Sharon Brady, a dedicated advocate for animals, founded Q’s Heavenly Tails in October 2023 with a clear mission: to save cats and end their suffering.
“We’re stopping the suffering,” Brady said, reflecting on her commitment.
Her journey began a few years ago when she assisted established rescue organizations. Witnessing the overwhelming need for help in her community, Brady decided to create her own rescue initiative.
“The things I saw, I can’t just walk away,” she explained.
The name Q’s Heavenly Tails is a heartfelt tribute to Brady’s late son, Quinton Howard, who was deeply passionate about animals. Known to his friends as “Q,” his love for nature and wildlife inspired Brady to find healing and purpose through her rescue work.
“My son loved nature and he loved the outside animals,” she shared.
The rescue primarily focuses on Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) projects. This approach involves humanely trapping feral cats, sterilizing them at veterinary clinics, and returning them to their outdoor homes. TNR is a vital tool in breaking the cycle of overpopulation by preventing new litters of kittens.
Brady collaborates with AlterClinic in Canton, where community cats are spayed or neutered for $46. She also covers additional treatments, such as care for ear mites or worms.
During TNR projects, any kittens found are placed with foster homes in Brady’s network until they are ready for adoption through partner rescues. Q’s Heavenly Tails also takes on emergency cases, providing medical care and recovery spaces, often within Brady’s own home.
“I do things like glove up,” she said, explaining how she carefully handles feral cats.
The need is vast, particularly in Stark County, where numerous cats require help.
Veteran rescuer Toby Franks, who has worked in Stark County for over 20 years, commends TNR as the most effective way to manage community cats.
“I truly believe in the importance of trap, neuter, return for community cats,” Franks said. “It helps reduce new litters, making everything else much more manageable.”
A few years ago, when Franks needed help with a rescue project, Brady stepped in. Since then, Franks has become her mentor, though he now regards her as an expert in her own right.
“I promoted her to black belt,” he joked. “Now I’m learning from her.”
Brady’s work involves tackling projects back-to-back as long as funding permits. Operating primarily out of Alliance, she prioritizes smaller towns like Beloit and Wilmot, where resources for animals are scarce.
In addition to regular TNR work, Q’s Heavenly Tails is one of the few local organizations addressing emergency rescues for sick or injured cats, with cases coming in from various areas.
Before beginning a project, Brady advises neighbors to stop feeding outdoor cats a day in advance. She then uses bait such as tuna and sardines to lure the cats into traps.
The process requires patience and persistence. For larger colonies, Brady often begins on a Sunday night and continues daily until every cat is caught. Once trapped, the cats are covered with a blanket to keep them calm.
Despite the challenges, Brady remains driven by her mission to alleviate suffering.
“My philosophy has always been, one person can’t do everything, but every person can do one thing,” Franks said.
Together, Brady and her team prove that compassion, dedication, and teamwork can transform the lives of countless cats.
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