The group from Sun Valley
Volunteers continue to make it all possible!
The phenomenal people showing up to help these cats in temperatures soaring over 100 degrees, and with their fists full of as many dollars as they can collect and their cars packed with as many items as they can fit, are an inspiration!
Rhonda Swindell’s colleagues from the Phoenix area were as enthusiastic and dedicated as she was about coming to Pahrump. One of them, Denise DiPietro, took a moment from her volunteer chores to speak with me, albeit briefly, before getting back to the down and dirty.
“The cats are so thankful that Best Friends came in to make a difference,” Denise starts, as she motions towards some cats that look like they are surely enjoying all the extra attention this bustling Sunday is bringing. “And while I’m glad to be appreciated, it’s the cats that pull at my heart strings – they’re the best of the best! That’s why I’m here. But I’m really pissed off over what has happened to these cats. Where was the board? Why didn’t they stay on top of it?” her voice trailing off, trying to wrap her head around such an atrocity.
She’s referring to the allegations that are currently flying all over regarding who is responsible for the neglect of the 500+ cats languishing in the desert in Pahrump. This is still up to the courts to decide.
“I’m a board member at Sun Valley Animal Shelter and we wouldn’t let something like this take place. The level of neglect is not something that happens overnight!
“But the incredible number of donations and the outpouring is so touching. People want to make sure what they donate is going to help with the care of the animals, and with Best Friends you know the money is going right towards helping these cats.
“Every Best Friends staffer that I encounter has come up to me and said, ‘thank you, we appreciate all that you’re doing!’,” she says with a smile. “While I’m glad to be appreciated, I'm here for these cats! That’s why I’m here.”
Nancy Ritchie
(in the photo) is a veterinary technician from Sun Valley Animal Shelter, and she was also on-hand to lend support on this hot, sunny summer morning.
“Before driving up to Pahrump, Sun Valley made sure I collected as many towels and cat crates that we could spare,” explained Nancy. I asked her if her whole shelter got behind her coming out! She said ‘yes’ and then before I could ask even one more question she’s off to do what she’s come here to do and that’s to help these cats feel loved, cared-for and secure in ways they haven’t known in years.