Volunteer of the Month

Our October volunteer of the month is Diane Fidyke. Diane started volunteering at the center in January 2021 as a greeter directing visitors and answering questions. 

“In my experience as a greeter, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the people coming to the shelter,” Diane said. “I loved hearing the stories about their pets – ones they had now and in the past, and I loved the excitement of people adopting a pet!” 

Diane knew she wanted to do volunteer work after she retired. 

“I had been very impressed with the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center whenever I visited or interacted with its staff, so I applied and was accepted once the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted,” she said. 

Diane has always been an avid cat lover. When she got married to Sigmund, the couple had five cats. They also once rescued a mom and six kittens (and a couple other strays) and had 10 cats. Diane helps during the hardest shift, which is morning cleaning.  Our morning cat volunteers arrive to find soiled litter pans, kennels in need of cleaning and sanitization and cats that need to be fed. Through it all, Diane always has a positive attitude and is ready to help in any way possible. She even helps when other volunteers cannot (sometimes on a moment’s notice).    
 
Diane has two adult children, and besides volunteering at the shelter, she enjoys gardening, hiking, reading, and traveling with her husband.  
 
Thank you, Diane, for the wonderful work you do for our homeless animals. We are so fortunate to have you on our team!