“ I didn’t realize that I was going to need Cat Town as much as they needed me.”
I am writing to share some big news with you — after almost 10 years with Cat Town, first as a volunteer, then as the Foster Program Manager and Deputy Director, I am retiring! I have been working closely with our team on a transition plan for several months, so my final day will be December 31st. I will continue to support the foster team part-time for the month of January in order to facilitate a smooth transition for the Foster Program Coordinator, as well as the Deputy Director.
I started volunteering at Oakland Animal Services (OAS) in 2011. Shortly after, I met Ann there and heard about the inspiring work she was doing for the hard-to-place cats at the shelter. I was in awe of the work and immediately jumped in to volunteer. It was when Ann and Adam started planning for Cat Town’s Adoption Center in 2014 that I took over the Foster Program for Ann. I have been incredibly grateful for everything I’ve learned from her, from the rest of Cat Town’s staff, and especially from the fosters and volunteers… I am also incredibly proud of the work this team has accomplished.
Little did I know that a volunteer job working with cats would turn into a full-time position with an organization I feel so very passionate about. I have said this before and I’ll say it again — I have the best job at Cat Town!! To see the cats from ground zero, follow their progress either in a foster home or at our Adoption Center, and then see them move on and get adopted — it never gets old. All of these cats are so special in their own ways and following their journeys to the end has been the ultimate gift.
As much as I love my job and the work I’ve done at Cat Town, I have put a lot of thought into my decision to retire, and I want you all to know that I haven’t made this decision lightly.
It is a comfort to me to know this organization that I love so much will be in such good hands. As you know, Kristin Jacques has been my assistant since April of this year. She is compassionate, hard-working, and focused on continuing to grow the foster program — which is really the foundation for Cat Town’s mission. I am confident that she will continue to be an extremely valuable asset by taking the lead in managing the foster program, and making this transition seamless.
Because I value the work at Oakland Animal Services, I will continue my volunteer position with them — the need is so great, and I absolutely love it! I hope to continue to have an impact on Oakland’s animals, but it will just be from ground zero beginning in 2022. I will continue to support and comfort the cats who are waiting at the shelter while helping figure out what their paths may be.
The past decade has been a time of growth, strength, and gratitude. I didn’t realize that I was going to need Cat Town as much as they needed me. It has been a mutually beneficial relationship — I have gotten as much as I have given. Also, I could not look back on this time so fondly were it not for you — because although sometimes cats can be unpredictable, Cat Town’s fosters and the rest of our community have been constant, determined supporters. After 10 years and helping more than 1,800 cats through our foster program, I know you will join me in supporting Cat Town to ensure the most vulnerable shelter cats have a path out of a cage and into a great home.
With appreciation and gratitude,
Dawn