October 26, 2026
A Rock N’ Rescue Adoption Event
If you’re thinking about welcoming a cat into your home, I encourage you to visit your local animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Last year, I welcomed four beautiful Persian cats to my farm, three of whom were adopted through Rock ’N Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in nearby Bedford Hills, New York. They all live in my Winter House: Magnolia, my silver shaded Persian; Dahlia, my dilute calico Persian; Lilium, my brown Persian longhair; and Chrysanthemum, my chocolate Persian. Rock ’N Rescue facilitates approximately 2,000 adoptions each year, with September through December being its busiest season. In fact, my niece Sophie Herbert Slater recently adopted two kittens for her family. But the organization’s work extends even further. Guided by its mission to “rescue cats to rescue people,” Rock ’N Rescue offers personalized, carefully matched adoptions, cat wellness initiatives, educational programs, help hotlines, and outreach efforts that include cat therapy for people of all ages. This weekend, the organization also held a large adoption event to help place dozens of kittens in loving homes.
Enjoy these photos, and if you’d like to learn more about Rock ’N Rescue, make a donation, or adopt a pet, visit https://rnrpets.org.
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- Many of the kittens at the weekend adoption event came from another state and were driven up to New York earlier that morning. These kittens are less than four months old, and at such a young age Rock N’ Rescue requires they be adopted out with at least one other kitten or cat, to prevent behavioral issues later.
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- The adoption event was held at the organization’s main location in Bedford, Hills, New York.
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- Here is the founder of Rock N’ Rescue, Juli Cialone, and co-founder of the therapy program, Marla Valentine. Marla, who is a licensed social worker, spearheaded the cat therapy project and it’s doing wonderfully.
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- Volunteer Ella helps keep the kittens comfortable and calm during the event.
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- Children and their families who visited were able to spend time with prospective adoptees in enclosed and quiet rooms.
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- Kittens are full of energy and will need to climb, chew, and play. When adopting, be sure the home is prepared with a few cat supplies, such as cat trees, beds, and toys for mental stimulation.
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- Adult cats are also available. Juli personally matches all the kittens and cats with their new families. She makes it a priority to learn each cat’s personality and temperament before placement.
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- Audrey Abell is Rock N’ Rescue’s adoption coordinator and cat room manager. She began as a volunteer and foster in 2025, and over time has cared for more than 100 cats through fostering. Here she is with one of the kittens at the event.
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- Crystal Pagan is the animal care coordinator and resident veterinary technician. She oversees the health, treatment, and daily management of the animals in rescue.
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- Many kittens were placed in loving homes this weekend. Here is a happy adopter with her new friend.
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- Kathleen Birmingham is foster director in charge of working with hundreds of foster families, coordinating animal care while also ensuring proper placement for new arrivals. Here she is showing off two more adoptees.
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- Here is Juli with Kathleen, Rock N’ Rescue COO James Scova, and volunteer, Og Anunoby. It was a successful day for the entire staff and so many of the kittens who went home that day.
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- These kittens are well socialized and are being used as therapy cats until they are adopted.
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- Here’s another happy adopter. Sophie’s friend’s adopted two male kittens.
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- These cats are currently in loving foster homes waiting for adoption. If you’re thinking about getting a cat to share your home, go to https://rnrpets.org and get pre-approved.
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- Sophie shares my love for cats. As a licensed professional counselor and registered art therapist, she understands the healing effects of pet therapy in her work. She was so impressed with Rock N’ Rescue’s mission, she joined its executive board soon after adopting Veera and Poly.
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- Here is Sophie’s son, Felix, with “Poly,” short for Polyhedron, or a figure with many faces.
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- All of Poly’s faces are irresistible.
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- While they are not from the same litter, kittens quickly create bonds. Both Veera and Poly were brought up from the south last month, bottle-fed, and fostered before going home with Sophie. Her family says they are the sweetest and most affectionate kittens.
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- Rock N’ Rescue is also preparing their therapy outreach truck, which should be operational in the new year. Rock N’ Rescue hopes to take this truck to various area hospitals, college campuses, private companies etc. to offer therapy and stress relief, corporate team building.
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- As for my cats, this is Magnolia, my first cat from Rock N’ Rescue.
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This is Lilium, who traveled all the way from Doha, the capital city of Qatar in the Middle East.
She’s independent, confident, very friendly, and loves the attention from everyone here at the farm.
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- Chrysanthemum also traveled all the way from Doha and came to me through Rock ‘N Rescue. All four of my cats – Dahlia too – are so happy at my farm. They have lots of room to roam in my home and lots of attention. Please follow @rocknrescue_ on Instagram to keep up with their events and activities.
This story originally appeared on Martha Stewart Blog
