HELP A  CAT TODAY:

THE HUMANE SOLUTION TO MANAGING COMMUNITY CATS

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November Volunteer Spotlight

October Volunteer Spotlight

Ever look back on life and wonder how did I get here? We are sure Marlene, a "dog person", asks herself that every now and then. Our paths first crossed Marlene's about this time last year at a presentation by Alley Cat Allies at Riverside Department of Animal Services. Marlene was (and continues to be) a dedicated volunteer at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus for Riverside County Animal Services.

Marlene shared "Helping animals is very dear to my heart. I have a deep love for Mother Earth and all the creatures on the planet, especially dogs. The injustice that animals endure at the hand of humankind is what motivates me. It’s a joke around here that “I’m not a cat person.” I guess you could say I’m an equal opportunity animal advocate. Cats were put in my path when I had no intention of making them a cause. But because cats are in the greatest need of help in our shelters today, I want to do all I can to change their status in our communities and save lives."

To address the plight of the cat Marlene started helping people in her area TNR cats they were feeding. Many remember Tim who she worked with last year, in the middle of the project Tim was murdered, leaving the cats in jeopardy. It would have been completely understandable for Marlene to decide "that's it, this project is over" but Marlene's response showed tremendous character and earned enormous respect. Despite our warnings that finding barn homes to relocate 25 cats would be a huge challenge, maybe even impossible, Marlene declared "I'm seeing this project through", and of course she did!

For the past 6 months Marlene has been transporting unadoptable, ferals from the San Jacinto Shelter back to their homes after being fixed. Thanks to her dedication over 100 cats have exited the shelter alive! Marlene saw a problem and took it upon herself to find a solution. Imagine what a different world it would be if that was everyone's response to a problem.

When not helping animals Marlene says "I am a true homebody. I love to hang out at home in our spacious backyard. I like to keep up with healthy meals for Joe and I and Meagan, my daughter. I love to read quality fiction. A few favorite authors are Marilynne Robinson, Barbara Kingsolver, Jonathan Franzen, and Walter Mosley. I spend lots of time with my dogs, walking them every day, ect. and also have a few feral cats in a cattery. I am a retired elementary school teacher. My husband, Joe, is very supportive of my volunteer work with animals and that makes being involved much easier. I have a daughter, Meagan, who currently lives with us and a son, John, who lives in Las Vegas. Joe has two children, Josh and Erina, who live locally. So together we have 4 adult children and 8 grandkids.

Thank you Marlene for all you do, and thank you to your family for sharing Marlene with us!

October Volunteer spotlight: dynamic duo, Lynn and Keith. If you've asked us to help you trap cats, or are a regular at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center spay and neuter clinic, chances are you've meet Lynn and Keith. While they help on many other capacities, trapping and TNR is their specialty. Lynn and Keith are a pair of our most active volunteer trappers and have caught well over 100 cats each of the past two years. Thant's a whole lot of kittens prevented!

While not wrangling cats, Lynn and Keith enjoy retirement and love spending time with their three children and nine grandchildren (they've been married 53 years!). Other loves include rock & Roll music from the 50's and 60's, vintage cars and trucks, and of course their 4 golden retrievers and a handful of cats. When asked what drives them to participate in TNR they said it's to get they cats a healthier and better quality of life. Lynn and Keith have also fostered many friendly cats they encounter. They say it's hard to give them up but they have to make room for the next ones that need a spot to stay and receive some TLC before they can be adopted.

Thank you Lynn and Keith for all you do, the support you offer caregivers, and the impact you are making on our community!