Vice President and Shelter Director (title as originally published)
Born in Arkansas I began rescuing cats at the age of three when I was offered one of my grandmother’s feral kittens if I would give up sucking my thumb. Hard choice, but the lure of having my own cat won out, and helping animals has been the focus of my life for the past 50 years.
My business career has been varied—I have worked in sales and marketing, bookkeeping and as an executive assistant and fund control officer. For the past 25 years, my husband of 47 years, Dallas, and I have owned a marine repair business in Port Angeles, which we continue to operate. While living in California, I volunteered for and served on the board of a spay/neuter nonprofit. Upon moving to Washington state with our eight cats in tow in the mid 80’s, I continued to help strays and acquired more cats who seemed to show up at the door knowing there would be a place for them inside. Down from a high of 14 cats, we currently care for two lovely cats and have four rescue dogs of our own.
In 2000, I was told of a cat rescue group organizing in the Sequim area and attended their first meeting. I was soon heavily involved in rescuing, adopting out and caring for the more than fifty cats already in the care of the newly formed Peninsula Friends of Animals. After receiving our non-profit status and setting up our bylaws, I was elected to the Board of Directors. I have continued to serve for the past 17 years on the Board as Vice-President and Treasurer.
In 2001, I was involved in finding and purchasing our current home, Safe Haven, where PFOA is headquartered. I am currently the Shelter Director, and also work as a Shelter Manager at our facility. I started and ran a successful Dog Program for many years, and five special needs dogs continue to be fostered in our home. Over 3000 cats have passed through my hands, and each of them has been a privilege to help on their way to a new life.
Several years ago, we moved from our lovely old Cape Cod house in Port Angeles to a country property with 14 acres where we can provide a better environment for our animals. This location requires more time and attention than we have been able to give it, so we are looking forward to “retirement” in the near future. PFOA will always be part of my life—whether serving on the Board or just supporting the wonderful work done by the organization.