HSLC Hero – Donna Drake

Serving as HSLC’s Director of Animal Operations, Donna contributed significantly to Virginia serving as a model for the No-Kill philosophy. Donna has rescued thousands of animals, fostered hundreds of animals, improved the lives of thousands of community cats, and relocated hundreds of working cats to safe properties. She opens her house to foster the toughest of dogs and the neediest of cats – all without breaking a sweat. She is the first to answer the call to pull an animal from being euthanized, and she’ll move heaven and earth to find a loving foster home. There is no doubt that Donna has made a lasting impact on animal rescue in Loudoun County, Virginia, and the East Coast – and on both animals and humans alike.

Donna shares her knowledge, passion, and extensive rescue network with other volunteers to amplify her impact. She is a heartfelt advocate and community educator on the importance of trap-neuter-return (TNR) for the health community cats. She often helps with community events and serves as a keynote speaker at volunteer orientations.

On top of all her above contributions, she finds more resources to help HSLC save more animal lives by writing grant applications to request funding and advertising volunteer job vacancies to recruit volunteers. She managed these resources while serving as the Vice President of the Board of Directors and, most recently, as a Member at Large.

Donna’s tireless spirit and efforts are truly inspirational. She sets the example that one person can truly make an impact on the world, and certainly in animal rescue. Although she is a vocal animal rescuer, Donna is humble in sharing her efforts and impact. There are few people who have saved as many animal lives in Loudoun County as Donna has, and she is overdue to receive recognition for her herculean efforts.