By Lee Cataluna
Advertiser Columnist

On a verdant 20-acre ranch nested at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains, the tabbies roam free. So do dogs, chickens, ducks and turtles. The peacock, however, is on a leg leash. Otherwise, he terrorizes the chickens.

Everywhere you look, there are cats. Cats in the bushes, cats in the trees, cats on the roof, cats in the sun, cats hanging out with the pig. As Candy Lake walks the grounds, the animals come out to greet her. She knows them by name, all 200 of them. She knows where each one likes to be scratched, which ones like to be held, which ones want their tummies rubbed.

Candy Lake named her animal sanctuary "Sylvester Foundation" after the first cat she rescued. The original Sylvester wasn't abandoned, but had an owner who was extremely negligent. Lake couldn't see the animal suffer. In fact, she can't bear to see any animal suffer. No animal at the Sylvester Foundation is ever euthanized except when compassion demands it and no other humane alternative exists. More likely, Lake and her partner, Chris Boyle, keep overnight vigils at a sick animal's side until it is nursed back to health.

Lake established the non-profit foundation in 1994 and got the land in Waimanalo in 1996. Veterinarian Jill Voeks makes sure every animal is spayed or neutered and helps out with injuries or illnesses that crop up. But mostly, it's just Candy and Chris, sunup to sundown and often late into the night, feeding and cleaning and making sure everyone gets proper attention.

The Sylvester Foundation is always looking for more hands to make the work a little lighter. Because of insurance concerns, only adults can volunteer. Right now, Lake is hoping to find someone to serve as a live-in animal caretaker in exchange for free lodging.

"Sometimes I wonder why I do this," Lake says. "It has made me broke, and is so time-consuming that I really do not even have the time to work on my real estate business to make money. But so many little creatures are having a happy life because of our efforts, it becomes very worthwhile and rewarding."

What Lake needs is help. What she doesn't need is more animals. Though she wishes she had the resources to take in any creature in need, she has to be realistic. Stores can help by donating torn bags of pet food, and just about any sort of damaged goods from pet stores can be put to good use. Building supplies would also be great. Monetary donations are always welcomed.

"I guess when my life is over," says Lake, "I don't want to have ever been the cause of anything's fear, pain, death — anything. I want to know that at least I tried to make it better for as many as I possibly could. That's all."

To find out more about the Sylvester Foundation, visit sylvesteranimals.com or call 259-0064.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.