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About Veronica From Monterey County
My name is Veronica and I am from Corral de Tierra, California.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
While I was living in Sacramento, I came across the PPCR website in 2009 and adopted a five-year-old ragdoll mix, Xena. (Thank you, Wendy!) My little warrior princess. I saw what amazing work this organization did and I wanted to be a part of it. I began volunteering in 2010. I was in pharmaceutical sales then, and my job consisted of a lot of driving. I started picking up supplies/carriers and cats, transporting them to their new foster homes. Then, I jumped into actually fostering. And that was the most satisfying and rewarding experience I’ve had with volunteering.
And yes, that’s when I became a “foster failure” (as we like to call at the rescue). There was an ad on Craigslist for a four-year-old ragdoll. He was located in Carmichael, and I just happened to be working in the area. I called the number, asked a few questions, and found out that the cat was front-paw declawed and was currently “hanging out” outside. I immediately told them that I would come by to see him. (Mind you, I was wearing a black business suit.) I did not know the cat’s temperament, but I went anyway. As I pulled into the apartment complex, I saw many cats, and right by the stairs, I saw a mitted chocolate point ragdoll sitting under the first step. I knocked on the door and the owner proceeded to get him. Immediately, I knew that he was a sweet kitty, and right away, I said I will take him. I had no carrier, but I did have an empty box with no lid in my car, and off I went. I named him Diego. By the time I got home, I was covered in white fur because he insisted on sitting on my lap during the half-hour ride home. He was the love of my life! He was there for my breast cancer journey and never left my bedside during my chemo days. Unfortunately, he developed major health issues with his heart and kidneys, and I gave him the ultimate gift of letting him go on Christmas Eve, 2019. I am tearing up as I write this, even though it’s been many years. Another heartbreak occurred two years later when my Xena passed. My warrior princess would comfort me from afar.
After a whole year of grieving, I knew it was time to get another kitty. One of our fosters had a blue point ragdoll. I made an appointment to visit him. His name was Indigo. He seemed a little shy at first, but I knew he was the one. So off I went, with Indigo in tow, but this time in a carrier (thank you, Harriet!) To this day, I always keep a carrier in my car. You never know, right?
I currently have two fur babies, Indigo and Aspen. Aspen was caught by a local trapper in Salinas. He was semi-friendly because he had a feeder. I took him in because all-white cats are more prone to skin cancer, and he became part of our family. In addition to volunteering at the cat rescue, I really enjoy hiking, reading, dancing, playing board games, and cooking.
What role do you fill at PPCR?
I am currently the transport chairman, overseeing the transport team. I coordinate transportation when a kitty needs to be picked up from a home/shelter and taken to their new foster home.
In Monterey County, I’m involved in other organizations with spay and neuter clinics. I do trap-neuter-return (TNR) and help with transportation locally, too.
What’s something new you’ve learned from volunteering with PPCR?
I am honored to be part of the Purebreds Plus Cat Rescue family. Every person plays an important role, big or small. That’s what I’ve learned with PPCR. You can be part of an equation. We have so many people working behind-the-scenes who do amazing things. The kitties are our main priority here! We are all volunteers; no one is being paid. After volunteering for so many years, I hear people complain about having too many unwanted cats in their communities, but instead of complaining, this group does something about it. This is one of the reasons why I love this group.
Our theme is Compassion in Action. What does this theme mean to you?
“Compassion in action” is what we are all about. To me, this theme means becoming part of the solution.
What would you say to others who are interested in volunteering but have not done it yet?
If you love animals and have ever said to yourself, “What can I do to help?”, there are always ways to get involved. If you’re just curious, call or email us. Spread the word. If you have friends who are animal lovers too, start a new adventure with them. We always need people to foster and transport cats, especially in the Bay Area. If that’s too much of a commitment, monetary donations are always welcome. We help out kitties in need. Are you ready to join this amazing group?