Did you know that Ten Lives Cat Rescue is run entirely by volunteers? We currently have over 100 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.
Jenny started volunteering with us in the summer of 2018—only a few months after our rescue was founded! Jenny is our Volunteer Coordinator, which involves reviewing and responding to volunteer applications and coordinating with our current volunteers to make sure our team is running smoothly. If you ever apply to volunteer with us, chances are you will hear from Jenny!
Jenny is also one of our dedicated foster moms. Her current foster, Cuddles, is currently available for adoption. Jenny has three resident cats named Sheba, Cora, and Dora, all of whom are Ten Lives foster fails! Jenny’s mom lives with her, and she has a cat named Stanley. Jenny told us that “it’s a full house over here!” We truly appreciate everything Jenny does to help our rescue thrive!
1. How did you originally hear about us, and what made you decide to become a volunteer?
I first heard about Ten Lives through a fundraiser at Like No Udder. My cat, Gonzo, had recently passed away and while I wasn’t ready for another cat, I did want to help other cats in the community.
2. What is your favorite story or memory while volunteering with us?
My favorite memory would have to be of my foster fail, Cora. She was scared and did not like me at all when I first got her, and she stayed that way for a couple months. When she realized that I was the one who fed her every day, it was like a switch went off in her head. Suddenly, I was her best friend. I’ve never had a cat just change overnight like that—usually, it’s a slow and steady change when socializing cats.
3. What have you learned during your time as a volunteer?
I mostly foster under socialized cats, and I have learned that with time and patience, you can really turn a scared cat into a loving member of the family. Watching and being a part of their transformation is really amazing and so rewarding.
4. What do you wish other people knew about us?
I wish people knew that we are completely run by volunteers, and everyone you meet within the rescue is here to save cats.
5. What do you do when you aren’t volunteering?
When I’m not volunteering, I spend time with my son, read, and go to concerts. I’m hoping to add gardening to that list, but so far, my thumb hasn’t been very green.
6. How do you think Ten Lives Cat Rescue will change over the next five years?
That is hard to say! Ten Lives has changed so much since I started volunteering, and it’s been really great to witness. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
7. Why should others consider volunteering with us?
We are a great group of people! Everyone I’ve met through Ten Lives has just been wonderful; it’s a great community we have here. We also have so many different roles available that there is something for everyone.
8. What have you gained while volunteering with us?
It has been so fulfilling to be a part of such an awesome rescue like Ten Lives. My heart is full.
9. How much of an impact do you feel your volunteer work has had with Ten Lives Cat Rescue?
I like to think I’ve made a pretty good impact with Ten Lives. It’s wonderful getting cats ready for their forever home and seeing the happy faces of their new family when it’s time to go home. I also field all of the volunteer applications that are submitted, and I’ve found it’s really a joy to talk to so many people and get them excited to volunteer with us.
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, support The Lazzy Fund, and purchase needed supplies through our Wishlist!