Cover Story

Looking through a big window to watch ducks and geese land into the surrounding ponds, Ziggy and Zelda cuddle together on Dixie and Alton Sullivan’s couch. These two felines, Zelda, 7, and Ziggy, 5 ½, have been overseeing the wetlands in Lebanon since January of 2018. When Dixie’s sister, Marcine, passed away unexpectedly, her sisters Dixie, Bernice, and Linda came to the rescue, ensuring that her beloved kitties would be safe and loved. Since Dixie and Alton didn’t have any cats at the time, they knew bringing them home and giving them a quiet place to roam was the perfect fit. Zelda was originally adopted by Marcine from SafeHaven back in 2014. Ms. Zelda is an orange and white tabby, the boss lady of this duo, and although she can be feisty, she will be the first to hop on Dixie’s lap and purr away. Ziggy, a black and white tuxedo, is a bit more reserved. When it came time to go pick up the two from Marcine’s home, Zelda came right away, but it was a week later when Marcine’s son Steven was able to bring Ziggy to Dixie’s house. Once home, they opened the cat carrier and Zelda went straight inside and brought Ziggy out with her. Ziggy was rescued as a stray kitten and has grown up with Zelda by his side. Now the two lounge about in the “Duck Room” after spending the day catching mice and playing in the field. In the evenings, Dixie will call out for them and up pops a cute little black and white face in the grass and they both come running in.

Caring for animals and others has always been a passion of Dixie’s. Growing up, she always had pets and SafeHaven is near and dear to her heart. The Sullivans first got involved by participating in SafeHaven’s Capital Campaign, helping SafeHaven grow into the shelter it is now. Being a top priority to them both, they have helped SafeHaven achieve many great things over the years with Dixie’s big heart and Alton’s great ideas, most recently, our medical center.

Ziggy and Zelda are joined by Dixie and Al’s two Labradors, Sadie, 12 and Tootsie, 2. This sweet pack keeps Dixie on her toes and is the center of their home, entertaining them for hours! Even Dixie’s sister Bernice’s dog, Tanner, comes over and joins in on the adventures out in the wetlands. Dixie and Al say that their pets complete their family and they will always

have pets!