It all began with a simple online search. Lori, a musician and lifelong animal lover, discovered a stray kitten in Brewerytown and turned to the internet for help. That search led her to PAWS. As a West Philadelphia resident, Lori initially became involved in animal rescue through her work with Project Meow, a fellow rescue organization in her neighborhood. She soon learned that many of the cats they helped found their way to PAWS for medical care and adoption placement, and such began Lori’s relationship with PAWS.

Bella, Lori’s 15-year-old dog, has been an integral part of her adventures in animal rescue. Lori first found Bella when she was about 6 months old, thanks to her other dog, Olive. Olive led Lori under a house where Bella was hiding, scared and limping. Bella was in visible shock, but Lori quickly got her the medical care she needed, had her spayed, and brought her home. Since then, the two have been inseparable. Although Olive has since passed, the impact she left on Lori and Bella remains a cherished part of their daily lives.

Bella has been by Lori’s side for years now, not only as a loyal companion but also as a partner in rescue, helping her locate stray kittens and other animals in need. Along the way Bella has received care at PAWS’ Grays Ferry Clinic for kidney issues and arthritis, proving herself to be a true fighter through it all.

Left: Lori and Bella stop by PAWS for a wellness check. Right: Bella and her longtime best friend Olive shared a special bond.

Lori’s home is located in an area with a large stray cat population, which has led her to PAWS many times over the years. She has dedicated herself to TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) efforts and has countless heartwarming stories of rescue. Lori often brings the kittens she finds to PAWS for vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries, and medical treatment. Through PAWS and with Bella by her side, Lori has helped rescue an incredible 34 cats — and even more through her work with Project Meow.

One example of her work is the rescue of Beep, a mother cat Lori found along with her two kittens, Maui and Jazz. Thanks to Lori, Bella, and PAWS’ affordable veterinary care, all three cats were pulled off the streets, received the necessary medical care they. needed, and were eventually adopted into loving homes.

Bella and Beep make time for a snuggle.

And of course, there’s the story of Handsome Ramen, a tuxedo cat with beautiful yellow eyes. Lori first found him abandoned in a box with bowls and blankets, but he was too terrified to approach her. Lori kept her eyes peeled for him in the neighborhood, until finally months later, she spotted him walking down the street. Racing home with Bella, Lori grabbed a carrier and some food and managed to catch him. After receiving medical care at PAWS, Ramen was adopted through PAC and is now thriving. To Lori, he was “the best, most handsome boy!”

While each rescue holds a special place in Lori’s heart, one memory stands out vividly: Lori recalls finding a kitten who was bleeding, missing clumps of fur, and lying on a piece of cardboard outside. It was Bella who helped her find and save that kitten. Moments like these showcase the deep bond between Lori and Bella — and their shared dedication to saving animals in need.

Lori and Bella’s commitment to rescuing pets has not only saved many lives but also deepened their connection to PAWS, where they’ve become familiar faces over the years — not just for Bella’s care, but for the many cats and dogs they’ve helped together. Lori loves following up on each rescue’s journey, checking online for updates to see where they land, knowing that her work continues to make a difference.

Once scared and alone on the streets of Philadelphia, Handsome Ramen is now safe, happy, and thriving with a loving family — thanks to Lori and Bella!