Approximately 1300 dogs and cats are cared for by the GTHS each year; with a maximum of 100 cats onsite at the shelter at any given time, with many more being temporarily looked after in our foster volunteers’ homes.
All adoptable cats are microchipped, spayed/neutered, treated for parasites (fleas and worms), and come with up-to-date vaccinations. Before they’re ready for adoption, however, they spend time at the shelter being cared for by our team of Cat Care Technicians.
Judy is one such amazing volunteer; coming in multiple times a week to ensure these cats receive the TLC they need, so they can subsequently be transitioned into one of our adoption rooms to find their fur-ever homes.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEERING WITH THE GTHS?
I started volunteering in 2013. The first thing I looked for after moving to this area was an animal shelter, as I had previously worked in one.
WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
It gives you purpose and if you’re have a lousy day, just hug a cat!
WHAT PETS DO YOU SHARE YOUR LIFE WITH?
Sierra is a failed foster, then I adopted Miracle (who I unfortunately lost to FIP), then I adopted Simba – who is Sierra’s buddy.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHEN DID YOU MOVE TO THE AREA?
I was born and raised in London, Ontario, and moved to Toronto in 1971 to work at Mount Sinai Hospital. After working in the city (all driving) I felt I had to get out; then I met someone who was moving here and I’d been to camp in this area as a kid… so the rest is history.
WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?
I’d love to be a musical prodigy : to pick up any instrument and play by ear.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF THE BEST DAY EVER?
My best day ever would be spent with my kids and, secondly, that all the cats at the shelter are healthy and happy.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PASTIME (HOBBY)?
Gardening, painting and reading.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PHOBIAS OR FEARS?
My mind is sharp but my body won’t keep up.
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE?
I would have dinner with Donald Trump and tell him that he desperately needs HELP! I would take some Tuesday volunteers with me (Gay, Marjorie and Linda), as we have great discussions about President Trump and the air is blue!!
Thank you Judy, for all you do for the GTHS!
To volunteer at the GTHS, like Judy, click here for details: https://www.gths.ca/volunteer/
June is ‘Adopt a Shelter Cat’ month, so if you’re thinking to give a cat a second chance in life (like Judy has) please visit our adoptions page for details of our adoptable animals, adoption fees and other useful information or drop by the shelter any day between 12pm – 4pm!
