July 2022 Monthly Volunteer Profile: Marcy Kowalchuck

If you look up ‘determination’ or ‘dedication’ in the dictionary, it wouldn’t be wrong to find a picture of Winnipeg Humane Society Marcy Kowalchuk in the definition.

She’s a living, breathing testament to those character traits. She’s fiercely loyal to the cats in Kitty Kat Way (whom she lovingly refers to as ‘her babies’) and to the work of the WHS and its employees and volunteers.

And she’s not going to let cerebral palsy prevent her from caring for the cats twice a week.

She began volunteering with Winnipeg Humane Society in 2008 and has worked with the cats ever since. “I love all animals,” she explained. “But I’m there for the cats.

“They do have various animals there and I love them all. I’ve said hello to dogs when they go by with a dog walker. I have had a chance to pet some dogs which was nice but when it comes down to it, I am a cat person.”

Marcy spends her shifts taking care of the cats in Kitty Kat Way. “I’m there to meet the needs of the cats,” she said. “I make sure they have food and water in their dish. I check to see if there’s any abnormalities, like the one time I noticed a bit of blood in the litterbox. It’s things like this that we report to the appropriate people. In many ways, I’m their eyes and ears. It means the world to me.”

Making their lives easier in the shelter – which can be a stressful place for animals – is very important to Marcy. And, she said, sometimes this means cleaning up cat vomit or taking care of a dirty litterbox.

Her work also involves feline enrichment – interacting with the cats, whether that means playing with them, petting them or whatever else follows the cats’ needs. And if they’re sleeping, Marcy just lets them be because that’s what they need at the time.

She also enjoys speaking with people who have come to the shelter to possibly adopt a cat. “I can talk to them, answer their questions, and ask them questions so I can get an idea of what cats might suit them. I enjoy interacting with people and sharing something that I love,” she added.

The construction of the new shelter on Hurst Way was a signal for Marcy to start volunteering. She grew up in the Fort Garry area of south Winnipeg, not far from the new location. She once went to the former location on Kent Street but, since she doesn’t drive, volunteering there would have been a lengthy commute.

“When I realized they were building a new shelter at their present location, I was very excited and told myself I’m applying to volunteer,” she explained. “I remember my Mom teasing me and she was like ‘Oh great, they’re building it right under my doorstep. Now I know where my daughter’s going to be.’ I was very grateful and realized I had to take advantage of the opportunity to help out.”

Marcy’s efforts and dedication to the WHS are that much more impressive when you consider she lives with a mild form of cerebral palsy, a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. “And with CP there is a mild learning disability, Marcy explained. “Let’s just say I don’t handle fast paces very well.

“Looking back, I didn’t fully understand my disability until I was an adult. My family was great but it was a learning curve for everybody. “

She’s very grateful to be at the shelter, helping make things less stressful for the cats and working with staff and the other volunteers. “I love working with the staff and the other volunteers,” she said. “Sometimes you might have a disagreement but I’m there for the cats and everyone is there because they love the animals.” She paid particular praise to the Volunteer Services department for their work.

Marcy suggested that people can learn from animals. “They’re amazing. They don’t judge you. All they want is to be loved and cared for, and to please you.”

Written by: Brian Kozak, Volunteer MVP Writer
Photo by: Jim Harvey, Volunteer MVP Photographer