Rita Maris Sine

Rita Maris Sine, Founder and President of Domino's Cat Rescue League

On Oct 1st 2026, at the age of 87, Rita Maris Sine—our founder, fearless leader, feline advocate, mother to Debbie and Kevin, and our altogether wonder woman—slipped away quietly in her sleep.

As she crossed that bridge she would have been met by Domino, the cat who started it all, a full clowder of cats, Darby the Airedale, and last but by no means least, Charlie, her beloved husband of 62 years. We can imagine it was quite a reunion.

The Maris Sine Memorial Fund for Domino's Cat Rescue honors the woman who in 2001 opened her home and five acres of grass to cats who had nowhere else to go.

Maris always told us : "When I go, I hope those who care will please not send flowers, but instead make a donation to help keep Domino's running. The cats need Domino's more than I have ever needed flowers".That is how she was.She always put the animals first and after her cancer diagnosis in 2023, she spent the last 3 years "training" her successor, her daughter Debra.

A note from Debra:

About My Mother...

If you did not know my mother Maris, you would be hard-pushed to understand her passion and determination when it came to her family and her animals.

As a child, she was 100% determined to buy a horse, and knowing there was no money to go buy a horse, she plucked soda bottles from a Jacksonville beach.

She never gave up hope and after a lot of hard work and dedication, two years and $60 later, at 10 years old, my mother was the proud owner of Buena, a quarter horse.

Buenas barn was right next to her bedroom window, so my mom being my mom, would open up her bedroom window, so she could touch her and talk to her at night.

From pet kinkajous and donkeys to the pair of chickens who shared her childhood Washington, D.C., apartment, caring for animals was my mother's passion. From her time as a barrel racer in Arizona, to meeting my father Charlie on a DC tennis court, to eloping when my mother was 18, Maris and Charlie were made for each other. With two toddlers (myself and my brother Kevin), they took on and operated Cherry Lane Kennels, one of Maryland's largest boarding kennels for 40 years.

My mother and my father shared a love that was beyond all others and they both dedicated their lives to animals and their welfare long before they relocated to florida and "retired".

While enjoying Florida, retirement did not sit well with my parents. Missing her work with the animals, my mother contacted Ellie Booth, a Hobe Sound resident who looked after Jupiter Island's stray cat colonies asking her; "Do you need any help?" And that was the end of retirement and the start of Domino's..

When officials blocked access to Jupiter Island due to hurricanes, some of the cats died, this broke my mothers heart and so, with Ellies help, she started Domino's House in 2001 to give the survivors a home.

The rest as they say, is history.

Through advocating for the cats in work groups and in meetings with local and state representatives such as our now current Governor Ron DeSantis, through TNR programs, to colony care and management, through rescues, sanctuary and adoptions, my mother helped thousands of cats over the past 25 years and I could not be more proud to be her daughter.

Domino's celebrate 25 years as Domino's House now in 2026 and will celebrate 25 years as an incorporated 501 (c)(3) in 2027.It was my mother's final hope and wish that we keep Domino's running, and that my friends is why we now turn to you for your help.

Please help us honor the last wishes of the worlds most incredible "Cat Lady".

A woman who, after losing her husband of 62 years and after suffering a broken hip, a fractured spine, lung cancer (genetic, not from smoking), 8 strokes, 3 heart attacks, and 3 codes—all over the past 4 years—her first question each morning as she woke until her final day here with us, would still be "How are the cats?"

Help us keep Domino's continuing to offer shelter, sanctuary and 2nd chances through adoption to our feline friends, please support Domino's House and Domino's Cat Rescue League in the name of my mother; Rita Maris Sine.

To all of you who called my mother a friend and to all of you who supported her mission and have supported Domino's through the last 25 years....From the bottom of my heart.... Thank You.

Debra Maris Lough; President; Domino's Cat Rescue League

With monthly operating costs of $13,000–$14,000, including salaries for our staff of 7, taxes and fees, utilities, food, medications, veterinary bills, and litter, we need your help to continue our mission.

Your gift will help us keep my mother's promises alive at Domino’s: No Cages and No Killing, Ever! It will help feed 50+ cats, cover litter, medications, vet visits, and keep our female‑run rescue, sanctuary and adoption center open for the strays, mommas, babies and lifelong residents who depend on us, as my mother wished.

How you can help power our mission:

Donate: Every dollar counts. Contribute now to help us reach our goal.

Share: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and on social media. Your advocacy can amplify our impact.

Volunteer: Your time and skills can make an impact too.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/the-maris-sine-memorial-fund

Secure check donation mailing address:

Domino's Cat Rescue League

PO Box 1608

Palm City

FL 34990

Donation via Paypal: paypal.me/Dominosrescue

Donations of food and in person donations:

Domino's House

4546 SW Honey Terrace

Palm City

FL 34990

email: [email protected]

Contact numbers: (808) 339-1944 ~ (850) 293-6004

All donations made to Domino's House/Domino's Cat Rescue League are tax-deductible.

501(c)(3)

EIN 81-0582632

FDACS Licenced : CH19433