Meet Denise! RASKC is very happy to honor Denise Kovecs. She is very hard working, extremely resilient in the face of phenomenal challenges, amazingly dedicated, and she brings a fantastic background to RASKC. Denise has served as Lead Volunteer of our Covington Petco Cat-Care Team since this team launched in 2013. She works weekly shifts – Cat Meet and Greet and cat-grooming- in Kent, in addition to her weekly shift at Petco. For many years, starting in 2012, Denise also volunteered on a weekly shift on RASKC’s Reber Ranch Cat-Care Team. She has also participated in several special events for RASKC. You can see how she has easily contributed over 1,300 hours. Thank you, Denise!

Q: How did you hear about RASKC?

A: I heard about the “Pound” shortly after my parents moved our family to Covington in 1973. Back then it really was different — I am so thrilled to see the amazing changes at RASKC!

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

A: I grew up having dogs, and all the miscellaneous “pets” I’d bring home- stray cats, dogs, mice, and even a horse once! Then, after working for 25+ years in accounting, I decided to quit my job and do what I loved — work with animals!! So I received my Veterinary Assistant Certification from PIMA in 2008, but then became disabled in 2010 from Multiple Sclerosis… Still, I wanted to be able to continue helping animals, and I was thrilled to be able to volunteer for RASKC!!!

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

A: When I’m not volunteering at either RASKC or South County Cats, I am also on the PTA at my nephew’s grade school. I spend a lot time helping out with him and my father. My husband and I live in Covington. We drag race a 1970 Dodge Challenger during the summer at Pacific Raceways. We share our home with Seven of Nine, our 11 year-old Tuxie kitty. I currently am looking for a friend for her – she lost her best friend, Data, in July.

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

A: I have gained/seen/learned so much volunteering at RASKC — true selflessness, compassion, patience, hard work, honor, friendship, etc. The volunteers and staff here are absolutely amazing! I feel lucky to be part of the wonderful things going on at RASKC.

Q: What is your life motto?

A: My life motto would have to be “Family is everything.”

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

A: We have our little grey/white Tuxedo, Seven of Nine! She’s 11 years old, and is spoiled rotten (as it should be!). Seven actually allows us to live in her home!!

Q: How would you describe your cats’ personalities?

A: Our little kitty, Seven, is quite a character! She knows how to get what she wants, when she wants it! Seven is lucky we love her so much – she is forgiven when she does something naughty.

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

A: The best advice about having pets? Give lots of love, patience, respect and understanding — you will get it back 100 fold! 💞🐱💞

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

A: I have had many memorable moments! Back when I first started, I remember accidentally letting a kitten out of her kennel… I was SO embarrassed! Everyone said it was okay and that it happens frequently. I still felt silly, running around with a net!! The kitten was fast, and it took myself and several ACO’s to finally catch her!! Everyone laughed and gave me a hard time about it 😊. And I still have kitties get out on occasion!

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

A: Volunteering at RASKC has been such an amazing experience… Seeing how hard everyone, volunteers and staff, work to make our animals happy, healthy and ready to go to their new homes, is awesome! Our animals are treated with respect and love 💙 I couldn’t ask for a better place to volunteer!

Are you interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you join our team! To find out more, please visit us at: kingcounty.gov/RASKCvolunteer