SPCA Stories

Spring has sprung—and here at SPCA Monterey County, that means one thing: puppy and kitten season is here! Every year, as more young animals come into our care, the need for foster families grows in a big way.

In honor of this busy and lifesaving time, we’re re-sharing a special episode all about our foster program. You’ll hear from Abigail Shaw, our Lead Foster and Transfer Coordinator, and Destinee Lopez, Foster and Transfer Coordinator, as they share what fostering really looks like—and the incredible difference it makes for animals who need a little extra care before finding their forever homes.

In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations—highlighting the heart, dedication, and impact of our incredible volunteers.

Today, we’re re-sharing our episode featuring Chris Patton, a volunteer with our Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Chris is one of the many compassionate individuals who give their time and energy to care for wild animals in need, helping them heal and return to the wild where they belong.

As you listen, we hope you’ll be inspired by Chris’s story—and by the powerful difference volunteers make every single day.

For more information on volunteering for SPCA Monterey County and to support our lifesaving programs please visit www.spcamc.org!

This week, we’re celebrating something truly special—National Volunteer Week—and the incredible people who give their time, their hearts, and their compassion to the animals in our care.

Volunteers are the quiet heroes behind so many of our success stories. They show up day after day to walk dogs, comfort shy cats, work with barn animals and wildlife, assist behind the scenes, and help create brighter futures for animals who need it most.

To learn more about becoming an SPCA Monterey County Volunteer or to support all of our programs and services visit www.spcamc.org!

This week’s episode of SPCA Stories is a little different. We’re trying out a new storytelling format—bringing you closer to the moment, the emotion, and the journey of one very special dog.

Instead of our usual interview, this episode unfolds more like a story—one that lets you experience each step along the way, from rescue to recovery to a happy ending.

This is a story about compassion, resilience, and how one act of kindness can ripple into a forever home and a happy ending.

This… is Enoch’s story.

For more information and support all of SPCA Monterey County's programs and services please visit www.spcamc.org

Background music:

"Lamentation" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) 

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Touching Moments Three - Deeper" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Pepper's Theme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

When disaster strikes, people often have just minutes to make life-changing decisions—what to grab, where to go, and how to keep their families safe. For many of us, our animals are family. But what happens when pets, livestock, and wildlife are caught in the middle of an emergency?

Here in Monterey County, there’s a team trained and ready to help.

From evacuations and large animal rescues to sheltering and reunification, the SPCA Monterey County Disaster Response Team works alongside emergency responders to protect animals when they need it most. 

Joining us is Rosanna Isely, our Vice President of Operations, who leads these lifesaving efforts and ensures our teams are always ready to respond.

For more information and to support SPCA Monterey County's programs and services visit https://www.spcamc.org/

Meet Kennedy Rivera, one of our amazing Community Educators here at SPCA Monterey County!  Kennedy is fun, smart, and incredibly creative, and she brings so much heart to the work she does with animals and the people who love them. She’s passionate about helping our community learn how to care for animals and build compassionate connections with them.

Kennedy also runs one of our most popular programs —SPCA Summer Animal Camp! With registrations now officially open, she’s here to talk about what makes camp so special, what kids can expect, and why it’s such a fun and meaningful experience for young animal lovers.

Meet Lisa Borne, SPCA Monterey County Controller!  Brilliant with numbers and strategic to her core, Lisa keeps our financial world running smoothly.  Lisa is fun to talk to, and she brings a genuine passion for animals to everything she does for us at the SPCA and beyond.

Meet Ciera Duits-Cavanaugh, SPCA Wildlife Center Manager.  Ciera leads the day-to-day operations of our Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, where compassion, expertise, and dedication come together every single day. Under her care and leadership, our team rescues and treats more than 2,500 wild animals each year, giving them the opportunity to heal and return to the wild where they belong.

For more information on all of our programs visit www.SPCAmc.org!

Meet Les Lamcke, SPCA Facilities Manager!  Every door, kennel, and system reflects Les’ dedication to SPCA Monterey County - he knows our facilities inside and out.  His dedication and passion helps the animals in our care to thrive.  For more information about SPCA Monterey County visit www.spcamc.org!

Meet SPCA Dr. Jen Wernsing, one of SPCA Monterey County's exceptional veterinary staff members!  For more information on SPCA Monterey County, visit www.spcamc.org.  

Season 1 of SPCA Stories is coming to a close with this episode. We will take a bit of a hiatus, with Season 2 commencing in January!  We will continue with the interview-style format  - we still have many wonderful SPCA folks to introduce to you!  We will also be exploring an additional format that we think you all will enjoy, and this format will feature heartwarming stories of animals rescued by your SPCA Monterey County.  Thank you so much for your support!