Nancy Osgood, California
Raised Awareness About Animal Hoarding
In January 2008, over 400 animals were rescued from an animal hoarder in my community. It was one of the worst cases of abuse that rescuers had ever seen. While I was not a part of the rescue, I volunteered to help the local shelter care for the animals.
By May, all the farm animals and dogs had been adopted, but 19 cats still remained. A friend and I began holding cat adoptions every weekend at a local pet store. We also took full responsibility for the cats' care and well-being. It was not an easy project. It was incredibly time-consuming and frustrating. Several times we almost quit, but when I looked into the beseeching eyes of the abused babies, I knew I couldn't walk away.
By September, we had placed every one of the cats in loving homes. Even I adopted one! I know that we not only made a difference in the lives of those animals, but ours as well. It was way beyond anything I had ever taken on before, and one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. We not only helped the animals, but were able to spread awareness to the public about animal hoarders. And what a severe problem we have in Southern California where it is not yet against the law. Today, I continue to work with groups in spreading the word and fighting for hoarding laws.