with their friend and landlord, Paula Owens, who gave them a lift (they don’t own a car).
Ronan Shelly, 9, peered intently into Kali’s carrier when the cat was reunited with them. Kali sniffed and meowed. Ronan remained stoic while Lisa Shelly held back tears and hugged her son.
They also let Bentley, a neighbor’s toy dog who is Kali’s playmate, get up close. “Who’s that, buddy?” Lisa Shelly said.
Mike Shelly, Lisa’s husband, explained that Bentley had been depressed since Kali disappeared.
Now that Kali was returning home, Lisa Shelly said they’d definitely find a use for the money. “Paying rent, because we’re two weeks behind,” she said.
Chris Winters: 425-374-4165; cwinters@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @Chris_At_Herald.
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