Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christine Hubbard. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Christine, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
In April 2011, I wanted to do something for the greater good in honor of my birthday, so I decided to start volunteering at one of our local shelters. Little did I know how that decision would change me forever. From that day on, I have been actively working to improve the lives of feral cats.
My first step was founding LYFF later that year to give feral cats in shelters—who are typically relegated to euthanasia lists—a second chance at life as working barn cats. I’m proud to say that in more than a dozen years of operation, our barn cat program has saved and placed more than 3,000 working felines around San Diego County.
LYFF and I still have more we want to accomplish for our feral felines. One goal was to establish a TNR program started at that local shelter, which we helped establish. Another dream is that someday shelters would end the euthanasia of feral cats. We’ve helped make this true for one shelter, and we continue our efforts to make that change more widespread.
I’m proof that one person can make a difference, and LYFF is proof that collectively we can work together to accomplish incredible, amazing things—and save thousands of lives in the process.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Love Your Feral Felines (LYFF) is a non-profit rescue organization devoted to giving cats and kittens a second chance at life. Supporting San Diego County and surrounding areas, our organization focuses on saving the most at-risk felines from our local shelters’ euthanasia lists. The cats and kittens we save are deemed unadoptable due to age, health, behavior, and the shelter’s inability to meet their level of care. LYFF is volunteer-run, from the director and coordinator levels to event staff and transporters.
LYFF is unique. We have a variety of different programs. We have over 170 volunteers. Our cat adoption center is fully staffed by volunteers. We are open Saturday and Sunday from 12-5.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that I think make this work impactful are: Dedication- Rescue is 24/7. I save cats & kittens from when I wake up in the morning until I go to bed.
Selflessness- I always put the cats and kittens first no matter what. They depend on us to fight for them and to be their voice.
Responsibility- Being able to responsibly rescue. There are a lot of rescue out there that don’t know how to do this.
The best advice I have is to always do what’s best for the animals and to not take on more then you can handle. And ALWAYS SPAY & NEUTER or animals before adoption.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The person who has helped me the most is my VP, Melissa Dunaj. She has brought her years of experience working in a shelter environment. She has built our foster and adoption program and many other LYFF programs. Love Your Feral Felines wouldn’t be where they are today without her knowledge, dedication and compassion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.loveyourferalfelines.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveyourferalfelines/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loveyourferalfelines
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRH6vJ8SA5wCeO7W1gPI4wA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/love-your-feral-felines-vista
