Where Every Cat Gets Another Chance

Simone has had a rough life.

Living on the streets is difficult for any animal, but being a senior cat makes it even more challenging.

Simone lived with her unhoused owner for years. When her owner passed away, police found Simone nearby while two other cats fled the area. Fortunately, the police brought Simone to Pedro Pet Pals, a volunteer-run nonprofit rescue for cats and dogs that has served the community since 2009.

Their Downtown San Pedro facility is unlike a traditional shelter. Housed in a former apartment building, it offers newly rescued cats private apartments to decompress, heal, and adjust to a safe environment. Once they are ready, the cats move into Hyla’s Heart to Home Cat Lounge, where they can socialize with other cats and interact with potential adopters in a comfortable, home-like setting.

For Simone, the transition was not easy. After losing her owner, she became withdrawn and stopped eating. Despite being surrounded by caring volunteers, her condition continued to worsen, and the volunteers worried they might lose her.

The volunteers responded with patience and persistence. They spent time each day sitting with Simone, offering encouragement and companionship. Over time, she began to trust again and eventually started eating on her own.

According to volunteer Holly Sweany, “We thought no one would ever adopt Simone because she was older, but after 438 days with us, a senior couple came in, fell in love with her, and adopted her. Simone is now in a loving home and even has a presence on the internet. She went from life on the streets to becoming an internet celebrity.”

“Stories like Simone’s remind us why we do this work,” Sweany added.

In addition to rescuing and housing cats for adoption, Pedro Pet Pals operates a mobile bus that transports dogs from shelters to adoption events, giving them opportunities to meet potential adopters and spend time outside the shelter environment. The organization also partners with a clinic to offer low-cost spay-and-neuter services.

Theresa Sardisco, founder and president of Pedro Pet Pals and a commissioner with the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services, says preventing pet overpopulation is a critical part of the organization’s mission. She adds that spaying and neutering are key to controlling it.

“We are always in need of volunteers at the Cat Lounge, foster families, and donations of clean towels. We appreciate any help,” she adds.

High school students can also get involved through Foster for Hours (foster4servicehours.org), which lets students earn community service hours by fostering animals in need. Pedro Pet Pals provides all food, veterinary care, and other support throughout the foster period.

The Cat Lounge was made possible by a donation from actress and stuntwoman Hyla Marrow, who left funds to more than 60 cat rescues after her passing. Her gift helped Pedro Pet Pals purchase the Downtown San Pedro building and transform it into a welcoming space for rescued cats.

Today, visitors can see cats lounging in sunny windows, playing with volunteers, or relaxing in the upstairs “catio” while waiting for their forever homes. The lounge was designed to create a less stressful environment for the animals and to allow potential adopters to meet them in a setting that feels more like a home than a shelter.

Pedro Pet Pals is grateful to the many volunteers and supporters who make its work possible, including local Scout troops, students from Mary Star High School and POLA High School, and community members who organize towel drives and attend fundraising events.

Even when the Cat Lounge is closed, passersby can look through the windows and catch a glimpse of the cats inside. For animals that once lived on the streets or faced uncertain futures, it is a chance for them to feel safe while waiting for a family to call their own.

Hyla’s Heart to Home Cat Lounge is at 395 W. 7th Street in San Pedro and open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit pedropetpals.com or contact Theresa Sardisco at (310) 991-0012 to volunteer, foster, or donate. spt