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.
Erin started volunteering with our rescue after she adopted her cat, Nelly, from our program in early 2022, and wears several hats! She started out as a weekly PetSmart volunteer in the Fall of 2022 and joined our incredible foster team a few months later. Erin can also be seen at events and markets, and she is part of our Fundraising Committee. We are truly grateful for everything Erin does for our rescue!
Erin has two resident cats: Judy, a four-year-old calico, and Nelly, a two-year-old tuxedo and Ten Lives alumna, and one dog: Beebe, a seven-year-old Maltese/Yorkie mix. She is currently fostering Wednesday, a two-year-old black panther, who will be looking for her forever home once she breaks out of her shell.
1. How did you start volunteering at Ten Lives?
My interest in volunteering really started after the adoption of Nelly from PetSmart in March of 2022. That was when I began to learn more about the rescue. Being a part of the Facebook adoption alumni page also made me realize how busy the rescue was, and it made me want to contribute back in some way! My role with Ten Lives started when I began volunteering to help take care of the cats at PetSmart on a weekly basis. This really helped get my feet wet with volunteering within the rescue. From there, I realized I had space in my house to help foster cats as well (Nelly’s former acclimation room!). Ten Lives made it super easy to transition into fostering with all the support and advice the group has given. I also started assisting at events and markets and assisting with the fundraising efforts.
2. What motivates you to give back to the community with Ten Lives?
Being able to give forgotten and homeless cats a second chance has really been my biggest motivator. The connection that I have already witnessed with new owners and their adopted cats has been so lovely. On a selfish level, it has been good for my mental health as my time spent with the cats at PetSmart and fosters at home have been a calming focus for me.
3. What is your favorite memory while volunteering with us?
Seeing updates from families of our adopted cats! I especially love to hear updates about undersocialized ones. Being able to witness their transformation within the rescue and watch them settle in with their new families has brought me a lot of joy.
4. Why should others consider volunteering with us?
There are so many other needs than just fostering, and Ten Lives would love to help to find you the perfect role! I myself started by just volunteering one day a week to help with the adoptable cats at PetSmart, but there really is something for everyone and their level of commitment.
5. What do you love to do when you aren’t volunteering?
I love spending time with my husband, whether adventuring around the world or at Disney. When we’re home, we enjoy going for “after dinner dog walks” around the neighborhood (sometimes with Judy joins us in her cat stroller, too).
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!