As a volunteer for FOMAA (*Friends of Marblehead’s Abandoned Animals), Dyan Katz was instrumental in a 2005 rescue of a feral cat colony. She would become the sole caretaker of that colony for 18 more years. Last weekend, upon learning that two of the colony’s last surviving cats needed to be relocated, Dyan and her husband spent three days and nights building an enclosed patio at their home to ensure the cats would not be left outside.
“I wanted to give them their glory in their remaining years,” Dyan said.
Dyan’s work for FOMAA began when her beloved cat Precious went missing. After contacting the local Animal Control officer, Dyan was pleasantly surprised to learn that there was a shelter in Marblehead that rescued homeless animals.
“That’s how it all began,” Dyan said, looking back on her nearly 28 years as a volunteer for FOMAA, a nonprofit, no-kill shelter established in 1993 by local volunteers.
“I do whatever tasks are needed, sometimes with the help of my husband, but ultimately, I am part of a cleaning team where I work alongside a highly dedicated group of volunteers,” said Dyan, who also serves on FOMAA’s Board of Trustees.
Of Dyan’s nearly three decades of work, she said the days and nights of trapping cats and kittens from some of Marblehead’s neighboring towns were undoubtedly the most challenging. Saving the most vulnerable required that Dyan and her co-workers labor through the night, enduring frigid temperatures.
“Anyone who has been out there trapping cats knows firsthand that it can be both the saddest and the most rewarding job that an animal rescuer can do,” Dyan said. “Although it’s tough seeing the cats and kittens cold and hungry and struggling to survive, it is so incredibly satisfying bringing those hungry little faces back to our warm and safe shelter where they will be loved and cared for until a forever home is found.”
Dyan finds the shelter’s willingness to support rescue efforts extraordinary.
“It’s what I love, respect, and admire about the work being done there,” she said. “Our mission is to rescue with the goal of never turning away animals due to age, illness, or behavioral issues. To me, that is what a shelter is all about and what the Marblehead Animal Shelter delivers, day in and day out.”
Caring for the feral colony was a long journey, Dyan said, but when she looks back, it’s what makes her the proudest.
“It couldn’t have been done without the help of the shelter and, of course, my husband Ron.”
Dyan pays homage to the committed volunteers whose tireless efforts keep the shelter operating efficiently and to the countless FOMAA supporters who ensure that the work of rescuing animals continues.
“This is what keeps me coming back, and where I will continue to work now and in the future,” Dyan said.
*Friends of Marblehead’s Abandoned Animals (FOMAA) is a nonprofit organization established by volunteers that provides food, shelter, medical care, and good homes to the dozens of animals abandoned each year. For information on how to volunteer or adopt, please drop by the shelter to fill out an application.
Leslie Martini is a freelance writer and children’s book author. Though she and her family have lived in Marblehead for more than 26 years, Leslie is still discovering countless untold stories. If you’d like to share your story, please contact leslie@marbleheadweeklynews.com.