Time to Reflect and Appreciate Lesley Eby!
Lesley is a dedicated volunteer who spends much of her free time with so many different roles with TCR-WR: from fostering cats in need not to mention being an incredible adoption counselor to assistant store coordinator to store volunteer float to a driver! She does it all! With a spare bedroom converted into a cozy sanctuary, she takes in abandoned, stray, or surrendered cats, providing them with safety, medical care, and affection.
Many of the cats arrive timid or unwell, but under Lesley’s care, they begin to heal and trust again. She works closely to ensure each cat is vaccinated, spayed or neutered and socialized before they're ready for adoption.
Beyond fostering, Lesley plays a key role in finding permanent homes for the cats within TCR-WR. She is incredible in her role as an adoption counselor, attends adoption events, and screens potential adopters to ensure a good match. Her commitment doesn’t end when a cat leaves her care—she often checks in with adoptive families and adores all the positive updates she receives. For Lesley, it’s not just about rescuing cats; it’s about giving them a second chance at a life filled with love.
Lesley’s journey into TCR-WR began after she came into PetSmart Kitchener and fell in love with a kitten in the store. That experience opened her eyes to see the opportunity to care for the cats and kittens in need and the shortage of safe, temporary homes. From covering in store shifts to ensure the cats in the store are cared for, to assisting in the workflow of the Kitchener location to driving sick cats/kittens to the vet to being on the phone several times a day with potential adopters. She is always busy finding the perfect match for each and every feline. Her home is always stocked with essentials—litter boxes, toys, food, and soft bedding—and her heart is always open to the next cat in need, whether it’s a shy feral kitten or a senior cat abandoned due to a move.
One of the most rewarding parts of Lesley’s work is witnessing the transformation of the animals in her care. Cats that once cowered in corners gradually become curious, affectionate companions. Lesley believes that every cat deserves not just a home, but the right home, so she takes time to match them with families that understand their needs. Her passion and persistence have helped dozens and dozens and dozens of cats find loving, lifelong homes—and she remains committed to continuing, one rescue at a time. She has only been with us since May 2024 and we just cannot imagine TCR-WR without her! She has 52 fosters and 180+ adoptions! That is incredible! The number of felines that now have forever homes thanks to Lesley is no small feat! Thank you so much for being part of our team, Lesley!