Jill Markos Hatfield Volunteer Spotlight

“I decided to volunteer as a foster for Furry Friends after losing my precious cat to illness in 2023,” says Jill. “She was a stray, and it took me years to gain her trust. Everyone asked me why I even bothered. Truthfully, I had no answer other than it brought me untold joy!

“I’ve also known Jaimie Garver, the president of Furry Friends, for years. And the fact that Furry Friends is a no-kill organization matters a great deal to me. 

“I’m a retired dentist, and I’ve always been driven by the need to help my community. Animals have always played a large role in my own life. Everyone has been so kind at Furry Friends, and I never know what my next foster will bring into my home. I relish offering them a safe place to recover and rejuvenate themselves after having been rescued from traumatic situations. And it’s both rewarding and fun to see them placed in their loving forever homes.

“My husband and I enjoy and take full advantage of  the outdoors, including going on daily walks, kayaking and camping. Sadly, however, we recently lost our cherished dog who was a ‘feral cat whisperer.’ Even the most hardened foster kitty couldn’t help but fall in love with him. I don’t think either of us is ready yet to get another one. 

“We’ve spent the past four months on the east coast visiting both of our daughters and escaping all of the northwest’s rain. Once we return home, I look forward to my next foster adventure with eager anticipation!”

___________________________________________________________

Furry Friends Volunteer Spotlights are compiled and written by Nomi Berger who is the bestselling author of seven novels, one work of non-fiction, two volumes of poetry, and hundreds of articles. She is a volunteer writer for Furry Friends in Vancouver, WA and also volunteers her writing skills to animal rescue groups in Canada and the USA.