The Unspoken in Our Community: The Barbara Grannan Carie Feline Sanctuary

Oct 15, 2025
3 min read

Located in the heart of Vincennes. Not every day you hear about a feline sanctuary in this small Indiana town. Ran by Tricia and Pat Carie, brother and sister. The sanctuary was named after their mother. Whom, she had cancer and passed away in 1997.

In 2016, the sanctuary became a 510 3c , non-profit organization.

The facility helps felines with chronic illness, behavior issues, abused, and abandoned. These are given a second chance. The support for these types includes: hospice, behavior support, medical, and nutritional support. " Our promise to them is to provide a safe and loving environment; without the fear of being euthanized."

Sadly, the sanctuary is limited on financial resources, limited staff, no room for intakes.

In November 2020, the primary benefactor unexpectedly passed away. Leaving the sanctuary without a financial contingency plan. Plans have since changed and they continue to care for those left behind and literally have no other place to go.

"We are on the front line and do not get the publicity we deserve from our community...We have helped and rescued cats in this community for years... Veterinary offices, other rescues have asked us to take cats, and yes we have. However, for some reason; no one remembers. We deserve to be recognized and helped. With the flow of misinformation about our organization; this deters people from volunteering and donating. It is not our fault the beneficiary passed away and we lost our funding; but we don't give up. We need funding, and more local support, but we are not forcing anyone to do anything." - Tricia Carie - curator of operations

For most Sanctuaries: The heartbeat is the volunteers. Without volunteers, these sanctuary can find it difficult to run day to day operations. Tragically, without the love of the community; most Sanctuaries and rescue will close due to lack of support.

The true heart of operations is the true love all the fur babies. In, return, the fur babies love attention, share affection, dish out love, and spread happiness.

Tricia spoke about what they offer the feral colonies.

"We offer support out in the community to those colonies, so the can survive another day. The support includes: but not limited to food and shelter. We are there regardless of the weather."

Some people will call these "feral colonies" a common nuisance. Now, the umbrella term is "community cats " is largely used. The phrase refers to any members of the felis cats species that are unowned, outdoor, and free-range. Here is the misinformed don't understand. There are differences in ferals and strays.

Ferals are quieter and more active at night and strays are more vocal, active during daylight, and "more approachable" . Community cats are unpredictable, shy, lack trust in humanity.

Tricia gave credit to a relative, Bob Wilson, who helps with all the Styrofoam warming stations; that are used in the winter.

Sadly to say, there is frustration in the sanctuary; with that comes aggravation and sorrow. A few felines in the community colonies that have been featured on the BGC Facebook page have went missing: sir Fluffy, Ole Guy, and many others. According to Tammy Klein, who is an administrator of the page, "to many to count."

Pat Carie mentioned an incident that occurred at the nature preserve.

"I found a deceased long-haired tiger. It appeared to have been mauled to death by a dog. There is still a problem with canines"unleashed " running around; as some people think this is acceptable. Feline was to far from the road....it's injuries were indicative of a bite/maul trauma." Sadly, Pat went on and stated "No matter what, we are going to have to relocate these community cats out of the hostile "cat hating " areas. Some of our favorite "community cats " are gone."

BGC Feline Sanctuary is overwhelmed and exhausted, but they love what they are doing for all the fur babies.

Each day when the sunrises , brings new challenges to the community cats and every day has a set of new frustrations.

Now let's talk about donations?

All monetary donations mostly go towards vet care and operational expenses. Always a need for clumping cat litter, dry or canned food, and other miscellaneous items.

To donate to vet care, you contact Southgate @ 812-882-5656.

For additional details about the sanctuary... anyone can contact through their Facebook page.