In many ways, Carol Link’s life has been defined by serving animals. With over 30 years in the field, she’s done it all—starting out in Nova Scotia as an animal care attendant and animal cruelty investigator, then bringing her skills and passion to Ontario. Now, after 27 years at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, and 16 years as the manager of the Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre, Carol is retiring.
Getting started at the Ontario SPCA
Carol began working with animals when she was 18 and living in Nova Scotia. She says sometimes she thinks working in animal welfare is something that chooses you, not the other way around.
“I think I knew right from the beginning that this was something I wanted to be a part of,” says Carol. “That I needed to be that voice for the animals.”
After moving to Ontario from Nova Scotia, Carol says she worked for the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, eventually joining the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre in Brockville where she worked for 11 years in animal care Then, about 16 years ago, an animal centre manager role opened at the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre. Carol has been there ever since.
“Animals are a big part of my life, and I can’t imagine it any other way. I think it’s just time to hand over the reins and I’m excited to see what comes,” says Carol.
Changing the lives of animals in need
During her time with the organization, Carol says she has seen many changes and experienced different joys and challenges. However, she says seeing the daily impact made in the lives of animals and community members makes it all worthwhile.
Over the years she’s also personally fostered more animals than she can count, and currently has six adopted pets at home.
“Whether it’s as simple as being able to support a family so that the animal doesn’t have to come to the shelter, or rehoming animals and hearing their adoption stories, that’s big for me,” says Carol.
On to the next adventure
Carol says this work has molded her in a lot of ways, and that she’s grateful to all the people she’s had the pleasure of working with over the years. She says she’s excited to see what will come next for Cornwall.
“I’m very grateful to have been part of this family,” says Carol.
We wish Carol all the best as she spends time with her family, two dogs and four cats in her retirement. We look forward to what the future holds for the animals in our community thanks to Carol’s years of dedication and commitment to animal well-being.
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