Michelle and Cody’s volunteer experience in animal rescue started at Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue while they lived in Omaha. When they moved to Portland in 2019, they wanted to continue volunteering for an organization that shared similar values as Muddy Paws.
Their chance came when they fostered a cat that was eventually transferred to Animal Aid. After the transfer, they maintained the cat’s care and became fosters for Animal Aid.
“We are beyond grateful for the transition that Animal Aid helped us through with our very first foster,” Michelle said. “She wasn’t an easy kitty to manage medically, but Animal Aid offered to do a transfer. It was awesome to see Animal Aid at work, taking in a new cat that another rescue needed support with.
“Each rescue has their own strengths, and Animal Aid really showed their true colors in taking this challenging case. We were supported as fosters with additional products and supplies, and the kitty’s medical needs were addressed within the same week of the transfer.”
Michelle and Cody are currently fostering two cats for Animal Aid: brother and sister, Liam and Lyra. The couple loves hanging out with the bonded pair, along with spending time in the Oregon wilderness and being active in their community. Michelle is a competitive equestrian and trains at a barn in Newberg. Cody spends his free time rock climbing, hiking, or route setting for StoneWorks Climbing Gym.
Animal welfare and rescue work are important to Michelle and Cody because “it reminds us that we aren’t the only living beings on this earth,” Michelle said. “If we can take care of our fellow creatures, then we should! 2020 has been a tough year for so many people and this feels like something positive we can do to make our world a little brighter.
“Fostering has shown us how unique each animal really is,” Michelle continued. “We have had such a variety of personalities and needs with each of our kitty fosters during our time in rescue, and we are so grateful to have the support of the team at Animal Aid.”
Looking for a way to give back? Become an Animal Aid volunteer! Opportunities include working at the shelter (post-pandemic) or remotely. Learn more and apply to volunteer.