About Us
I founded the Tulgey Wood Critter Refuge in 2000. Prior to that, in 1996, I bought 30 acres on the edge of the national forest in the Manzano Mountains of New Mexico. I bought solar panels and a wind turbine and lived off the grid. I hiked with all the rescue dogs and 1 hiking kitty every morning at 7,200' before I started my telecommute with an aerospace company in Albuquerque.
I then moved in 2002, with all of the animals, in 2 trips, in my little jeep packed high, to the Mojave Desert where I had software engineering work at NWC China Lake. I bought 40 acres in Kern County where there was then no animal limit. I set up my solar panels and wind turbine and bought a water trailer. It was perfect. I then proceeded to take feral cats from the local city shelter. After 18 years, the county changed its ordinance and said that rescues could only have 10 animals without their permission and you had your phone number on the gate and they could come on your property at anytime and yearly inspections and had to have only permanent permitted structures to also be approved by animal control. They made me take down my PetFinder website and stop taking donations.
Heck with that. I found homes and other feral cat colonies for all but 6 cats, and when I retired, I bought a little house in Topeka where I have pet-lover friends, the limit is 19 for rescues, and there is opportunity for foster. I intend to foster or adopt senior pets. Donations are appreciated for senior, special needs veterinary bills.
I'm currently auditing classes, free for seniors, at Washburn University, and also toying with the idea of opening a cat cafe where I will serve espresso with a side of kitty love from the local humane society. Donations for the startup are welcomed.
You can reach me at lisa@TulgeyWood.org
All proceeds from the store go to the upkeep and veterinary care of the animals.
All donations are tax-deductible.
The refuge's 501(c)(3) federal charity # is 85-0471974
You can check on us at IRS.gov