The Midwest Pet Refuge and Cat Tales bookstore are located in Portland, Ind., in a repurposed church building. Since March 2021, hundreds of cats, dogs, and small pets have been adopted through the organization. Revenue is generated through book sales and pet adoption fees. People can donate books and pet supplies, or volunteer as a cleaner or book sorter. Currently, the refuge is looking for donations to expand and improve its catio spaces. Director Tara Drumm reported that January and February 2026 were the organization’s most profitable months so far. Passionate volunteers like Melissa Allen give love to the adoptable animals and unpack boxes of donated books. You can learn more about the organization on their website or on their Facebook page.
A wide-angle shot of one of the free roam rooms at the Midwest Pet Refuge in Portland, Ind., on Friday, March 27, 2026. The refuge is held in the old location of the now defunct First Baptist Church. (Photo by Eleni Bow) 
Kerfuffle, a juvenile male tabby, chitters in his cage at the Midwest Pet Refuge in Portland, Ind., on Friday, March 27, 2026. The refuge is currently housing 157 cats, according to director Tara Drumm. (Photo by Eleni Bow) 
Ballyhoo the juvenile male tabby lounges in a book shelf wall at the Midwest Pet Refuge in Portland, Ind., on Friday, March 27, 2026. Ballyhoo was found as an extremely sick stray, causing his eye to never fully heal. (Photo by Eleni Bow) 
Finley, the adult male domestic shorthair, gives himself a bath on the counter at the Midwest Pet Refuge’s Cat Tales bookstore in Portland, Ind., on Friday, March 27, 2026. Finley is known as the “assistant manager” of the bookstore. (Photo by Eleni Bow) 
The Midwest Pet Refuge’s Cat Tales bookstore stands in Portland, Ind., on Saturday, April 28, 2026. The building was bought and repurposed by the refuge in March 2021. (Photo by Eleni Bow) 
Two cats are silhouetted by a window at the Midwest Pet Refuge in Portland, Ind., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The refuge’s building neighbors include the Portland Church of Christ and the CrossRoads Financial Federal Credit Union. (Photo by Eleni Bow) 
Volunteer Melissa Allen holds adult female tabby Dora at the Midwest Pet Refuge in Portland, Ind., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Allen helps run the Cat Tales bookstore and foster cats at her home. (Photo by Eleni Bow) 
Dan “The Catnip Man” Shields sprinkles dry catnip in a cage at the Midwest Pet Refuge in Portland, Ind., on March 28, 2026. Shields comes in every other Saturday to give all the cats high-quality, organic dried catnip. (Photo by Eleni Bow) 
Poblano the adult male tabby snoozes in a cat house at the Midwest Pet Refuge in Portland, Ind., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The refuge adopts out about 200 pets like Poblano each year, according to director Tara Drumm. (Photo by Eleni Bow) 
Director Tara Drumm looks for the best genre shelf to place a book at the Midwest Pet Refuge’s Cat Tales bookstore in Portland, Ind., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. All of the profits from the bookstore go towards the refuge’s vet bills and pet supplies. (Photo by Eleni Bow) 
Cats peek under the door at the Midwest Pet Refuge in Portland, Ind., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The refuge is open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. (Photo by Eleni Bow) 
Female adult calico Macchiato peeks through the doors that lead to the Cat Tales bookstore at the Midwest Pet Refuge in Portland, Ind., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Macchiato is described as “a sassy, spirited girl with both independence and charm.” (Photo by Eleni Bow) 
Wendell the juvenile male rabbit nibbles on his cage at the Midwest Pet Refuge in Portland, Ind., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Wendell got his name after being found outside of a Wendy’s restaurant. (Photo by Eleni Bow)
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