Running a community cat Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program is a big task. Add to that an education center and a thriving adoption facility, as well as taking in feral cats three nights a week, and it’s really taxing to the leader of the group. I’m Carol Manos -, that overwhelmed leader. I founded Carol’s Ferals in February 2006.

Last summer I was helping Raychelle Noel TNR the cats in her trailer park. On this particular night, I was swamped with clients all needing personal attention, when I heard what sounded like a tape recording of my voice. It was Raychelle on the others side of the waiting area talking TNR like a pro. At first I wondered, “Did I clone myself?” No. I was just blessed with what would be the most committed, amazing and take-charge volunteer that anyone in “rescue” could ever hope for.

Raychelle began volunteering every evening. She started taking on more and responsibilities, and then began revolutionizing different aspects of the rescue program.

Within a year, Raychelle had not only taken over cat adoptions, TNR, and feral / stray cat intake, she also revamped our social media program. Her attention to the “small things” has paid off BIG!

Working with our vet tech, Kendra, Raychelle utilized her own biology degree to improve the ways we help the cats in our care. Not afraid of getting her hands “dirty”, my Mini-Me does everything from track medical records to running fecal tests.

Thanks to Raychelle’s social media prowess, Carol’s Ferals has assembled a strong base of loyal Facebook followers.

Through Raychelle’s efforts, the Facebook page always has fresh postings about special cats in need. Her Facebook contacts have allowed Carol’s Ferals to win two contests. One winning garnered us with $1,000 toward operating expenses through the Animal Rescue Site in partnership with Petfinder.com, and the other provided a $1,000 Catification Room Makeover by Vertical Cat.

Since Raychelle is always “ON”, she is well aware of our needs and has gone above and beyond to get equipment from a Petco grant to outfit a new adoptable cat quarantine and rehab room.

In addition to raising funds, Raychelle’s savvy negotiating skills secured an amazing cat climbing structure from Cat Mountain.

From the day I heard her across the room talking “my talk” to this very day, Raychelle has been an invaluable part of our team. She’s my “Mini-Me”. And much to my pleasure, when a volunteer notices I’m busy with a client or another situation, they turn around and say “I’ll just ask Raychelle”.

I have very nearly been cloned. And the cats served by the programs of Carol’s Ferals are so much the better for it.

I really appreciate AdoptAShelter.com for allowing me this opportunity to thank Raychelle Noel.