What could be better than being owned by a cat!  That’s been my feeling since I was 12 years old and was gifted a splendid Blue Point Siamese kitten.   After caring for the kitten’s mom and siblings while my brother and his wife looked for a home in a new city, they granted my wish and Kitty Blue became my first cat.  Throughout the years she was followed by 21 more fabulous felines.  The latest is Leila, who I recently adopted from Furry Friends.

Before moving to Washington, I lived in a remote area of Monterey County, CA, and became the valley’s “cat lady”.  Whenever someone found an abandoned cat, it would somehow make it to my doorstep.  I’d make sure it was fed, watered and neutered, and when possible, find it a home.  Most were ferals and happy to live the wild life, but some turned into wonderful house pets.  I had dreams of opening a cat boarding business, but life would instead bring me to Washington. 

After moving to Vancouver, I began my career in Non-Emergency Transportation (NEMT).  For 25 years I operated NEMT brokerages in Oregon and Washington at both public transit and private non-profit agencies.  I served on numerous community transportation boards, including the Taxi Boards of Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA, and the Citizens Advisory Committee for C-Tran.  I’m also a graduate of Leadership Clark County.  Prior to working in NEMT I worked as a Data Analyst and Human Factors Specialist in the field of test and evaluation of advanced military weapons, equipment and communication systems.  

In addition to my love of all things feline, I’m also an avid lover of hats.  I have a collection of over 50 large-brimmed hats for all occasions, each in its own hat box.  I wear them to church on Sundays, where I’m known as the “hat lady”, and to High Tea, another favorite pastime.  I also play in a bell ensemble and serve as the chair of our church’s Pastoral Care Committee.

 I’m very fortunate to serve as Furry Friends’ Lead Volunteer Cat Socializer.  You can usually find me at the Halfway House on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

I’m currently “owned” by three furry friends:

Milo – 8 years old, adopted from the Humane Society of SW WA
Sophie – 16 years old, adopted from Furry Friends
Leila – 2 years old, adopted from Furry Friends