Cathy Dalton is the May Volunteer of the Month!
A Heart For The Forgotten:
Brings Hope to Shelter Cats
At The Humane Society of Sumter County, volunteers are the heartbeat of the organization — and few embody that spirit more than longtime volunteer Cathy Dalton. Originally from Maine, Cathy’s love for animals began early. “I’ve had cats or dogs since I was five years old,” she shares. That lifelong bond with animals only deepened when she moved out on her own and adopted two cats, a brother and sister named Bogart and Sassy. Today, her home is filled with love from Milo and Trinity — two special “foster fails” whose journey from shy and uncertain to safe and adored reflects the very mission Cathy works toward each day.
Milo came to Cathy as a fearful six-month-old kitten, unsure of the world around him. Trinity arrived during the chaos of a 2024 hurricane, a quiet little cat who preferred the safety of her cubby in CaddyShack, her home at the shelter. When the two met, something clicked. Cathy originally planned to foster Trinity temporarily, hoping she might help Milo come out of his shell — but the bond they formed made it impossible to separate them. In the end, both cats found their forever home right where they were, a testament to the patience and compassion Cathy brings to every animal she meets.
For Cathy, volunteering is about more than just care — it’s about transformation. “Showing frightened, sad, and confused cats love and trust so they can move forward and be adopted into a wonderful home is what inspires me,” she says. She also values the opportunity to educate others on responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering. To those considering volunteering, her message is simple but heartfelt: there is nothing quite like the moment a scared animal begins to trust you. “When a cat or kitten comes to you for comfort, it’s an incredible feeling.”
Among her many meaningful experiences, one stands out. Cathy recalls Otis, a long-time resident who often swatted you because he was unsure of people and hesitant to trust. Over time, something changed. “He decided he trusted us enough to seek out affection,” she says. “When he climbed into my lap for pets, it was truly amazing.” Today, Otis is in a loving home, though Cathy admits she still misses him. Beyond socializing and caring for cats and kittens, Cathy contributes in countless ways — helping with adoption events, supporting off-site locations, and helping to organize and volunteer at the Coleman Thrift Store Sale, the first Saturday of each month. Through it all, she helps connect the shelter with the community, not only sharing her time but her deep compassion.
The Humane Society of Sumter County is truly grateful for Cathy — one of the many quiet heroes making a lasting difference, one paw at a time.
If you would enjoy joining our team of valuable volunteers, please complete a volunteer application. We will contact you shortly after your submission. There are many ways to make a positive impact and achieve fulfillment in your heart, too.
