Lita Katulski, Shelter Director Feline Hope Animal Shelter, Inc. moved to the Outer Banks in August 1998 with hurricane Bonnie.She moved here from Silver Spring, Maryland after retiring from Bell Atlantic, now Verizon. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in foreign languages.
Before moving here Lita had one Siamese cat from six weeks to 21 years of age. A flyer to volunteer for Feline Hope, showed up at Lita’s house, so she called to volunteer, for once a week clean up.
The current Director Ken Joseph was looking to move to Chapel Hill so he had other thoughts. He was looking for someone to take his place.
Lita started meeting the kitties (13) and helping to build the new Herbert Perry Lane shelter. It opened in December, 1998.
Since then Feline Hope Animal Shelter, Inc. has taken in 2, 903 cats/kittens. It has adopted out 2,743 - 832 cats and 1,911 kittens. It has spayed/neutered 2,050. These are awesome numbers for a very small group and shelter.
We receive many emails and cards with pictures and stories about the kitties in their new homes.
Feline Hope Animal Shelter, Inc. currently has 74 kitties looking for homes. Some at the shelter and some in foster care. Feline Hope has clean up folks for the A. M. and P.M. daily.
Feline Hope Animal Shelter, Inc, has foster parents, maintenance volunteers, adoption activities at local shops like Mustang Sally's, The Holistic Pet Shop and Outer Barks. We also participate at Heritage Day and the Kitty Hawk elementary School Fall Carnival to try and educate the public about the number of homeless animals and the importance of spay/neuter.
Feline Hope Animal Shelter, Inc. has a wonderful group of dedicated volunteers. It is also very blessed to have the number of people that send donations since we live by donations only. The Outer Banks community Foundation has recognized our work and granted Feline Hope a $5,000.00 award for the past two years. Many local businesses help with donation cans in their shops.
Lita has two dogs as well as her kitties. Gretta, a 10 year old Shepherd mix, came from the SPCA and the Dare County Animal Shelter and Bella, a hound, lab mix came From the Animal Lovers Assistance League and the Currituck County Animal Shelter. Both dogs walk every year in Kelly's St. Patrick's Day Parade for the Coastal Humane Society.