Rising Stars: Meet Janie Duca of Muskegon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janie Duca

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been a cat lover my whole life. I have had a cats since I was 5 years old. About 20 years ago i had a stray in my neighborhood and called around to see if amy rescue could take it in. I finally got ahold of someone at Faithful to Felines and they said yes. The night I took the cat to the shelter was over whelming for me, this place had lots of cats running around. So I asked do you guys need help and they said yes. Well that started it all and I haven’t stopped helping. I started out helping two days a week which then lead to helping with getting the cats spayed and neutered and numerous other things. I learned how to draw blood, give shots and everything else. Eventually I worked along with the veterinarians and learned so much from them on how to take care of sick cats and what meds to give cats that are sick, have diarrhea and numerous things, I am also certified to euthanize cats and other animals. I really love working with the doctors and taking care of the adult cats. I have run the kitten foster program for several years and have fostered hundreds of kittens. I now basically over see the whole shelter. It has been challenging, heart breaking, fun and I have met so many nice people and like me love cats. I’m now finally backing away from duties because in a few years I will be letting go of the reins and turning it over to someone else.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a challenge, not only are you taking care of cats, you are also dealing with the public, who get very angry at times when you won’t take their cats or kittens and threaten to do things to the animals. People just don’t understand how important it is to spay and neutered animals and that they have to help with the situation, shelters can’t do everything.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My job at our shelter Faithful to Felines, is all volunteered. I have never gotten paid , but I just love cats and love helping them. Some cats come in and they are in very bad shape and it’s so rewarding when they get better and then get adopted.

I’m a person that goes goes goes and doesn’t stop till things are done, our shelter has come along ways and I have contributed alot.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.faithful2felines.com/
• Facebook: Faithful to Felines
• Other: [email protected]