Our Founder

Let These Animals Live was established in 1996 by Gerald Jenkins (Gerry) with the goal of providing shelter and care for cats for generations to come. 

Growing up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Gerry's love of cats started at a young age when he would take stray cats home to care for them.  His professional life took him in many directions from owning a gas and tire service station, a Hobie Cat dealership, to real estate and construction. 

While eventually settling in northern lower Michigan, Gerry lived throughout the state and also in Tennessee and Florida. He was an avid sailor and proudly captained for three America's Cup victories.  Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to improving the lives of cats though sheltering and care.  Gerry passed away in 2017, but his legacy remains alive in our beautiful shelter building, and in the cats and caregivers dedicated to continuing his mission.

Let These Animals Live will continue to shelter and care for local cats through various initiatives including rescue, sanctuary, adoption, education, and low cost spay/neuter.