Posted: Dec. 19, 2008, 3 a.m. EST
Jacci Moss is the director of both Friends of Felines, a rescue center, and Earth Angels, a low-cost spay-neuter clinic. |
You could say that Jacci Moss from Defiance, Ohio, is the cat’s meow for her recognition as Cat Hero of the Year.
Her efforts as director of Friends of Felines rescue center and Earth Angels low-cost spay/neuter clinic earned her the title, which was awarded to Moss as part of the third annual campaign recognizing people who demonstrate extraordinary care for animal welfare, sponsored by Animal Planet and the makers of Fresh Step litter.
Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet Media, described Moss as a hero for animals who has improved the lives of countless animals through her compassionate devotion.
Part of that work includes the 18-hour days that Moss spends caring for rescued cats and overseeing clinic operations. Her goals for her two organizations — which are both located on her property — are to place cats in permanent indoor homes and to reduce homelessness, animal abuse and euthanasia.
Under her leadership, Friends of Felines (a nonprofit, cage-free, no-kill facility) has found homes for more than 2,000 cats, and Earth Angels has spayed or neutered more than 7,500 cats and dogs.
In addition to managing these two organizations, Moss also fosters abused, ill or injured dogs and is involved in educating the public about pet overpopulation, animal adoption and proper pet care.
“I'm fortunate to be doing something for which I have a deep passion,” Moss said in a statement. “I feel privileged to have been chosen for this award, which will be devoted entirely to promoting spays and neuters.”
The makers of Fresh Step will reward Moss with a $5,000 donation to her organization Earth Angels spay/neuter clinic. Animal Planet honored Moss during “Heroes Week,” which kicked off Dec. 8.