Meet Amy!

Amy has donated over 10,000 hours during the past five years working on various projects — from the cat meet & greet to helping out with the new volunteer orientation program, and organizing RASKC’s Annual Springtime Foster Dinner Celebration. Aside from Amy’s genuine dedication, she is caring volunteer who is always willing to jump in and help wherever needed.

Q: How did you hear about RASKC?  

A: My Camp Fire co-leader used to volunteer for RASKC and encouraged me to volunteer.  I took a fostering class, met Lori, took home 2 kittens and was hooked!  That was several years and a couple hundred critters ago…..

Q: What made you want to volunteer, especially to work with animals?

A: I’ve always loved animals, I grew up with lots of cats and dogs, sometimes birds and hamsters, and I’ve always had a special soft spot for animals who are helpless and need a little extra TLC.

Q: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering at RASKC?  

A: I’ve been a Camp Fire leader for 28 years, so you can catch me hanging out with my awesome group of girls on most Tuesday nights.  I’ve also started tutoring at my church, which has been fun.  On the weekends I spend my time fishing, gardening and antiquing with my partner Rick, or having dinner with my son Evan when he’s available (always a treat).

Q: What do you hope to gain from your experience as a volunteer with RASKC?    

A: I believe God put me on this earth to make a difference, and I’ve been fortunate to be able to do that through RASKC.  I’ve fostered at least 200 cats (I’ve honestly lost count) and a couple of dogs, and it is SO rewarding when they find their forever homes!  I love hearing from the new adoptive families, and some still email me every year with photos and updates.  I’ve also made some fast and fabulous friends through my volunteer time with RASKC.

Q: What is your life motto?  

A: As I noted above, my life is about making a difference, leaving people and animals a bit happier as a result of interacting with them.

Q: What is your favorite park to take your dog for a walk?

A:  We love to go to Orcas Island, the dog park there is pretty basic, but my boys also love the ferry ride, and hanging out on the beach with me.

Q: What’s the best thing about your cat(s)?  

A: ha ha, how can you foster and NOT have adopted some of your favorites?  A couple of my cats were former fosters, before I adopted them. They are cuddly, sweet, and sometimes a bit sassy.  Some have chronic URI and/or came from some nasty home situations, so its awesome to know I can shower them with love and a safe place to live, and they repay me with lots of love.

Q: How would you describe your cat’s personality/ cats’ personalities?

A: How much time do you have!?  :0)  Misty is my little black and white baby, she’s cuddly, sweet, always constantly congested but loves to be held, and has to sleep right on top of me.  Synzie is a gorgeous tabby with beautiful green eyes who can be extremely affectionate, loves to sleep under the covers, then turn on a dime with a hiss and become psycho cat!  He has no boundaries, so jumps on to the shoulders of EVERYONE who walks in the house, whether they like cats or not.

Q: What is the best advice you would give people who want pets?  

A: Ask lots of questions first, be sure you know what you are getting in to, make sure you’ve got the money for all the vet visits, take care of them, love them, and they will love you right back!  Always always always have them spayed/neutered and use flea control!

Q: Describe a memorable moment you’ve had with an animal?

A: Wow, so many memories of happy families who have adopted my foster babies, sometimes with life long medical issues, or sometimes those that had come from kitty hoarders.  I don’t fall in love with all of the cats I foster, but everyone now and then a really special cat comes along, and I cry when I have to give them up.  I love it when I hear from new adopters who tell me how much their new cat has made a difference in their lives.

The primary reason I foster is to make a difference in animals lives, but I have to say the primary reason I do all of my fostering through RASKC is the awesome folks that work there.  Lori rocks, she’s the reason I haven’t quit (and sometimes I wanted to, fostering can be very emotional and challenging) – she always makes me feel like I’m someone special, and is so patient!  Sarah is wonderfully positive and encouraging, the officers have always been so kind to me.  I’ve been able to bring my Camp Fire girls to various events for the shelter as well.  Its a wonderful place to volunteer and a wonderful place to adopt from!

Interested in volunteering? Visit us on our homepage to learn about the program and various opportunities available on site or at home! http://www.kingcounty.gov/RASKCvolunteer