Meet Vyrna!

Not only has she contributed over 3,419 hours over the past six years, Vyrna has made and contributed over 1,300 cat cozy blankets to RASKC. She volunteers as a cat meet-and-greet volunteer, as a foster volunteer, and she works special adoption events. Ever ready to fill-in on a moment’s notice, Vyrna is extraordinarily helpful. She also helps with the filming of our cats for Comcast “Pets on Demand.”  Vyrna is originally from Canada, with her home now in Kent. And she’s one of our most vivacious volunteers. Read our Q&A with her below:

Q: How did you hear about RASKC?

A: Back in 2010 I went to Kent Cornucopia Days. I met Sarah Luthens, who had just started the week before as RASKC’s Volunteer Program Manager. I told her my story that I had tried for two or three years to volunteer for KCACC, but no one had gotten back to me. Finally it worked!

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

A: Because I am a “crazy cat lady.” I have loved and been around animals all of my life, especially cats.

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

A: Making cat beds at my home for RASKC! So far I have made 1,300 and have had the help of many volunteers who donate the fleece. I love to go to the gym, travel, and to cook.

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

A: Getting our animals into forever homes. I enjoy the interaction with the people and the cats.

Q: What is your life motto?

A: All people and animals are important.

Q: What’s the best thing about your cats?

A: Companionship. All people should have an animal to love and be loved by.

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

A: Each one is different. I have four:

• Sabra: She loves to sit on my lap at night.
• Tegan: I adopted him from RASKC. He’s my love bug. He likes to cuddle with mama at night.
• Valerie: She was one of RASKC’s last three “trailer “cats. The shelter had rescued 72 cats and one dog from someone living in a filthy camper trailer on a hospital parking lot in Auburn a few years ago. Valerie won’t leave me alone.
• Chris: He was a Christmas “foster failure,” who decided his stay at my home would not be temporary. He really likes our home.

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

A: Keep them indoors and do not declaw them. Get your cats scratching posts and toys, so they don’t scratch your furniture.

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

A: So many! Many years ago I had Brandy, who is no longer with me. Whenever I was upset, she was right there. She’d come, cuddle, and purr. She was quite a cat. I remember a lady who adopted two kittens last year. She sent me photos afterwards. I still have them in my photo album. I’d love to keep all of my foster babies, but you can’t. I know they’re going to good homes. Last month, for example, my foster baby went home with a retired veterinarian and his wife. The vet is the former head of the veterinarians’ professional association.