I’ve been volunteering at Lort Smith since 2009, usually in the front of house cattery, but I also enjoy the kennels and occasional laundry shift. My average shift starts off around 8am in the Adoption Centre. I ask the staff what they would like me to do, which is usually some cage cleaning, then it’s time to sweep, mop, wash the litter trays and food bowls, and top up the litter bin. After that is finished, it’s time to play with the cats and dogs! After a break I like to visit the kennels and maybe walk any dogs that need an outing.

I have made some special friendships with people I have met at Lort Smith, and I like to think that I am helping the staff and animals in some small way. Hearing the stories of successful adoptions is wonderful, too – and I have one of my own! I adopted my eight-year-old Spanador, Lollie, from Lort Smith. She was only eight months old when I met her, and it was such a special moment, seeing her for the first time and falling in love with her adorable face! I named her Lollie as she was soft and sweet and squishy like a lollie.

At home I also have four chickens, all named after notable Dames – Edna, Elizabeth, Vera and Judy, as well as some tropical fish and some outside pond fish. I have always had dogs, and when my children were growing up we had rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, fish, a turtle. My son (Dr Tristan) started his reptile collection with the snake, lizards and frogs when he was still living at home.

When I’m not volunteering at Lort Smith, I do one shift a week at Fareshare, which is a food rescue organisation. I’m also part of a worldwide organisation called ‘The Granny Cloud’ that involves regular weekly Skype sessions with Indian school children to help them with their English and computer skills. One day I would love to meet them in person!

I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my two little granddaughters, love catching up with friends, movies, reading, and travelling.