Despite only opening its doors a few weeks ago, Jemima’s Gift Incorporated has scores of cats and dogs available for adoption.

The non-profit organisation will stage its first adoption day at PETStock Bendigo this Saturday.

Animal co-ordinator Fran Heavyside said the rescue group comprised a passionate group of foster carers who had come together with a love of animals.

“We’ve only been opened since June, but we have 40 cats and kittens in our care and we also have five dogs,” she said.

“We tend to specialise more in cats than dogs because cats need a bit more help than dogs.

“The amount of calls I get to take in unwanted litters is staggering.”

Ms Heavyside said the organisation was inspired by the memory of a “very special” abandoned cat she had fostered.

“Jemima was a very special girl who found her way to me after being pulled out of a drain,” she said.

“She had had litter after litter in that drain while living on the street.

“She came to me pregnant, starving, fleas everywhere and not in great condition. With time we found out she was not as far along in her pregnancy as first thought.

“It took quite a few weeks in care before she showed improvement but with the help of a warm bed and some good food she had gained a lot of weight.”

Jemima eventually gave birth to five healthy kittens, raising them along with two other orphaned kittens before they were fostered out.

Sadly, she developed a breathing condition and underwent several medical treatments, including eventually a tracheotomy.

Surviving a surgery which is rarely practised on cats, Jemima’s condition worsened and she was eventually put down.

Ms Heavyside said while Jemima would never be replaced her memory would live in through the animal rescue.

She urged anyone considering getting a pet to consider the benefits of adopting a shelter cat or dog.

“We desex the pet, we vaccinate the pet and we microchip the pet,” Fran said.

“”We also assess and treat any health issues the dog or cat may have when they come to us.

“We have had a few dogs with behavioural issues – we can also take care of.”

The prices of animals vary according to the type of animal and age of the animal.

With fees only part covering the costs of preparing cats and dogs for adoption, the group has been busy in recent weeks fundraising.

Jemima’s Gift will be launched on Saturday from 10am to 2pm, with a sausage sizzle, face painting, balloons and of course plenty of cats and dogs for available for adoption.

For more details on Jemima’s Gift Incorporated or to view available animals visit the organisation’s Facebook page. PETstock Bendigo is located at 106 Hattam Street, Golden Square.