A Foster Spotlight on One of POPP’s Go-To Pet Foster and Animal Trapper, Carol Boggs
Fostering is an important part of Pet Overpopulation Prevention (POPP)’s program because POPP is not a shelter. POPP relies on fosters to provide safe homes for pets while they wait for their forever home.
Carol Boggs is one of the most prolific fosters and animal trappers at POPP, having been with the program for about seven to eight years. Carol was the first customer at the POPP Spay and Neuter Clinic, located in Pasco, when it first opened. She had paid close attention to the opening date, and when it was ready, she was the first to call to get spots for 20-30 trap-and-release cats. Carol is still friends with Dr. Rice, the first vet who worked at the clinic and who greeted her at the door that first day.
She was first introduced to POPP when she adopted two dogs from the program.
“Then I got into helping with kitties, helping raise money. Then I started fostering, trapping, and I became… me,” she explained with a laugh.
A Passion for Fostering with POPP
Carol fosters dogs and cats. She is known for fostering cats that are sick and/or dying.
“Technically, I have about 20 (fosters), but I also have 20 ferals that were never tamed and mine now,” said Carol. “I can touch almost all the ferals now! I’ve had them for about three to five years.”
She specializes in animals that that being treated for Ringworm, a fungal infection that presents in inflamed skin and scaly patches.
“There are not a lot of people who work with Ringworm,” she explained. “So I do everything and anything Ringworm.
When no one is able to help, Carol continuously steps up.
“I love it,” said Carol.
Not only is she a pillar to POPP’s foster program, but Carol is also a go-to person for trapping animals off the streets.
Animal Trapper Extraordinaire
When asked why she’s so good at trapping, she said,
“Patience. We caught a dog the other night. He was matted, you would never have recognized him. I set up and waited, about three and a half hours later, I caught him. We found out through his microchip that he was a dog we were searching for more than two years ago.”
She has so many stories of playing a long game to catch a dog. For Carol, it is only a matter of time before she catches the animal she’s after. Carol loves the thrill that comes with trapping, dogs especially.
“I love watching them go in and know that they’ll finally be safe. And then seeing them thrive afterwards,” said Carol. “There’s a big problem, and I want to help.”
Carol answers the call to anyone, whether it be the Sheriff’s office or a concerned citizen; she feels compelled to help in Oregon and Washington.
Life Outside of Rescuing with POPP
When she’s not caring for her fosters or trapping a stray dog off the highway, Carol works two full-time jobs. She is a caretaker for her disabled brother and is a long-term substitute teacher in Hermiston, Oregon. Carol is currently enjoying teaching a class on business financing and computers at a high school. Her students are very aware of her animal rescue prowess; Carol’s work has earned her a name that is well-known by the community.
If you’re feeling inspired by Carol, consider becoming a foster! You can apply to be a dog foster or a cat foster.
Please reach out if you have questions.