The cats perform sentry duty and have freedom to come and go from their shelter.

Paving a future for our furry friends, Baucum is on a mission of love

Ever since Mary Baucum was a small child, she has loved animals. Her dad used to bring home ducks, rabbits and even a raccoon they named Andrew Boudreaux. She recalls when she was about 6 or 7, she put out a box with a blanket just hoping a cat would come along. A cat didn’t come along, but that didn’t stop Mary from pursuing a lifetime of saving those that have crossed her path.

Mary’s first “colony of cats” was located behind what used to be St. Vincent’s Academy on Fairfield Aveue. She worked to get each cat spayed and neutered, as well as secured shelter for them. Someone else took care of feeding them daily.

It wasn’t long before word-of-mouth had people asking her to bottle-feed kittens and baby squirrels and assist other cats and dogs. Years ago, Mary and her husband had some trees trimmed following a storm, and there was a baby squirrel that needed nurturing from that experience. Those same tree professionals call her any time they come across a creature that needs rescuing.

“I love a baby, any little mammal, call me,” Mary says of her drive to care for animals in need. “Once we rescued two baby flying squirrels; we named them Orville Wright and Amelia Earheart. Another time, our daughter found a baby squirrel at school. We released it when it was time, and then we went to the mall that evening. There was a terrible storm, and we were so worried about this squirrel who didn’t even have a nest yet. When we got home, the poor thing had let herself in the house through a window. She ended up building a nest as close as she could to our bedroom.”

Mary Baucum cares for animals.

An average day has Mary first tending to her own pets before delving into rescuing those who’ve been sent her way via email and Facebook. They have three big dogs and nine cats. One cat lives inside, Vincent, named because he came from the St. Vincent colony. When Mary found him, his face was so covered with mange, she thought he was deaf and blind. The remaining cats live in the backyard Cateaux. “All the amenities a cat would need,” Mary says. Their oldest stray is 21 and will occasionally wander into the house for treats and love, but the rest prefer to stay outside.

Once everyone at home is tended to, the daily work of saving those animals without a home begins. “As an example, last year, when the weather was frigid, Caddo Parish Animal Control put out a call for people to foster 12 dogs. I always pray to St. Francis,” Mary says, “and he always comes through.” Mary was lucky enough to connect with Luxury Grooming, Rooming and Daycare on Youree Drive, who were able to board the dogs for two weeks while they awaited a foster family. Heart-wrenching story after story repeats this process again and again; learn of a situation, find shelter, secure funding, find a forever home; the happily-ever-afters Mary works so tirelessly for.

Her rescues are living the sheltered life in her “Cateaux.”

Mary Baucum on a rescue mission.

There are so many animals without homes, and all this care must be paid for. Mary seeks help with fostering and funds via Facebook. Her friends have been amazing, as have volunteers and foster families she has connected with over the years. She also has great resources, such as Port City Cat Rescue and a group of ladies who are her connection to Caddo Parish Animal Control.

“Fostering and funds are always helpful,” Mary says when asked about ways people can help. “Even small amounts, it all helps.” She is also an advocate of spaying and neutering animals and has worked with Robinson’s Rescue to that end. Mary wishes more people would share her Facebook posts. “Even if you can’t personally help, just push that share button; there will be someone who can help. It only takes a second.

“This is just my personality,” Mary says of her constant vigil. “I can’t turn a blind eye. I am constantly looking for something to rescue.” To find out more about donating and/or becoming a foster family, message Mary at facebook.com/mary.baucum.