September 16, 2021 – Meet Maudy Gosnell! Maudy has been volunteering at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County for 29 years! She has had many roles at the shelter over the years, but her most recent is helping with cat adoptions and the shelter’s Community Clinic.
Q. What is your role at the shelter?
A. I started out helping with the Pets with a Purpose program, which was a program the shelter used to offer that took adoptable animals to nursing homes, hospitals, etc. Then, I got into bathing and grooming cats. Now, I’m helping out at the Community Clinic. I take the cats out of their kennels to get them ready to go home.
I’ve also become involved in cat adoptions and helping potential pet owners find their perfect cat. Of course, I also spend quality time with the cats and help socialize them.
Q. What made you want to volunteer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County?
A. My husband got me involved. My mother-in-law was in the nursing home and she got so excited when Pets with a Purpose came around. She loved having a kitten come visit her. That really made me want to get involved.
Back in the ’90s, the shelter was seen more as “the pound”. However, once I started volunteering and saw how nice the facility was and how well they cared for the animals, it changed my mind about what the shelter was all about. Over the years, I’ve seen how the shelter has changed people’s lives. I think the “pound” mentality in the community has changed. I’m happy to see how the shelter has grown with fostering, community services, and offering spays and neuters. I’ve enjoyed seeing it become a resource for the community.
Q. What’s your favorite part of volunteering here?
A. So many things, but a few that come to mind are bathing kittens and puppies. We’ve had some kittens and puppies come to the shelter in rough shape, covered in fleas and dirt. It’s nice to clean them up and make them feel better. I also really enjoy seeing people bring home their new best friend and family member. It’s very rewarding to help people.
Q. Why are you so passionate about the work we do?
A. The shelter is a safe place for animals and where the community knows they can take an animal to be cared for, whether they are given up or found. Sometimes people abandon their animals just anywhere, but why not bring them to the shelter where they can get a second chance? It’s also a safe place for lost animals. One story that comes to mind is a lady that came to us crying tears of joy because the shelter had her missing dog. She had been so worried that it was roaming the streets and she was happy to be reunited.
Q. Any special stories that you’d like to share?
A. After 29 years of volunteering and working with the public, I have found education to be very important in the world of animal care. It’s important to inform people about the value of adoption and how to care for their animals.
I’ve really enjoyed my time at the shelter, the time has just flown by. I’ve made friendships with other volunteers and staff. I even still stay in touch with retired staff. It’s been a great experience.
Interested in a career with the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County? Check out job opportunities here. Want to volunteer or foster? Learn more here!
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