However, because of Hubbard’s passion and the leadership talents of Melissa Dunaj, LYFF’s vice president and senior director, the organization is now contracted with every animal shelter in the county to assist with feral cat fostering and long-term adoptions. The non-profit has become so widely known and successful that LYFF has now won, “Best Charity in San Diego” for the fourth year in a row! LYFF Wins
“San Diego’s Best “It’s what I live and breathe for every day,” says Hubbard, who was still working to save cats while in labor with her Charity” Award daughter KJ five years ago. The commitment to save lives Four Years and enhance the adoption process is so important to her Running! that it was a dream come true when LYFF was able to open a brick & mortar space in 2021. “With everything shutting down during the early days of Covid, we saw a dramatic increase in strays and the feral cat population,” she says. “We saw the opportunity to create an environment where people interested in adopting could socialize with up to 35 cats in a clean, cage-free, homey setting and it’s been incredibly successful.” Hubbard relies on donations and grants to maintain their robust programs, but also on the time and commitment of more than 150 dedicated volunteers who not only maintain the adoption center, but work to capture feral cats all over the county. “Our volunteers are so wonderful,” she says. “They care so deeply and work so hard. We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of them.” Hubbard says LYFF works closely with ARC, an organization that helps children with disabilities have the opportunity to learn work skills and volunteer with the cats. “The young people do simple chores like sweep and dust, and then they get to play with the cats twice a week. It’s such a win-win.” Along with the adoption center, LYFF has a highly successful Barn Cat Adoption program. More than 5,000 cats have successfully transitioned to farm life since 2015. “It seems the more we do, the more the problem grows,” says Hubbard. “We need everyone to understand the importance of spaying and neutering your pets and to be careful about letting them loose outside. Your heart would break to see videos of how so many innocent cats are being euthanized all over the country and the world. We all can play a role in saving more lives.
Here's how you can help! 1.. Become a volunteer 2.. Donate money, food, kitty litter and toys 3. Educate yourself, your families and others about the feral cat problem in San Diego County 4. Visit www.loveyourferalfelines.com and support them 5. Be a responsible cat owner and have your beloved pet spayed and neutered 6. Visit the cage-free adoption center at 1929 West Vista Way, Suite C, Vista, CA 92083. T he center is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5 p.m. Pay $10 to sit and cuddle with cats and kittens to your heart’s content. Visit https://loveyourferalfelines.com for more info! VISTACHAMBER.ORG
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