Trigger Warning: This post contains mentions of suicide.
Janelle Brown took to social media on Wednesday to thank those who have donated to animal shelters in the Flagstaff, Arizona, area in honor of her late son, Garrison Brown, whom Janelle said, “loved being a cat dad.”
After learning this week that people had begun making donations in her son’s name to the animal shelters from which Garrison adopted his beloved cats, the Sister Wives star expressed an emotional thank you on Instagram.
“I have been brought to tears again,” Janelle wrote. “I’m being told about everyone’s donations to @highcountryhumane @arkcatsanctuary in Garrison’s name. Thank you all for your generosity. It means so much.
“The cats he adopted from both agencies were so important to him,” she continued. “He loved being a cat dad.”
As The Ashley previously reported, Garrison– who is the son of Janelle and Kody Brown– took his own life March 5 at his home in Flagstaff. Garrison’s death was discovered by his brother Gabe, who was sent by Janelle to check on Garrison after the 25-year-old sent a series of alarming text messages to her and members of the Sister Wives crew the previous night.
In her Instagram post, Janelle tagged the High Country Humane shelter, as well as the Ark Cat Sanctuary. Both organizations have received a plethora of donations in recent days in honor of Garrison.
Janelle went on to confirm in the comment section of her post that Garrison’s cats will remain in the Brown family and are already settling in with some of Garrison’s siblings.
High Country Humane– one of the shelters Garrison supported– shared Janelle’s post to their Instagram Story, calling Garrison a “dear friend.”
“We are mourning the loss of a dear friend, Garrison Brown,” they wrote. “Grateful for the memories shared, cats saved & lives changed in his honor.”
The organization posted on Wednesday that it has already received nearly $13,000 in donations, which will go toward feeding and caring for more than 150 animals at the shelter currently.
“Today, we remember and celebrate the life of Garrison, a friend and an extraordinary cat lover, whose kindness touched the lives of all who knew him, both two and four-legged,” High Country Humane wrote in its Instagram post. “Garrison’s unwavering love for cats was a heartfelt passion. It has been heartwarming to see the donations in his name that continue to pour in…
“We are so grateful for your generosity, and for creating a wave of positivity out of sadness and tragedy,” the post continued.
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High Country Humane also announced in the post that it will be sponsoring all cat adoptions in March, and that it will be naming its Cat Adoption Room in honor of Garrison and his three cats— Catthew, Patches and Ms. Buttons.
“We look forward to presenting the plaque and room naming during our 5 Year Anniversary & Founders Celebration on Saturday, March 23 from 2pm – 5pm in the High Country Humane lobby,” the post reads. “Garrison’s legacy is one of compassion, laughter, and unconditional love. His spirit lives on in every meow, in every cozy lap nap, and in the purring contentment of the cats he adored. Garrison showed us the purest form of love, teaching us that every cat deserves a chance at a loving home…
“Garrison, you may have left this world, but you will forever remain in our hearts, remembered for your kindness, your laugh, and your unwavering love for all cats. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.”
Ark Cat Sanctuary also posted a tribute to Garrison on social media, while thanking those who had made a donation to the organization in the avid animal lover’s name.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Garrison Brown’s passing,” the Ark Cat Sanctuary posted Tuesday on social media. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Garrison was a Flagstaff local and avid animal lover, and we deeply appreciate those who have donated to the Ark in his name during this sad time.
“If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that help is available,” the post continued. “Reach out to a mental health professional, a trusted friend, or call a crisis hotline. You are not alone and there is always hope.”
For more information or to make a donation to High Country Humane, click here; for more information or to make a donation to Ark Cat Sanctuary, click here.
RELATED STORY: Funeral Held for ‘Sister Wives’ Star Garrison Brown; Mykelti Brown Says Family Has Plans to Honor Him Again Next Month
(Photos: Instagram)
Really lovely to read all the posts from the shelters. So much good is being done because of this man’s love of cats.
Yikes, someone is definitely cutting onions in here…
What a beautiful young man, gone way too soon. Depression took the life of a family member of mine, and I’m still missing him. RIP Garrison, and you were much loved. Your love of cats was so wonderful, and I’m happy that your siblings will be giving them love, as you did.
Being a cat mom myself who suddenly lost her furry baby of a heart attack last month, this hits me a little harder than expected. I am so happy people like Garrison adopt from shelters and spoil those little kitties rotten, but also so sad for those kitties he’s gone. The world really did lose a good person that day. I hope the kitties can settle in with the siblings and be happy there. Moved to tears to see people donate to the shelters in his name as well