06/01/2026
When Lisa O’Keefe retired, she knew she wanted to spend her time doing something meaningful. What she found at BARCS was not just a place to volunteer, but a place where she could make a tangible difference every single week.
Over the years, Lisa has become involved in nearly every corner of the shelter. From fostering kittens and helping at vaccine clinics to supporting surgery days, transporting animals, entering data, and photographing cats for adoption profiles, she has stepped into whatever role was needed most. Her willingness to help wherever she can reflects something we see so often in our volunteers: people showing up not because it’s easy, but because the animals need them.
One experience especially stayed with her. Lisa took in a litter of kittens diagnosed with panleukopenia, a highly contagious and often deadly virus in young cats. At first, the diagnosis felt overwhelming. But with guidance and support from the BARCS team, she helped nurse the kittens through recovery and watched them grow healthy enough to find homes of their own. That experience reminded her that volunteering at an animal shelter is not about having all the answers from the beginning. It’s about being willing to learn, care deeply, and show up when animals need you most.
“Volunteering at BARCS is the highlight of my retirement,” Lisa shared. “It defines me and the first thing I tell people that ask what I am doing in retirement.” Her dedication has touched countless animals over the years, and we are so grateful for the compassion, flexibility, and heart she brings to BARCS every day.
Thank you, Lisa, for your incredible commitment to our animals and for the thousands of ways you have helped make BARCS stronger.
BARCS needs more volunteers every day of the week, both morning and afternoon. If you’ve ever thought about helping animals in your community, there’s a place for you here. Whether you can give a few hours a month or become part of the weekly routine our animals depend on, your time truly makes a difference. Learn more at https://barcs.org/volunteer!
