There’s a very special volunteer at the SPCA of Tompkins County!

Meet Rhoda!

For nearly two decades, Rhoda has been one of the Tompkins County SPCA’s most dedicated foster volunteers, opening both her home and her heart to kittens in need.

Since 2008, Rhoda has fostered an astonishing 300 kittens through what she affectionately calls her “Kitten Romper Room.”

The milestone came as a surprise even to her.

“I had no idea it was so many,” Rhoda said when she learned the total.

Her fostering journey began after the loss of her beloved cat, BeBe. At the time, Rhoda’s work required frequent travel, making it difficult to have a pet of her own. Fostering seemed like the perfect way to share her love with animals while helping those who needed extra care. What started as a way to fill a space in her heart has become a lifesaving commitment that has touched hundreds of animals and families throughout our community.

Foster volunteers are an essential part of the SPCA’s lifesaving mission. Every year, kittens arrive at the shelter too young to survive on their own. Some have been orphaned and require bottle feeding every few hours. Others need specialized medical care, socialization, or simply the warmth and security of a home environment while they grow stronger.

Without foster homes, many of these vulnerable kittens would not have the chance they need to thrive.

That’s why foster volunteers like Rhoda are so important. By welcoming kittens into her home, providing around-the-clock care, and helping them grow healthy and strong, she has quite literally saved lives.

In addition to caring for kittens, Rhoda likes Bad Bunny and loves growing flowers!

As Rhoda prepares to celebrate her 90th birthday, she continues to inspire everyone around her with her compassion, generosity, and dedication to helping animals in need.

Inspired? Learn more about being an SPCA Foster Family HERE!