Volunteer Spotlight - Erica Mann

Erica dressed as a T-N-R'd cat for Halloween

Erica Mann
Erica is passionate about helping homeless cats & dogs. She is an advocate of controlling the overwhelming stray cat populations in Midland humanely. Erica was instrumental to starting the  Trap, Neuter, Release Program and currently manages it now as a volunteer!  She is also a strong supporter of MHC's fundraising efforts and has even signed up to sponsor our events as well! MHC is very lucky to have her support.    

Thank you for your dedication, Erica! 

***
​
MHC Volunteer since: 3 years 

Volunteer position/s?   
We have hosted fundraisers at The Blue Door.  I wrote letters and made phone calls when the TNR program was just a dream, and I am currently the Volunteer Manager of the TNR program(volunteer position). 

Fun Facts:
 I am the co-owner of The Blue Door, and when not there, I love to hit the road to the mountains of Big Bend. Nutrition and fitness are important to me, and it is my goal to educate and motivate others to find their way to wellness as I develop my health coaching business. ​

​Got pets?
I have 4 indoor cats, and a TNR'd colony of 3 in my backyard.

Why do you volunteer with MHC? What motivates you to stay involved?
 I volunteer because Midland desperately needs this organization. We have too many unwanted cats and dogs, and not enough homes. I appreciate that the Coalition wants to fight this problem at the root of its cause, unaltered pets. 

In your opinion, what is the most important work that this organization does? 
While all of the pieces of the Coalition are important, I am partial to the TNR program. I believe in it because I know that it works. I support it because I know that trap and euthanize does not work. I am happy to be an advocate for our furry friends on the streets. 

Has volunteering with MHC had a positive impact on your life?  Tell us about a time/incident  that was especially meaningful for you while volunteering with MHC.  
 I was moved when we were able to help an elderly woman control the population of cats in her backyard that she cared about so deeply. She reminded me of my grandmother who was quickly overrun after she took pity on a few strays, but there weren't resources like the MHC to help her. It was nice to be able to help this woman in a way that I couldn't with my grandma. I know she would be moved too. 

​If you could encourage someone else to volunteer with MHC, what would you tell them?
If you are thinking about it, just do it. We rarely regret the things that we try, but we often wish we could go back and do the things we passed up. No matter what your skill set, interest, age etc, there is a role for you at the MHC. ​

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with MHC? 
My absolute favorite thing is releasing the cats after they have been spayed or neutered. They always sprint out of the cage without looking back. No thank you. No purr. No friendly headbutt.  But, I know that their lives just got a major upgrade. No more litter after litter. No more scrounging for food to maintain her nursing. No more torn up ears and eyes from tom cat fights. I'm so happy for them as they dart off, no thank you needed. 

​

 I volunteer because Midland desperately needs this organization. We have too many unwanted cats and dogs, and not enough homes. I appreciate that the Coalition wants to fight this problem at the root of its cause, unaltered pets.