Did you know that Ten Lives Cat Rescue is run entirely by volunteers? We currently have over 80 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.
Becky has played a crucial role as a Ten Lives volunteer since 2019. Not only is she an incredible foster, but she and her husband, Matt, are the founders of Rhode Island Kitten Kits, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to providing life-saving neonatal kitten care kits and educational booklets to foster homes via shelters, rescues and veterinary clinics. When needed, Becky makes emergency supply deliveries to time-sensitive kitten intakes and works with our foster families to show them how to bottle/syringe feed and care for neonates. Becky is also always willing to mentor our fosters with any kitten care questions. We are so grateful for everything she does!
Becky’s resident cats include TJ, Leo, Peanut, Charlie, Squish, and Sammy, and she’s currently fostering Squiggy, a special needs cat with a neurological disorder called Cerebellar Hypoplasia.
1. How did you originally hear about us, and what made you decide to become a volunteer?
I volunteered at another rescue with the Executive Director of Ten Lives, Melissa. I always admired her leadership and organizational skills and was very happy to see her start her own rescue!
2. What is your favorite story or memory while volunteering with us?
I’d say one of my most memorable moments was early on when I helped my friend and Ten Lives foster, Alexandra, with two bottle babies. I’m a hairstylist and Alex is actually one of my customers (that’s how SHE heard about Ten Lives!)! Seeing Alex so determined to save them was extremely heartwarming. As we were caring for the kittens, I looked at her and said, “Did you ever think in a million years you’d be sitting on your kitchen floor bottle feeding kittens with your hairdresser??” Lol! As much as I love kittens, it’s the people that really make my heart feel so full. Watching a new bottle feeder take on that challenge is really, really heartwarming.
3. What have you learned during your time as a volunteer?
That some of the best people in the world are the animal advocates I’ve met in this organization.
4. What do you wish other people knew about us?
Ten Lives is an extremely well-run organization that is 100% run by dedicated volunteers. I’d love for people to know just how much the volunteers give of themselves.
5. What do you do when you aren’t volunteering?
I’m a full time hairstylist, I’m the director of a nonprofit called Rhode Island Kitten Kits, and I’m a foster mom.
6. How do you think Ten Lives Cat Rescue will change over the next five years?
I have full confidence that this organization will pave many new paths in the landscape of RI’s homeless cat population.
7. Why should others consider volunteering with us?
Because it’s SO WORTH it. Whether you foster or take on an admin role, the feeling of quite literally saving lives by giving a little bit of your time is priceless.
8. What have you gained while volunteering with us?
I’ve gained a beautiful sense of community with some of the kindest people I’ve ever met.
9. How much of an impact do you feel your volunteer work has had with Ten Lives Cat Rescue?
I’ve been able to teach many fosters how to successfully care for neonatal kittens. I’ve watched fosters go from nervous and unsure to life-saving kitten heroes! I’ve watched kittens go from dying to thriving by using my expertise and skillset.
Are you interested in volunteering with Ten Lives Cat Rescue? Read about our open volunteer roles and fill out a Volunteer Application, become a foster, sponsor a Forgotten Feline, and purchase needed supplies through our Wishlist!