Volunteer of the Month: Alyssa

Meet Alyssa

A Microsoft software engineer by day, Alyssa has volunteered with SAFe Rescue since fall 2021. She started on Clean Team, then moved on to Cat Care, and even makes blankets for the kitties from time to time.

When she’s not coding for work or taking care of cats at SAFe, Alyssa attends gaming conventions and goes for evening strolls with her partner, whom she’s marrying at the end of the month! Thankfully, Alyssa found time in her busy schedule to talk to us about her adventures in Cat Care.

Why She Volunteers

Alyssa had wanted to volunteer with cats for some time, but had difficulty finding shifts at cat shelters that were compatible with her work schedule. Fortunately for us, SAFe had an opening at a time she was available.

Alyssa admits that her biggest challenge is “probably not adopting all of the cats.” She did adopt one from us, though – an adorable flame-point named Melon, who was featured in our 2024 calendar.

“Each and every cat I meet during my shifts is precious to me,” Alyssa says. “I immediately love them when I meet them.”

Sometimes covering Cat Care also means being a playground for kittens.

According to Alyssa, the absolute best feeling comes from not just meeting the kitties, but being able to provide them with care during a critical point in their lives. 

“Whether they are little babies or adults, it’s always a little hard to see them not have a forever family,” she says. “If I can provide some comfort and consistency during their transitional time, I feel like I can make a difference for them.”

“I especially enjoy seeing cats grow and heal over their time in SAFe’s care,” she adds.

Favorite Memory

One of the cases Alyssa observed over her volunteer shifts is extra dear to her. Lola arrived at SAFe Rescue timid and in pain, struggling with dental problems likely related to FIV. She was a gentle soul, but hesitant to open up to people. 

“Every time I interacted with her she just seemed like the sweetest little thing—she absolutely loved pets,” says Alyssa.

Luckily, SAFe was able to set Lola up in foster care for extra TLC, and even secured funding for a necessary dental surgery. With these resources in place, Lola was able to come out of her shell. But she was still looking for a family – and that’s where Alyssa stepped in.

“I was able to connect Lola with her adopter, a good friend of mine,” she says. “I still receive frequent Lola updates and she’s just so happy and sweet and living her best life! I have so enjoyed watching her journey, all thanks to SAFe.”

Thank you, Alyssa, for your hard work and compassion as a volunteer. Your dedication makes a noticeable impact on our feline friends, and we are so grateful the cats can count on you!

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