In this episode of the podcast I chatted to Karen from Oregon.
Karen is an independent cat rescuer who works hard in the field of TNR in her local community. It was not always like this as she once belonged to a rescue and volunteered there. From there she set up a non profit organisation with a few friends but it turns out that not everyone who is involved in rescue is in it for the right reasons.
She soon discovered that she was the victim of bullying and when she tried to speak out for the cats she was caring for in a hoarding situation, no one stood with her and in the end she had to hold her head high and walk away.
Without the limitations of working with an organisation where there are many conflicting rules, jealousy, envy and bitterness she was able to step out of her comfort zone and spread her wings. She has trapped many cats and sterilised them. She has also been able to network with others to secure fosters or adoptions.
This episode demonstrates how it is possible for just one person to make a difference but also sets out to say that bullying is not ok, it is not acceptable and if people in rescue are working for the animals they strive to serve then this needs to be stopped to ensure they are being cared for correctly and for the right reasons.
Karen opened up her heart about what was a sensitive and hurtful subject matter but in a way that made her seem so inspiring to me and with an inner fight for what is right. She is what is good in this world and any animals who cross her path are surely lucky. She has a good heart and uses it in the best way possible.
She also tells us about her struggles in TNR and how she works, how and where she houses many of the cats she saves and about a recent case of panleukopenia in her fosters. It was very distressing but her story could save another.
Thank you Karen for sharing your story!
Thanks for listening
Fiona X