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Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter HOLIDAY ISSUE 2018 19 urbert’s career in banking moved her and her two cats fromFlorida toMontgomery in 1997, and she initially spent a lot of time on the road traveling. When she ac- cepted a new position that gave her more time at home, Turbert says, “I didn’t really know anyone at the time except my co-workers, so I went to MHS to adopt a cat. One of mine was diagnosed with kidney failure, and I didn't want the other cat to be alone. That’s where it all began.” Turbert began volunteering withMHS, and went every Saturday to a local pet store to help homeless pets find homes. She became involved in the very first Walk N’ Wag fundraiser, helping obtain sponsors and donations. Turbert says, “I volunteered as much as my spare time allowed, and then I started fostering kittens that didn’t have a mother. I brought one litter of kittens to my job and put them under my desk so I could feed them every 2 hours!” She accepted an invitation to become a board member at MHS, and later, another invitation to become the marketing and development manager in January 2006. In that role, Turbert is responsible for fundraising and public relations. Her weekly interviews with WAKA, WSFA, and Mix 103.3 are why she’s probably a familiar face, and voice, to many in the River Region. She says, “I also write grants for our programs, coordinate donor communications, and obtain sponsors for our yearly events. I think anyone who works for a non-profit knows you wear many hats so your position is not just limited to the job description.” Turbert acknowledges that some aspects of the job are heart- breaking. “The hardest part of my job is seeing animals that have been abused or had their spirit broken, and the lack of compassion in some people,” she says. However, Turbert chooses to focus on the happy endings. “The thing I enjoy most is seeing our staff and volunteers get so excited when a pet gets a forever home. I enjoy seeing our adoption board at the end of the day with all the pets who got a second chance thanks to [MHS].” Turbert says she wishes people knew how hard the staff works. She shares, “Their jobs are not glamorous, and there are too many sad days, but they know these pets need them so they continue every day doing the best they can.” Turbert’s favorite success story centers around a dog named Maude. She says, “Maude came to our shelter as a cruelty case and we eventually received custody. The staff discovered she was heartworm positive, but after she went through heartworm treat- ment, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and had to take several medications. She became our office dog because her life expectancy was not very long. A year went by, Maude was still taking her medications, and had also taken my heart. She had her own couch in my office and was very content living at our shelter. She loved to ride in my car to get a cheeseburger, and she became our mascot and attended events. Maude lived at MHS for over four years before passing away in February. Her congestive heart failure got the best of her, but she was so happy being with us every day. I miss her every day.” When she’s not busy helping the animals at MHS, Turbert enjoys spending time with her 7 cats: Haley, Callie, Toby, Natalie, Bella, Annie and Helen. She also enjoys working in her yard, and recently started making artwork with stones and sea glass. Although she’s a proud past recipient of WAKA’s “Giving Their Best” award, Turbert says, “I feel I achieved the best award anyone could ever receive - to be surrounded by unconditional love and know that I'm playing a part in making a difference in the lives of homeless pets.” n Looking to add a four-legged friend to your family? Consider adopting. For more information, visit www.montgomeryhumane.com, call 334.409-0622 or stop by 1150 John Overton Drive. Adopt don’t shop! ..................................................................................................................................................................... We can be there when you can’t. Helping seniors live well at home. Soins HomeCareAssistanceMontgomery.com | Call us today: 334-593-3988 T