GoodHeart | Rescue, love, repeat

What started as a simple love for animals and their well-being from childhood has grown into a deeply personal mission of care and rescue for Brittany Johnson-Murray, a 35-year-old swimwear designer and the heart behind the Kitties of Kingston animal rescue.

“I basically came out of the womb loving animals,” Johnson-Murray laughed as she told GoodHeart how her passion for animal rescue began. “Ever since I was in high school, I can remember bringing injured birds or kittens home. I can distinctly remember finding a kitten in a locker once, and I brought it home and nursed it back to health. ”

Through her swimwear business, Miakalani Swim, Johnson-Murray had a client who mentioned Kingston Angels, an animal rescue organisation in Jamaica. Intrigued, she joined the group shortly after.

“This allowed me to start rescuing more animals, expanding my little rescues here and there. After being in that group for about a year or two, I decided to start a social media account to highlight the many, and I mean many, cats I have [encountered] through rescues but it eventually morphed into an animal rescue page, highlighting other rescues and it has helped me to build my community and get donations, not just monetary but also food, fostering and people would eventually volunteer to help.”

And so, Kitties of Kingston was officially born. While the name centres on her love for cats, she’s made it clear the rescue welcomes all animals, from birds and puppies to, unexpectedly, even a donkey.

“We saved a donkey once, we had to fit him in the back of a RAV4. We found him somewhere in the Red Hills area; he wasn’t being treated very well, and we practically had to beg the owner to give him to us. He was in such a bad shape. We brought him down to Tammy’s house (owner and director of Montego Bay Animal Haven), fix him up and got him looking good again, then found him a new home in the countryside. ”

Often called the ‘Cat Lady’ in her animal rescue circle, Johnson-Murray shared that the rescue process is done with great care, especially as many of the animals she saves, whether neglected, abused, or found in terrible conditions, are often unable to fend for themselves. As if on cue, a male Tabby kitten named Teeny Tiny, which she explained is ready for adoption now, purred in her hands. Taking us through her typical rescue process, Johnson-Murray gestured to the kitten and explained how she carefully nurtures each animal until they’re ready for their new home.

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“My rescue group mainly calls me for cat rescues, but the process [for a dog] is usually the same; it just depends on the temperament of the animal. We do their vet checks, deworm them, and, depending on their age, neuter (surgically remove an animal’s reproductive organs to prevent reproduction) them. I also need to ensure the person adopting is willing to spay and neuter [the animal], as Jamaica has a huge stray [animal] epidemic. This process is crucial, as there are already too many stray cats and dogs in need of a home.”

Expounding on the importance of spaying and neutering cats and dogs, she explained that there’s a common misconception that it’s a cruel thing to do, when in reality, it’s better for both the animal and the owner in the long run.

“Cats and dogs aren’t feeling pleasure from it [sex] like humans are – they do it instinctually. And when a cat is breeding every three, four, [or] five months, it runs them down and they can also spread diseases. Cats that aren’t spayed or neutered are more likely to roam and fight, which increases the risk of spreading diseases.”

Within the next three to five years, Johnson-Murray hopes to officially register Kitties of Kingston as a charity. She also aims to expand its reach to match the impact of the Montego Bay Animal Haven and collaborate with international rescues like Save Our Scruff Canada.

“I recently moved to London, but we’re still based here and operational in Jamaica with the help of my mom, sister and my little community – they’ve been doing the heavy lifting whenever I am not in Jamaica. I’d like to find some way for Kitties of Kingston to also partner with some organisation over [in London] because they are also very big on animal welfare,” she explained.

Beyond her work with this initiative, she believes everyone has a purpose on earth, and part of that purpose is giving back to make the world a better place. While she primarily funds the initiative herself, she acknowledges that the costs can add up and is actively seeking support from those willing to help.

For those interested in supporting Kitties of Kingston, donations can be made through the banking details provided on their Instagram page @kittiesofkingston. Contributions help to cover vet check-ups, food, and other essential care. The team also welcomes fosters and volunteers.

rollesha.laing@gleanerjm.com