Founded in 1965 by a Russian Orthodox Nun, Sister Seraphim made a deal with God. She would care for any animal He put in her path as long as He provided the means. The Hermitage was the first no-kill, no-cage cat sanctuary in Arizona. [1]
In 1969, the shelter moved to its current location at 5278 E. 21st Street in a quiet residential neighbourhood, located just off of 22nd and Magnolia (near Thoroughbred Nissan.) The shelter is home to about 200 cats, including some permanent residents with special needs such as GI issues, allergies, or timidity. Some of the adoptable candidates include cats with FIV, and diabetes.
The shelter has undergone major renovations under the leadership of the new executive director, Joe Sprague. The shelter now includes a new adoption area, fresh paint, a modernized computer network infrastructure, air conditioning, and cat walks though out the shelter.
The Hermitage will be hosting movie nites at the shelter, The first movie: Mama Mia (a sing along) on Thursday, September 12 starting at 6:30 pm. The cost is $5.
Dates Movie September 12 Mama Mia Sing A Long September 21 The Birds October 3 Muppets (Original) October 18 That Darn Cat November 2 ***Special Horror Night Oldies but scary Start at 7pm goes till Midnight*** $10.00 November 7 Grease November 15 Sci Fi Night January 9 Big Fish January 24 Breakfast at Tiffany's February 7 Hairspray Sing a Long February 20 Little Shop of Horrors A pass for $25.00 is available to view 6 movies of your choice!