Did you know that Ten Lives Cat Rescue is run entirely by volunteers? We currently have over 60 volunteers in various roles helping us achieve our mission—to save homeless, abused, and abandoned cats by providing veterinary care, rehabilitation services, and then placing them into loving adoptive homes.
Kim has been a Ten Lives Cat Rescue volunteer since September 22, 2018, and she wears many hats: she is a foster, our Intake Coordinator, and our Facebook Admin.
If you have ever emailed our general email address, there is a high chance you’ve spoken to Kim, because she manages that, as well! Her resident cats include Lloyd (17) and Emma (16), and she recently fostered Snowdrop, who was just adopted.
1. How did you originally hear about us, and what made you decide to become a volunteer?
My former cat, @davecatri, followed TLCR on Instagram, we likely met at an event, and I saw a social media post about not being able to take in any more cats because they didn’t have enough foster homes. I knew it was time. I had wanted to foster kittens for a while, but that post was the deciding factor.
2. What is your favorite story or memory while volunteering with us?
Honestly, I don’t have a favorite memory/story because I have so many! If I had to pick, I would say that socializing shy cats and watch them do a complete 360 and become friendly cats has been memorable.
3. What have you learned during your time as a volunteer?
SO MUCH! I remember sitting in a volunteer meeting right after I signed up and thinking to myself, “what are these women talking about?” Melissa (Ten Lives’ Executive Director) was using terms I had never heard of like “spicy” and I kept thinking I wasn’t as “crazy” as I thought I was, and I mean that in the best possible way. Flash forward two years, and I use the cat lady lingo on the reg. I have also learned how to socialize spicy cats, trap cats, cure ringworm, detect panleuk, help run a rescue—you name it, I’ve learned it!
4. What do you wish other people knew about us?
We don’t profit from the “sale” of cats, it’s not as big of a commitment as you think, and the dangers of not spaying/neutering and vaccinating your cats! Prior to joining Ten Lives, I just thought it was the right thing to do; I didn’t realize the detriments it could have (aside from the overpopulation problem)—this is another thing I’ve learned, apparently!
5. What do you do when you aren’t volunteering?
I work full time in Human Resources, I just finished my Masters Degree (all while volunteering with Ten Lives), I work out regularly with my amazing gym community, and of course, I spend time with Jack (better known as “Cat Dad”), our kids, and my large, modern, extended family, as I refer to it.
6. How do you think Ten Lives Cat Rescue will change over the next five years?
I hope we continue to grow. It really has been amazing to watch it transform and blossom over the two years that I have been involved. Melissa is one of the most tenacious people I know, and I have so much admiration and respect for her. I know with her leadership, we will continue to accomplish great things.
7. Why should others consider volunteering with us?
Because we can’t do this alone! We can only save as many cats as we are capable of. More volunteers, more cats saved. It’s that simple.
8. What have you gained while volunteering with us?
Honestly, I think the biggest thing I have gained is this new network of amazing humans, and I mean that sincerely. The people I have met thru Ten Lives are not just my peers—they have become my friends. It’s something I did not expect, nor was I looking for, but I am so glad that it worked out this way.
9. How much of an impact do you feel your volunteer work has had with Ten Lives Cat Rescue?
I’m going to say a lot! I do a lot of “work” for the rescue because I WANT to, and I enjoy doing it. I think without dedicated volunteers like myself (and many, many others), Ten Lives would not be the rescue that it has become today.
Are you interested in volunteering with Ten Lives Cat Rescue? Fill out a Volunteer Application, become a foster, sponsor a Forgotten Feline, and purchase needed supplies through our Amazon Wishlist!