Volunteer Spotlight: Cindy Curry

When I interviewed Cindy Curry, one thing became clear very quickly: Cindy is someone who sees a need and chooses to help.

Cindy is a single mother to one son, works full time, and spends much of her free time volunteering with Fresno TNR. She also enjoys reading, crocheting, spending time with her son, and caring for her many animals.

At home, Cindy has four cats, three dogs, and a parrot. As though that were not enough, she also fosters cats with serious medical needs. She usually cares for cats with cryptococcosis and currently has five of them in her care.

Cindy first discovered Fresno TNR in 2022 after finding a lost cat in her yard. She searched Facebook for groups where she could post about the cat and came across Fresno TNR. That one small action eventually led her to become an important part of the organization.

These days, Cindy primarily helps with intake at the Fresno TNR facility. She also assists with vaccinations, helps Brandi with medication dosing, and cares for what she affectionately calls the “eyeball kitties,” cats who arrive with severe eye infections.

When I asked Cindy what she enjoys most about volunteering, she spoke about the people involved.

“I really enjoy seeing the community engagement,” she said. “I enjoy meeting the trappers.”

One cat Cindy will never forget is Moose.

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  Mr. Moose

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  Moose taking a nap

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  Moose on a shelf

Cindy first learned about Moose through a Facebook post and went to pick him up. She immediately realized that he was far too friendly to be returned to where he had been living.

“He was just the absolute sweetest cat,” Cindy recalled.

After Moose was neutered and his mange was brought under control, he became the Fresno TNR shop cat. Everyone loved him, and his sweet personality made him a special part of the organization.

Sadly, Moose was with Fresno TNR for only about four months before his liver and kidneys failed. Although his time there was brief, he spent those final months surrounded by people who loved and cared for him.

“He was so loved and had such a great personality,” Cindy said. “I still get teary thinking about him.”

Volunteering with Fresno TNR has given Cindy a sense of purpose and reinforced how important this work truly is. What keeps her motivated is the knowledge that the need is not going away.

“We’re not running out of cats,” she said. “We still fill all of the spots every week. There is so much more to be done.”

Cindy is especially proud of the new skills she has learned from Brandi. She is also proud that she pushed herself beyond her comfort zone and made the decision to volunteer.

When I asked what she wishes more people understood about community cats and TNR, her answer was simple but powerful.

“They’re everyone’s responsibility,” she said. “Helping them shows you care.”

Her advice for anyone thinking about volunteering or trapping is just as direct.

“Just come in and show up,” Cindy said. “Don’t be afraid to come in and help. There is plenty to do for all skill sets.”

After speaking with Cindy, I kept thinking about how easy it is to notice the desperate needs of community cats and look the other way. Cindy could have chosen to use her limited free time entirely for herself, but instead, she took one small step. She volunteered, found her niche, and became an amazing volunteer and an invaluable asset to Fresno TNR.

This interview was eye-opening for me as well. It reminded me that there is always something we can contribute to help the cause. We do not all have to foster medically fragile cats, administer medications, or take on the most difficult jobs. Sometimes, helping begins by simply walking through the door and asking what needs to be done.

Whether the action is big or small, each of us can make a difference in the lives of community cats and in our community.

Cindy is proof of what can happen when someone decides not to look the other way.