Built by Two People
Who Refused to Look Away
Rita & Dana Hydo didn't plan to build a sanctuary. They just couldn't stop saying yes to the cats no one else would take.
How It Started
Rita's Cat Rescue was born from one kitten discovered during a visit to the Beatrice Humane Society — and a realization that some cats would never find traditional homes. Not because they weren't worthy, but because they were too old, too sick, or too scared. Rita and Dana Hydo decided those were exactly the cats who deserved the most.
The Philosophy
“Quality of life over quantity of adoptions.” — That's the guiding principle. Rita's is not a stepping stone to adoption. It is a destination. The cats who live here — the seniors with kidney disease, the FIV+ cats, the tripods, the ones too scared to be handled — they are home. Permanently.
Rita & Dana
This is a partnership. Rita and Dana Hydo are co-principal officers of Rita's Rescue, Inc. — co-founders who built this sanctuary together, side by side. Dana is the one who caught and extinguished the barn fire. Rita is the one the cats follow from room to room. Together, they manage 60+ residents, a foster network, four feral colonies, and a thrift store — all on less than $50,000 a year.
501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2012 (EIN: 27-2419081). All contributions are tax-deductible.
Weston Award Recipients, 2024
“The most respected rescue partners and advocates in the community.”
At the 2024 ceremony held at the Holiday Inn in Beatrice, Rita and Dana Hydo received the Weston Award for their side-by-side partnership and unwavering commitment to the cats other shelters cannot keep.
The Fire That Changed Everything
January 19, 2025A fire started in the single extension cord that was supplying all electricity from Rita and Dana's personal home to the cat barn — heating, cooling, and lighting for 60+ cats. Dana caught and extinguished the fire before it could spread.
The rescue had been running the entire barn off one extension cord because every available dollar went to food, litter, spay/neuters, and medical care. There was literally nothing left for infrastructure. The fire was a wake-up call that the barn needed to be properly and safely wired.
Key Numbers
- Cats Helped Since 2012
- 200+
- Cats Helped Since 2012
- Current Residents
- 60+
- Current Residents
- Feral Colonies Managed
- 4
- Feral Colonies Managed
- Annual Budget — Every Dollar to the Cats
- Under $50,000
- Annual Budget — Every Dollar to the Cats
What We Do
Three programs, one mission: every cat deserves a life worth living.
Permanent Sanctuary
A cage-free, free-roaming home for 60+ cats with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and special needs. Heated and cooled year-round, with dedicated medical management for every resident.
Meet the Residents →Foster & Adoption
Kittens and adoptable cats receive foster care until they find permanent homes. Our foster network currently supports 10-21 cats and kittens at any time.
See Who Needs a Home →TNVR Program
We manage four feral cat colonies in downtown Beatrice through Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return, humanely controlling the population and benefiting local businesses.
Learn About TNVR →Be Part of Their Story
Rita and Dana can't do this alone. Monthly sponsorships starting at $10 keep every resident fed, medicated, and safe.