Volunteer Spotlight: A Legacy of Making a Difference
Katie and Chad with a shelter dog.
For this very special Volunteer Spotlight, we want you to meet Katie and Chad Osvog! Katie and Chad have been volunteering with the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County for over 20 years. After many amazing years, they will now be moving out of state, and we wanted to take this time to thank them for their efforts for our shelter pets and for pets in the community.
Where It All Began
Katie and Chad had rescued their dog, Sam, while they were living in Nevada after she was found wandering the desert. She played a big part in their desire to help other pets in need and get involved with local shelters. So, Katie and Chad started volunteering with us in 2003 after moving to the Tacoma area.
They still have a running joke together that Katie had been the first one to suggest volunteering, but it was Chad who technically attended orientation first!
Sam, Katie and Chad’s rescue dog from Nevada, is in the middle. Beside her are Rosie and Patches, two Tacoma Humane alumni they adopted.
Initially, they started as Bath Brigade volunteers, bathing tiny kittens. As they settled into the program, some of the long-time Bath Brigade volunteers suggested they lead bathing times for larger dogs. Kittens and small dogs had been the primary focus for Bath Brigade, but with Katie and Chad’s experience and comfort with larger dogs they were able to expand the program.
Fostering Change
They didn’t stop their efforts in improving pet lives with just one volunteer opportunity, Katie and Chad dabbled in a lot of our volunteer positions. They have volunteered in the Bath Brigade, walked dogs, supported external adoption events, fostered shelter pets, and Chad spent a term as a member of our Board of Directors.
Since beginning their volunteer journey, Katie and Chad have helped pioneer so many new programs. They were some of the first volunteers to join the dog walking program. At the beginning of the program, volunteers would come in on Sundays to walk dogs and would go on off-site adventures once a month to promote the dogs in the community.
Katie and Chad were among the very first volunteers to foster a pit bull–type dog through the Adopt-a-Bull program, a groundbreaking initiative created in partnership with another local rescue to educate the community and show that these dogs deserve the chance at a loving home. At the time, opportunities for pit bull–type dogs were limited, but Adopt-a-Bull helped change that narrative. Dogs like Ava, Katie and Chad’s first foster, finally had the chance to thrive. Even after Ava was adopted, Katie and Chad continued fostering and helping to create brighter futures for countless others.
Ava, Katie and Chad’s Adopt-a-Bull foster.
They have continued to be leaders for new programs with the launch of dog playgroups following the Dogs Playing for Life model in 2023. These play groups have improved quality of life for dogs at the shelter as a way to reduce stress and help shy, scared dogs come out of their shells.
Caring for Community Pets
Katie and Chad’s devotion to pets in Pierce County extended far beyond the walls of the shelter. After moving in to their new home in Tacoma, they became aware of the number of community cats and kittens in need of help.
They connected with community experts who taught them about the benefits of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and supported their efforts within the neighborhood. The work they did was so successful for the cats in their immediate neighborhood, they were able to expand their efforts to assist the cats in the surrounding area.
Mary, one of their community cats. Also known as Area Rug Mary.
Katie and Chad were active caretakers for the cats in their community. They provided food and built housing to provide safety and warmth. There are still two community cats that Katie and Chad had trapped to TNR as kittens that call their porch home. Mary, who has since passed, was one of their porch cats that became an internet celebrity from Catluminati’s cat walks. You would likely recognize her by the name Area Rug Mary.
Their Message to Future Volunteers
For Katie and Chad, their time volunteering didn’t just impact the lives of the pets they helped, but this time impacted their own lives too. They formed life-long friendships and connections while volunteering and recognized how their work extended beyond a feeling of satisfaction.
“We have been able to see firsthand the power we have to make a difference when like-minded people show up and put in the work.”
Heartfelt Farewell
Katie and Chad will be deeply missed but as they go on to their next adventure, their selfless contributions will have lasting effects on our shelter. The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County would not be the shelter it is today without Katie and Chad. They are two people who have made an immeasurable difference for thousands of pets in Pierce County.
“We will miss being a part of this community immensely. The friendships and people we have met over the years has enriched our lives. Some of our closest friends are ones we have made through the HSTPC community. It is very bittersweet to be leaving.”
We are sure this is not the end of their volunteerism in animal welfare, and we are so happy for all the future pets that will get to meet them!
Opal, adopted by Katie and Chad in 2024.
Thank you, Katie and Chad, for everything you have done!
