Meet Leisa! Leisa Murray is one of RASKC’s longest-serving volunteers on a regularly scheduled weekly shift. She began as a foster volunteer in 2005. A couple of years later she began working shifts at the shelter before there was a Cat Adoptions Building on the RASKC/ KCACC campus. Leisa serves as the Lead Volunteer for the Early Morning Cat Crew, having trained hundreds of new volunteers. She has cared for innumerable RASKC cats, rabbits, and a variety of other small critters (Thank you, Leisa!). Leisa is also among the legion of RASKC volunteers who enjoy quilting.

Q: How did you hear about RASKC?

A: I heard about RASKC from my dental hygienist in about 2005. I had just lost my fur baby of 16 years, and she told me about fostering kittens.

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

A: I absolutely love all animals, but I do have a special place for cats/kittens in my heart. (They remind me of me, lol.)

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

A: When I am not volunteering I am working, taking care of my senior mom, my fur babies, and crafting.

Q: What have you gained and hope to gain from your experience as a RASKC volunteer?

A: Volunteering is one of my give backs, it is something that I can do and that I do love doing. What is better than sharing the love? I really do not look at it as gaining anything.

Q: What is your life motto?

A: I do not know that I have a life motto, but I know that sometimes it is all you can do to take one minute at a time.

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

A: Best thing about my cats is that they know they are loved, and they share that back with me so I know that I am loved.

Q: How would you describe your cats’ personalities?

A: Littlebit is the prima-donna in the family. She is boss and makes sure you know it. Missy just wants to make sure you know she is there for you to pet, and she takes every opportunity to remind you. Samore is squishy, gooey-ness. If he wants attention, he is in your lap, no if’s or but’s about it.

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

A: They need to be a part of the family. Your return on the time investment, will pay off in ways you will never expect.

Q: Describe some memorable moments you’ve had with animals.

A: One of my favorite stories is about Littlebit. She fetches, way better than any dog. I will be sitting on the couch watching TV, and she will hit me. I look at her and discover that this cat has wants to play fetch, and there are toys all over the rug by my feet that she has been bringing me. Obviously I didn’t notice, so now she was making sure she had my attention. It truly is pretty funny.

Another story is about fostering kittens. The most kittens I fostered at one time was 13. It was so amazing, I would come home, lay in the middle of my rec-room and go. Babies where are my babies? And they would all come zooming out of all corners of the room to pile on me! The love was amazing.

Q: What else would you like to say about volunteering for RASKC?

A: Being a volunteer is one of the best things you can do, you get to help with so many animals that need it. It is so rewarding and lots of fun. Each area available to volunteer in has its own special rewards.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? We’d love to have you! Find out more at kingcounty.gov/RASKCVolunteer