Tom Dowling

Tom was raised in Tacoma, which included a diverse pet community that unfortunately excluded cats (due to family reasons).  However he was the proud parent of many dogs, 2 rabbits, 2 rats, a gerbil, many fish, a chameleon, many frogs, an ant farm, sea monkeys, and other various “pets”.   As of 2023, Tom rescued and rehomed 18 different Humane Society cats.  He currently has 2 cat "fur-babies" and 1 dog.

Winning 1st and 2nd place in two Humane society community events led him to a lifetime membership at the Tacoma Pierce County Humane Society.   His family was very involved in supporting the Point Defiance Zoo, the Humane Society, and many veterinarians in the Pierce and King County areas. (WA)

Close friend Bill Gazecki inspired Tom to make a difference and becoming a benefactor to many organizations, including the William Gazecki Animal Shelter, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Northwest Spay and Neuter Center, the Kindred Souls Foundation, the Auburn Valley Humane Society, the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society, the Cat Doctor Veterinary Center Fund, Tiger Haven in Tennessee, and now the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society (OPHS).Tom also grew up admiring Bob Barker and supporting Bob’s campaign of Spay & Neuter across the country.  Tom hopes to inspire others to assist in the OPHS ongoing mission.