Marlene Martinez

For those of you who know (or may not know) I have a passion for animals. I've worked in the Veterinary field for years and I am now in the non-profit world. I work as the Fund Development Coordinator for Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. I found this amazing company when I was working at a day practice in Riverside a few years ago. We got a call from this organization saying that they were on their way to pick up a cat who they thought was hit by a car. They asked if they could bring her in. "Of course" I answered. They got to the hospital and I rushed this big carrier with this tiny kitten inside to an exam room and pulled her out to asses her. She wasn't hit by a car at all. She had a really bad upper respiratory infection. I held this little cat in my hands, and although she was likely blind, she just purred in my hand and knew she was safe. I instantly fell in love. She needed surgery to remove both eyes and it was at that time that I learned all about MSRPAC. They arranged for Deedee to live with a foster while she gained weight and was put on antibiotics to treat the infection so she could eventually have surgery. A couple of weeks went by and Deedee returned to my hospital to have her eyes removed. I went to her kennel to say hi and hold her, and again she just purred in my hands. I called Priscilla and she said "bring that cat home now!" So I called up MSR and expressed interest in her. I signed up as a foster and brought Deedee home with me a couple of days later. I followed up with her appointment at my hospital and when she became 8 weeks old, I officially adopted her. I tell you all of this because this is just a small part of what we do at the Center. We fundraise to give these babies a second chance. I always tell people that we are so much more than just a Pet Adoption Center. We have so many resources for the community like a low cost spay/neuter clinic, we have humane education programs for kids, a pet food assistance program and so much more. If you've ever wanted to help but don't know where to start, consider donating to us. 100% of the proceeds benefit our pets. Your helping to provide food, shelter, enrichment and so much more to these guys. It's an organization that I whole heartedly stand by. Thank you!