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The Cattery’s Catalyst How a dream became reality By: KATHLEEN NADERER // Photos by: TWINS Media
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amantha Person has always been drawn to animals. As a little girl, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. However, working at Oso Creek Animal Hospital during high school convinced her that she didn’t have the stomach for surgery. Thinking that her dream of helping animals was over, Samantha pursued other studies and career possibilities before settling on a corporate training job. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. “I loved that job and the people that I worked with, but I just didn’t feel fulfilled,” she said. Her job also required frequent travel, which meant she missed time with her loved ones, particularly Scott Person. Samantha and Scott had met in 1997, and she recalled his endless support as she sought her true calling. During a dinner conversation in 2007, they talked about what they would do if they won the lottery and money was not an object. Her response: Create a cagefree animal shelter, designed especially for cats. “Shelters across the country have focused primarily on dogs,” she explained. “I wanted to bring a spotlight to cats.” At the time, Samantha had no idea that such facilities existed. After some research, she learned about a cagefree shelter in Atlanta run by two
employees with community volunteers. She told herself, “If they can do it, then I can do it,” and set a goal of opening her shelter within a year. Her strength and determination transformed her dream into reality. Her mother had been a wonderful role model for Samantha, teaching her the value of hard work and perseverance in the face of disadvantages. Her mother was a single parent with a hearing impairment and tight finances; nevertheless, she put herself through college and gave Samantha the best life possible. With the inspiration and encouragement of her family and friends, Samantha began the challenging process of creating a nonprofit. Although she didn’t have funding or community contacts at the time, she was able to kick-start the grassroots organization with her personal savings. As others learned of her unique shelter idea, community support grew. “It was like every time we needed something, someone would show up,” she said with a smile. Thus, The Cattery was born. October marks the 12-year anniversary of The Cattery, as well as Samantha and Scott’s wedding. The couple married just two weeks before her shelter opened its doors. “I wouldn’t have done any of this without my husband believing in me,” Samantha said.
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INSPIRE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE MAY 2021
