Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL).
Rachael Benedict is a WUL Hometown Hero, nominated by three people “For volunteering hours of her time to help community members reunite with their lost pets and giving guidance and advice to those who have found stray and abandoned pets.”
Patty Beran said of Rachael, “There isn’t a more compassionate, knowledgeable person in the community helping owners find lost pets and giving guidance to those who’ve found strays and abandoned pets. Rachael makes herself available to help find lost/escaped pets and even transport if needed. In addition to helping residents in need of pet supplies and other resources. Our Whitewater area pets are lucky to have such a caring individual looking out for them.”
Stephanie Goettl said of Rachael, “I just wanted to reach out to nominate someone for your Hometown Hero series. Rachael Benedict has done a tremendous amount of work for our community, not only working to assist with the feral cat population but also ALWAYS being willing to assist anyone with a lost pet. I have seen her go out of her way at late or early hours to assist strangers with finding lost cats, dogs, and more unique pets. Even with a young child at home, she volunteers to help and expects nothing in return. She always offers advice to pet owners for how to avoid these situations in the kindest possible way and is there without judgment when it does occur. As someone who loves my pets like children, I am grateful to know someone like Rachael would be there if something awful like losing them did take place.”
Helen Matteson said, “Rachael does a lot for our furry friends and family. She reunites lost humans with their pets and helps trap our furry friends, attempting to locate their loved ones and getting them veterinary care as needed. I rarely see her ask for help. Permission to trap on various properties, yes, but rarely for help.”
At the time the award was given, Rachael had a stray cat in her care ready to take to a shelter. This would be her 100th animal rescue this year alone. She has been helping pets and their families for six years.
All of Rachael’s efforts are completely volunteer-based and done in her free-time. She is deeply passionate about making a difference in the community and is committed to creating lasting, positive change. Currently Rachael is working to establish a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help raise funds and apply for grants to expand her impact. Anyone who wishes to contribute funds to help her with her volunteer rescue activities should contact her at 262-378-1486.
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
