Elizabeth Ann Rose Cottrell Volunteer Spotlight

Simply called Libby, I began volunteering with Furry Friends after finishing high school five years ago. I work from three to four hours at the Halfway House on the Monday PM shift.

 I became involved because I was looking for something constructive to do, and since I love cats, it was a perfect fit. Besides my assigned work, I’m also the go-to person for administering medications and handling the “feistier” cats that others are less comfortable being around. This is what I enjoy most: interacting with them because I understand them.

I’m very proud of my ability to read cats and handle stressful situations with them. I can read the subtlest cues a cat gives before he or she becomes overwhelmed, and I’m able to both handle aggression calmly and correct the situation efficiently.

 The reason I give back is because I believe strongly that all cats deserve to be loved and taken care of no matter their past or attitude. And I only wish more people understood that.

 I feel very passionate about a variety of issues such as equality, abolishing discrimination, LGBTQ rights, mental health, and neurodivergent recognition.

At home, we have a wonderful assortment of animals! We have five inside cats, one outside cat, two dogs, two fish tanks, one snake, and a foster kitty.
 In my free time, I enjoy doing art -- mostly visual, such as digital art and graphite drawings. One of my paintings can be found in the Halfway House! I created the winged cat to honor all of those who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. 

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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.