Veralyn Macnab is selfless and puts the needs of vulnerable animals before her own. She helps those with no voice, even if it means going into her own pockets.
She takes in feral cats and helps them become suitable for a loving home through countless hours of taming and love.
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That’s how one nomination letter described Hillmond, Sask., resident Veralyn Macnab for this year’s Today’ Woman.
“Not only does she spend the majority of her spare time helping animals, she puts in countless dollars of her own money into these animals. The community is lucky to have a woman like her,” read the letter.
Originally from North Battleford, Macnab moved to Lloydminster in 1998 with her husband, Curtis, who was working in the area. The couple has lived on the same acreage in the Hillmond area for 27 years.
“My current job is unpaid animal rescue, but my dream job would be something to do with animals to help people keep animals at home and healthy,” she said. “Far too many animals are being displaced with the downturn in the economy and shortage of housing.
“Animal rescues are full and rescue workers are tired.”
Community involvement is important to Macnab as she sees a lack of local help and resources when it comes to animals.
“I’m part of a great rescue network and am able to point people to outside resources many aren’t aware of,” she said. “This community has come together many times to help me financially when we find wounded and stray animals.”
Growing up, Macnab wanted to be a veterinarian, but even without the title in her name, she brings smiles to animal lovers regularly through her passion for helping those without a voice.
“I think anytime you can help someone within your ability, you should do it,” she said. “We have no idea what someone is going through, or what might make or break their day. There’s enough problems in the world right now, so anything I can do to brighten the day of a person or animal, I’m going to do it.”
For those with the same passion as Macnab, she said. “Be prepared to have an empty wallet and a full heart.
“Be ready to ask for favours from friends because it’s too much for one person to do alone. Animal rescue isn’t just about helping animals, a lot of the time, it’s about helping people, too.”
Helping people is one of the reasons she was nominated.
She’s helped several families in our community when they’ve lost an animal. She’ll drop everything to bring you a cat trap with bait and give you detailed instructions on how to get your cat back.
That’s a fact, Jack.
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