Mary Schmeichel first found out about Last Hope when she was looking for a place to donate some cat toys. Then, in 2019, she adopted two cats from Last Hope. She knew at that time that when she retired she wanted to volunteer. In September of 2021, she started volunteering to take care of the cats at the Adoption Center.

Volunteering with the cats involves cleaning food and water dishes, giving food and water, cleaning litter boxes, cleaning habitats, administering medication when needed, and giving love and pets to the cats. Mary also volunteers at the Coralville PetSmart where we have some cats and she helps transport cats when needed.

Mary says, “It is so rewarding and I love being able to provide the cats with what they need in order to be healthy and comfortable and it is also great exercise!  After 30+ years at a desk job I also wanted to become more physically active, so it is a definite win-win!  I’ve also met some incredible and fun people with the same love for cats and other animals.” Mary enjoys the camaraderie she has with fellow “Kitty Crew” volunteers and is impressed that many of them are able to work full-time and volunteer in the evenings or on weekends.

We are lucky to have a volunteer like Mary! She’s dependable and dedicated to caring for and loving the cats of Last Hope. We can help more cats because of people like Mary.