Balam Says

Many of you old time followers have been asking about how Chaska is doing without his brother Balam. He definitely has had a hard time adjusting to the absence of his brother. In all honesty, all our cats have had a hard time. His unnecessary death was a slap in the face, and a giant hole in the heart for all of us. One thing I have noticed with Chaska, is that he is absolutely stuck to me like glue. He sleeps in my arms at night the way Balam used to. I cannot describe Balam’s absence in words. I still can’t make any sense of what happened, and we are all still trying to figure out our way through our grief. I want you all to know how grateful I am for your support through what has been a really rough ride, especially losing my father so close to losing Balam. Thank you all for being here, and for being part of our journey. #loss #grief #cat #brothers #soulmate

The world has lost the sweetest and kindest man: my best friend and father, Peter Barratt. On October 30th, Peter left his body peacefully. Although I knew this was coming, I am not sure anyone can fully prepare for the loss of a loved one. I know many of you have been concerned by my absence from social media, but I have been processing my grief privately. To lose my father so close to losing Balam has meant that I am sometimes crippled with grief. I cannot function at times. Please be patient with me as I slowly pick myself up once again, and continue my animal rescue efforts at the @balamfoundation in honor of my father and Balam. This has been an exceptionally difficult time for me. I loved my father with all my heart and if I could have negotiated with life to keep him alive with me for longer, I would have…… Dad, your absence is felt deeply. I miss you every day….. #loss #rip #father #fatherdaughter #Love #ilovehim #catdad #cats

I realized that I am my late father’s legacy and that to honor him and my soul cat Balam, I am more committed to my work at the @balamfoundation than ever before. With all the good deeds we have accomplished this year in Balam’s name, I am proud of what we offer stray animals in their darkest moments. Without us, there is literally no hope and no place for these animals to go. Mexico is a harsh place for many strays and we want to ensure that we stop the cycle of suffering that so many endure. This #givingtuesday PLEASE consider supporting our work. Everything you see happening in this video is because of your support. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, meaning your donation is tax deductible. Please go to our website: balamfoundation.org OR link in bio to donate now. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity this holiday season. We are so grateful!!! You may also Zelle: thebalamfoundation@gmail.com #givingtuesday #cats #nonprofit #thankyou #kindess #donate #501c3 #rescue

This year has been harsh for me and I have been working really hard to pick myself up off the floor for the past months. Losing my loves Balam and my father so close together has been epically difficult. As a rescuer, I don’t have the luxury of stopping my work and rescue has been continuing as usual at the @Balam Foundation where lives depend on me. My greatest wish right now, is to find wonderful homes for 3 bonded pairs: Vivian and Vincent, Miss Piggy and Tatiana and Conchita and Cora. All three pairs have come from terrible backgrounds and would have been doomed to die had we not stepped in. This holiday season, please consider adopting a Mexican bonded pair. We send all our rescues to the USA and Canada, so don’t hesitate to apply for them, even if you think you’re far away! You aren’t! We make it work every time! Please go to our website and fill out an application and I will be in touch with you!!!! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who celebrate. Thank you for your patience and for sticking with me. I will be back to regular posting soon!

He was a rather demanding boy, my Balam. Happy Christmas to those who celebrate! Happy Holidays to all! Thank you for helping me get through all the tragedies of this year. I want you to know that all your kindness, love and support has meant the world to me. I am grateful for you all! #christmas #grinch #cat #talkingcat #grumpycat

I cannot begin to describe the challenges this year has brought us personally and as a growing nonprofit organization called @Balam Foundation so named in our late Balam’s honor. Just look at these numbers! I am proud as hell! Look at all we have accomplished in Balam’s name. I’m amazed. I want to sincerely thank all those of you who have helped us accomplish all this compassionate and necessary work for Mexico’s animals. I know that 2025 will mean that we will continue to honor Balam’s legacy. And my father’s too. After all, I am my father’s legacy. To Balam and my dad in heaven….I miss you more than I can say. As long as I am here on this earth, I will live a life that gives back. I love you both to infinity and beyond…. Hope I am doing you proud. #legacy #nonprofit #cat #rescue

When Balam died so tragically and suddenly, my mind went straight to - who can be the face of the @Balam Foundation in his absence? The answer was obvious to me: blind boy Stevie Wonder. Stevie has been in our care for over a year, and despite receiving many adoption applications for him, nothing really ever came to fruition. Perhaps for this very reason, he needed to be the new face of the Foundation. While Balam is and always will be irreplaceable, I feel that the Balam Foundation needs a representative, a President and a special face. Stevie Wonder has all these gifts in buckets. So, I have foster failed Stevie, and you will be seeing more of him. He’s the very best boy and turns on his love machine especially for me, which is great. I’ve needed extra support lately after losing both Balam and my father. Everyone, please welcome Stevie Wonder!!! #steviewonder #blackcat #blindcat #fosterfail #cat