As a little girl who brought home and nurtured countless homeless critters during her childhood in Schuylkill County, Liz McCauley had no idea she would one day helm the $2 million operations of a beloved community animal shelter. Named executive director of the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in February, she’s come full circle, facilitating the amazing work that goes into the adoption and care of more than 8,000 animals each year. McCauley loves her work – and everyone she encounters through it – but especially treasures the fur family she and her husband, Bob Mierzejewski, have created in their Kenhorst home.
Q: How did you get into non-profit work?
I started working right out of school and took classes for nine and a half years before earning my bachelor’s degree in business from Albright College. Most recently, I worked for six years for the Chamber [Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry]. I earned my MBA from Alvernia University in May, while working 60 hours a week, and I’m so glad I did because I wouldn’t have been prepared for my new role without that extra education.
Q: Had you been involved with animal organizations?
I rescued my first dog, Sammy, and discovered a brochure about puppy mills. That changed my life. I became actively involved in advocacy groups against mills, which led to my volunteering at the ARL. Eventually I served for four years on the ARL’s board and learned a lot about non-profit management. I had to resign from the board to complete grad school but continued to help as much as I could. And then, in February, I was named executive director.
Q: So Sammy was first but he’s not the only dog in your house.
Yes, I now have four rescued Shiba Inus, a breed from Japan. Sammy is about 10, and we have our old guy, Saki, who’s 16, as well as 10-year-old females Abbey and Holly. I still foster others as well – all breeds, mostly older dogs – until they find their forever homes. I am proud to have been on the board when the ARL started some of its fostering programs for special needs pets, because some need a little longer to get adopted. We don’t turn any animal away for any reason, so we work with people who foster, with sanctuaries, rescue groups – we will do everything in our power to find the right home for an animal.
Q: I bet there are some tough days at work.
There are. I’ve often cried with people. It can be sad if a pet is sick or injured or dies. But I try to think of the good stories and happy endings, when an old dog finds the perfect home or a sick cat is saved and then adopted. It helps to balance the nature of the work and reminds me – and all our many wonderful, valued, amazing volunteers – of why we do this.
Q: What was your very first pet?
It was probably a cat. I brought so many strays home as a little girl, too many to remember exactly which one. I still love cats, but in a house full of dogs, I can’t have one – but I can visit the gorgeous cat colony at the shelter and get my feline time.
Q: Speaking of time, what do you do in your down time – your favorite human-only activities?
[laughs] Bob and I love to cook and have many dear friends to do things with. We also really like flea markets. Oh, and watching football.
