Susan Valentine Demonstrates True Love for APS

Susan has been an animal lover all of her life so she wants to help those that cannot speak for themselves and can think of no better charity than APS. She has six pets, whom she lovingly refers to as her children. Her dog, Earl, and cats, Ginger and Lucy, were adopted from APS. She commented that her house has more pet furniture than people furniture. She even built a balcony onto her house so her indoor cats could get some fresh air and sun light.

Since first becoming involved with APS in the mid-nineties, Susan has given many donations of cash, goods and services, all of which have been a great help to the animals. In December she came to the shelter to present $400 worth of medical supplies, $1,000 for dog food and $600 in PetSmart gift cards. APS staff members who were here for the presentation of the gifts were awed by her dedication and the love she shows for the homeless animals we have here.

In February she took APS Shelter Manager, Shafonda Price, and Kennel Manager, Kevin Morgan, out for a shopping trip and filled a van and station wagon full of supplies to take care of the animals. Among her gifts were 168 gallons of bleach that will last the shelter two and a half months, dry and wet dog and cat food, litter, carriers, treats, and laundry supplies. Shafonda said, “I was emotionally overwhelmed by the outpouring of gifts.”

Susan says, “I started showing up [at APS] and began seeing what needed to be done.”  Along with all of her gifts, Susan and her husband have been responsible for the renovation of what is now called the Valentine Animal Memorial Room and have also been responsible for a variety of other repairs around the shelter including installation of new shelves and countertops making the shelter a more efficient place for the employees, ultimately contributing to better care of the animals. Susan recommends that people who want to be involved with the shelter begin by volunteering on a regular basis so that they can see what needs to be done and figure out the best way they can help.

Now, when she can, she comes to volunteer with the cats, giving them the love, time and attention they need. She says that she can’t stand to see a messy or dirty cage, so anytime she sees a cat who has spilled their food or water, or kicked litter out of their box, she’s right there to make the cat’s space tidy again so the cat can relax in comfort.

Susan’s kind heart and generous support have saved lives here at the shelter and we greatly appreciate knowing that she is here for us, no matter what our need.