In May of 1998, the weekend of MediaWest*Con 18, a little black and white kitten had been found in the hotel parking lot during a storm. Con security cleaned her up, took care of her, and started trying to find someone to adopt. I fell in love with her the moment I held her but my partner, Paulle, said we couldn’t have another cat. During the art auction that Sunday, they handed the kitten to Scott Rosema to see if anyone in the audience would give her a home. No one stepped up, but folks passed a hat and donated money to pay for the first vet visit, spay, and shots. Still, no one wanted her. Paulle and I watched this from the door; I looked at her, pleading…and with a sigh, Paulle walked in with hand raised, proclaiming, “We’ll take her!” I remember hearing people cheer. On the spot, Paulle said her name would be Artemis, after the art auction. Scott handed over the kitten, and Paulle brought her back to the hall where I stood, weeping joyfully. Seth Cutts and Jesse McClain came over, also tearful and smiling, and said, “She was always meant to be yours.”

Artemis Marie lived to be one day shy of 20 years old. That is a good, long life for a cat who had been found as a stray baby! Sadly, not all kittens – or even adult cats – are as fortunate to be taken in and given care in a safe, loving home. Too often, they are abandoned when a family moves to a new residence where no pets are allowed, or when expenses such as neuter/spay come up. This can lead to an overpopulation of ferals. In other cases, an owner may die, and may not have someone to give their cat a new place to live. Many of these scared, confused animals wind up in overcrowded shelters where volunteers work tirelessly to provide medical attention and foster. These places are always in desperate need of food, litter, towels, and other items, and rely upon donations from the community to help. They provide a great service for helpless cats – and dogs – of all ages.

The Artemis Fund has been established to raise awareness and money for local, non-profit organizations that commit to this noble cause. Fandom is full of animal lovers who support rescue groups. It is a cause that is close to our hearts. And Artemis was one of our own: a cat found and adopted during a convention. She returned to MediaWest*Con several times and was loved by all who met her. To her moms, she was a feisty fur baby, a clever companion, and a model muse. Now, we carry on her legacy by helping others like her.