Jeff Morey and Gail Harris were already active at Greenhill as Kennel Care Assistants and Dog Walkers when they were asked if they would be interested in fostering, as well. “Gail and I have volunteered at Greenhill for years. We were asked one day whether we could foster a pair of 3-month old kittens until they were ready for adoption,” Jeff shared. “We had a little extra room at home and love in our hearts to spare, so we thought “Why not?” We’ve been fostering since July 2008, and it’s been a fun roller coaster ever since.”

Having fostered over 50 cats and kittens, including adults, litters of kittens and Mom cats with babies, Jeff shared one of his most memorable fostering experiences. In 2010, Jeff and Gail cared for two 6-week old underweight and sick stray kittens named Tennessee (“Teddy”) and Connie. Teddy’s health was especially poor, and required a lot of extra care and attention. Jeff said, “He [Teddy] was a very happy little guy, but he often had difficulty breathing at times, and we were genuinely afraid of losing him. I’ve got fond memories of “steaming” Teddy while sitting on our laps in our closed and very hot murky shower room attempting to clear his sinuses. He eventually thrived, and he and his sister went to forever homes. Watching all our foster animals thrive and be adopted has been very satisfying.”

Jeff also shared his favorite part about fostering. “We love the energy and variety of having various animals with different personalities and characteristics in the house. We feel that we’re an important part of the Greenhill team attempting to give animals a second chance. It’s also very nice to feel “needed”.” Jeff added, jokingly, “It’s good for my blood pressure.”

Born in Eugene, Jeff grew up mostly in Oregon. He has been an optometrist at Rainbow Optics in Eugene since 1980 and still enjoys his time caring for the eyes and vision of his patients. He and Gail enjoy the outdoors and traveling. They enjoy birding, photography, live theater and music, as well as hiking and backpacking, and love seeing and spending time in obscure places. Jeff also collects stamps, reads, and spends time visiting, supporting and volunteering at Friends of Buford Park and Mt. Pisgah. He also does no-cost eye exams for low-income patients through Volunteers in Medicine.

Jeff believes that fostering is a great way to help animals in need. “Animals need a second chance, and the need is greater than ever.” Adding, “It is also beneficial for our “karma” to do a little extra good in the world.”