Our "Best Friend" Honored Volunteer: Cathy Berry
"Our Best Friends" is a monthly installment to honor just a few of our outstanding Best Friends LA volunteers. This is your chance to get to know some of the shining stars in the Best Friends LA volunteer program! Volunteers are either nominated by Best Friends LA staff or other volunteers in our program. If you would like to volunteer, email the Best Friends LA Volunteer Department at volunteerla@bestfriends.org.
Cathy Berry - Honored May 2019
What BFLA programs/events/volunteer roles do you find yourself participating in?
I am a blue paw cat volunteer and cat volunteer mentor. I love getting to know all of our cats but spend most of my time working with the behavior kids. I also volunteer in the kitten nursery regularly, do cat showcasing/caregiving at Super Adoption and help in other cat areas or events when needed.
Why do you choose to volunteer with Best Friends LA?
At BF I have the honor of working with cats that need extra help. The ones who are scared, shut down, sad or just mad at the world have a special place in my heart.
And I get to feed soft, cute, silly, stinky kittens!
How long have you been a BFLA volunteer?
Since August 2013.
What do you do when you're not volunteering (career/extracurricular activities)?
I am the business manager for a private company. I love finding new places to visit locally, spending time with good people, crossword puzzles, distance walks/hikes, anything true crime and binge watching Columbo.
Do you have a favorite story to share about an experience volunteering with Best Friends LA? Share it!
I don’t have just one. Any time I hear a shutdown cat purr or have a scared cat sit on my lap it is my favorite experience. Although there are cats who are extra special to me, seeing any of our kids get an amazing home is the best.
There was that time I body blocked the car of a woman who stole a cat from The Ritz. We got the cat back!
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
I have two 8 year old cats, Bodhi and Oscar. Both are rescues of course.
What others are saying about Cathy:
"Cathy doesn't ask for or want recognition, but she certainly deserves it. Cathy is ready to jump in wherever we need her: Behavior, showcasing cats, nursery, or just being supportive and helpful to staff and other volunteers. We love and appreciate her so much!" - Samantha Bell (Cat Enrichment Lead)