Like most of us, I have several moments in my life that I can look back on and know that it was part of something so much bigger than what I experienced at that time. New jobs, graduation, my wedding — and another that sometimes gets lost in the rush of everyday life. That moment was when I met Doug Kimball, who at the time was on the board of directors for the Animal Rescue Foundation of Everett and the Everett Animal Shelter.

I met Doug on a hot summer day at Sorticulture, and he was taking donations for the animals. He was so committed to helping them that I was hooked and signed up to volunteer (the adorable kittens in his arms didn’t hurt his cause, either!). That was nearly six years ago. Times have changed and I am now am the executive director of ARF. I am so grateful to have found an organization like this.

ARF has a mission and goal that is imperative to our community — we exist to make sure the animals at the Everett Animal Shelter get the medical care they need. It is our driving force for all the work we do and why we work so hard at it. I feel so very lucky to have met such an amazing group of people that do so much for the creatures in our community that need it the most.

The reason that ARF is able to do so much is that we support a shelter that puts its animals first. We have a great partnership with them, and are reminded every time we help an animal — whether it is buying a cart for a Chihuahua with paralyzed legs or paying for lab work for an elderly cat — that we couldn’t do this if it wasn’t for their commitment to the animals.

To join us in supporting the animals, please consider attending the Golden Paw Gala, our annual fundraising event, on Saturday, May 16, from 6-9:30 p.m. It will be a night to remember and I promise, you will hear more stories about the animals we have helped. We will even feed you a delicious dinner! We will also have a stage hypnotist and other fun activities. Here’s a preview: youtu.be/kzpanWVMbHk.

If you are unable to attend the gala, the most important way you can support us is by making a visit to the Everett Animal Shelter next time you are looking for a four (or three!) -legged companion. There are so many wonderful animals just waiting for their fur-ever home.

For more information or to get involved, please visit us at www.everettarf.org.

Learn more about the Everett Animal Shelter. Plan a visit, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and check out all of our adoptable pets. And be sure to watch our featured Pet of the Week on the Everett Channel.