Love for cat grew into animal shelter

Betsy Newman was 26 years old and in love with a cat named Harlequin.

Harlequin was black and white with gold eyes and a charm that swept Newman right off her feet.

Like a devoted suitor, the cat followed her everywhere. He even sat in the driveway of Newman’s west Omaha home while she mowed, sure to keep her in sight.

One day, the cat was hit by a car.

And though Harlequin survived, Newman was crushed that her city location put the cat in harm’s way.

So that’s where her love story begins.

In 2000, Newman bought 30 acres of land northwest of Gretna. And in 2001, she started Paws R Us, a nonprofit animal shelter.

Today, Harlequin is gone. But Newman’s family has grown. She now cares for 28 cats, two horses, a few dogs and a feral donkey. Animals come to her largely by word of mouth.

When they arrive, she tries to find them suitable homes. But if she can’t, they get to stay. Donations support the operation.

Newman, now 50, and her friend Jay Smith built everything with the animals in mind. Horses have a fenced pasture in which to roam. Dogs have several areas to call home.

The cats, especially, have it made. They live in three houses built just for them. Lighted fountains provide the drinking water. Cat furniture and walkways are everywhere. Shelves made just for them zigzag down some walls. Soft music plays.

And that’s just a fraction of the amenities those felines enjoy.

It was Newman’s mom, Barbara Long, who encouraged her to move to the country, Newman said, where the animals she cared for would be safe.

Now Newman wakes six days a week around 3:30 a.m. She runs or swims before starting in on animal-related chores.

Each morning she spends about four hours cleaning up after and feeding her animals. Each evening, she spends an additional two hours caring for them.

She often sleeps only five hours a night, and she eats in the car while doing errands.

She hasn’t taken a trip since 2000, she said, because the animals need her there.

But Newman’s not complaining.

“The most rewarding thing I’ve ever done with my time is for the animals,” she said. “To me, they matter. To so many people, animals don’t matter.

“It started with the love of Harlequin, and that love became my devotion and my purpose in life. It’s my purpose to take care of animals.”

And though Harlequin is no longer around, Newman’s love story continues.

Contact the writer:

444-1535, veronica.stickney@owh.com

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