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.
Sara has been a volunteer with Ten Lives since our rescue was founded in 2018. She is one of our incredible fosters, and she plays an important role as one of our Supply Coordinators. Sara has five resident cats: Jack, Luna, Marcelline, Lola, and Salty. Lola and Salty are both Ten Lives foster fails!
1. How did you originally hear about us, and what made you decide to become a volunteer?
I previously knew Heidi (Ten Lives Cat Rescue’s co-founder) from another rescue. I loved the vision and mission that she and Melissa (Ten Lives Cat Rescue’s co-founder and Executive Director) had for Ten Lives, and decided to volunteer.
2. What is your favorite story or memory while volunteering with us?
My favorites are the tomcats in rough shape that make miraculous comebacks! Slugger (the cat who inspired our rescue and was adopted by one of our board members), Lazarus (the namesake of The Lazzy Fund), and Liam Neelson (who was adopted by his foster dad), to name a few!
3. What have you learned during your time as a volunteer?
That there are so many cats in RI that need help, and while there are limited resources, we do what we can to help. I’ve also learned that it takes a village! So many people put their time, hearts, and talents into making everything happen.
4. What do you wish other people knew about us?
We are normal, everyday people who love cats and are a like-minded group coming together to rescue the neediest cats in our community. We are 100% funded by donations and fundraising, and always have the cats’ best interests in mind.
5. What do you do when you aren’t volunteering?
I work full time in a dental office and have a teenager. My other hobbies include cross stitching and crafting.
6. How do you think Ten Lives Cat Rescue will change over the next five years?
I think we are going to grow, save more cats, and make more of an impact by providing services to the community like spay/neuter and help with food supply drives.
7. Why should others consider volunteering with us?
We have a wonderful reputation and are very organized. We all support each other in our different roles, and there’s always someone available to lend a helping hand.
8. What have you gained while volunteering with us?
I’ve made so many wonderful friends who share the same passions, and it’s so rewarding to be involved in rescuing cats that really need a chance and seeing them on to their forever homes.
9. How much of an impact do you feel your volunteer work has had with Ten Lives Cat Rescue?
As a foster and volunteer-based rescue, every person involved has an impact. As a foster, I’ve had a lot of cats come through my home and stay in my cat room. As one of the Supply Coordinators, I know the fosters rely on myself and the other Supply Coordinators for any cat-related supplies and medications. With the rescue providing this resource to the fosters, it erases the financial barrier that might keep someone from fostering. We are happy to supply all the basics the cats need to thrive while in their foster home! We want our volunteers as well as the cats to have an amazing experience helping us and we’re happy to provide that as well as any support our volunteers may need!
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 Amazon Wishlist!