Treasure Coast Woman Dedicates Life to Helping Stray Animals
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — Linn Stewart, a 75-year-old resident of Indian River County, begins her day with a commitment that sets her apart: she wakes up at 2:30 a.m. to feed a colony of stray cats. This routine has been central to her life for years.
Stewart has a profound love for animals, which began in her childhood. “I’ve always loved animals,” she says, recalling how she would bring home various creatures. Her dedication intensified when she joined For the Love of Paws, an organization that cares for pets abandoned by senior citizens.
In addition to her morning rituals, Stewart volunteers about 60 hours a week at this sanctuary, which also runs a pet food pantry. This pantry provides free food to food banks, veterans, and senior organizations. “We cut open bags and transfer the food into smaller bags for easier distribution,” she explains.
The sanctuary offers more than just sustenance, occasionally providing medical care and essential supplies like flea medications. For Stewart, this work is not just fulfilling; it gives her life purpose, especially after losing her parents at a young age. “I would be bored without this,” she admits.
Her compassion extends beyond just cats and dogs; she has a history of rescuing tortoises, turtles, and even a coyote that was hit by a car. Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed; she was recently celebrated by a local organization and awarded $525.25 for her efforts.
For Stewart, caring for these animals is a source of joy. “It keeps me going,” she concludes, acknowledging how vital her role is in the community. If you’re in Indian River County, you might just spot her helping those in need.
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