1. What type of rescue or volunteer work are you involved in?

“I’m mainly involved in cat rescue through groups like Bingos, Women’s Animal, and the Bridge Clinic, but really I try to help all animals. If I come across wildlife, I don’t turn them away—I’ve transported raccoons and birds all the way out to AARK, even though it’s quite a drive, just to make sure they had a safe place to go. One time I even helped a fox in my own yard! My friends and neighbors all know that if an animal needs help, they can call me, because I’ll do whatever I can. It doesn’t matter if it’s a stray cat or a wild creature—every animal deserves someone to look out for them. Gaining the trust of a wild animal is the best feeling!”

2. How did you get started doing this type of work?

“My journey began after my mother passed away. I was broken and grieving, and at the same time I kept noticing the cats living in my yard. I wasn’t sure if they belonged there or if they could survive outside on their own. I started by building makeshift shelters and little heating stations, and over time I upgraded to fully heated shelters—I had about 30 at one point. That’s when people started telling me about TNR (trap-neuter-return).

It was during that time that I came across three tiny kittens who were just days old and would have been left behind if I hadn’t taken them. No one else was available, so I stepped in. Through TNR, I met Eleanor and became connected to Bingo’s Rescue, where I began volunteering shifts and helping with trapping. That was really the turning point—what started as grief and uncertainty became a calling.”

3. What motivates you to volunteer your time?

“I just really love being around animals. There’s something about looking into their eyes and knowing they depend on you that keeps me going. For me, it’s the satisfaction of decreasing the suffering that’s right in front of you—you can’t always fix everything in the world, but you can help the animal standing in front of you. I just want to alleviate the suffering that’s in front of me if I have the ability to do it. Honestly, I know that some of them wouldn’t even be alive today if I hadn’t stepped in, and that’s what motivates me to keep doing it. I try to always air on the side of life.

Being a nurse, I also have a medical background that really helps. Sometimes I can think outside the box and try things that aren’t always common in rescue, but they end up making a difference. It feels good to know I can use both my heart and my skills to give these animals a chance.”

4. Are there any special animals that stand out from your time in volunteer work?

“One who will forever hold my heart is Macey. I got him when he was just six weeks old. Something had tried to eat him, and the skin was falling off his legs. Against all odds, he survived and went to Bingo’s Rescue—but soon after, there was a panleuk epidemic, and then he developed FIP, back when treatment wasn’t really available.

I was desperate to save him, so I reached out to a doctor in Scotland who helped me get access to medication. By the time I had it, Macey was close to death. But within a few days of starting treatment, he turned around. I took him everywhere, even to Penn, searching for answers. No one at the time wanted to diagnose or say out loud that it was FIP.

When he came back to life, thrived, and grew into a healthy 15-pound boy, I was overjoyed. Today, he’s six and a half years old and still the absolute love of my life.”

5. If you could change one (or multiple) aspects of pet ownership in our country, what would that be?

“I wish more people understood the importance of pet insurance. If you already have insurance for yourself, adding your pet to coverage for emergencies can make a world of difference. For example, if your cat swallows something as simple as a hair tie, the surgery to remove it can cost around $7,000. Without insurance, that’s an impossible expense for many families, and too often it leads to heartbreaking decisions. Pet insurance could prevent so much unnecessary suffering.”

6. What are your hopes or goals for the future of your rescue or mission?

“My biggest hope is that I live long enough to see the kittens I’m caring for grow into their full lives. I just adopted two who are too sick to be placed anywhere else, and I want to be there for them for as long as they need me.

Another important goal is to rebuild the outdoor sanctuary we lost when a storm brought down a tree. Right now, the scared cats who used to live there are stuck indoors, living stressed, and I dream of giving them back a safe, natural space. The sanctuary I work with also suffered significant storm damage, and we would love to see it restored so that even more animals can be helped.”

7. Are there any upcoming projects or events you’re excited about?

“Yes! Right now, my main focus is getting this litter of kittens settled and eventually adopted. One kitten in particular, Lala, was born with a cleft palate. He already had one surgery, but he’ll need another soon to finish the repair and give him the best chance at a normal, healthy life. It’s a rare condition in cats, and the process is delicate—we’re lucky to have access to a dental specialist who can help him.

These kittens are actually called the ‘Dumpster kittens.’ They were found by some recycling workers when they were just two or three days old, still with their umbilical cords attached. Thankfully, the workers knew enough to keep them warm and alive until they could get help. I even tube-fed Lala myself to make sure he got the nutrition he needed. Seeing these tiny lives survive and thrive, and knowing we’re on the path to giving them a chance at a happy future, is what excites me every day.”

8. What would you like people to know about the importance of helping animals in need?

“People often say, ‘What about helping people?’ And I understand that completely—I’m not against helping people, and I know there are so many in need. But the truth is, there are far more people helping other people than there are helping animals. I may not always have the ability to help people, but I do have the ability to help animals, and that’s where my heart is.

Growing up, I always had dogs, but I never had a cat. Now, I look around and realize I have 17 cats here that I’m looking after. Each one is a life that matters. Each one is a reminder that compassion isn’t about choosing between people and animals—it’s about doing what you can, where you can. For me, that means giving a voice and a chance to the animals who can’t speak for themselves.”