A computer systems analyst, Ed discovered Ollie's Place in the summer of 2004 when (due to job outsourcing), he was enjoying a "summer of leisure." Ed came across an article in the Daily News announcing the opening of Ollie's Place. He was immediately charmed by Ollie's model of an open room where the cats could roam free; playing, exploring and auditioning potential families. With extra time on his hands and open to something fun to do, Ed stopped by Ollie's one day, looked around and signed up as a volunteer. Long after his "summer of leisure" had ended, Ed stayed on at Ollie's Place.

Though he always enjoyed the company of animals, Ed never had any growing up because his mother didn't want to deal with all the fur! He has since made up for lost time in that arena by surrounding himself with loving animals.

Currently, Ed enjoys the company of four cats, Bosco, Smokey, Fred, and Sascha. Bosco is the tough guy, the alpha male in the house. The son of a co-worker's cat, Bosco is the only cat Ed has ever had who was never a stray. Adopted by Ed when he was about eight weeks old, he is now a sturdy twelve years old. Smokey is a dainty little girl who purred her way into Ed's heart about five and a half years ago. Next was Fred who is an Ollie's Place alumni. He joined Ed's menagerie around Thanksgiving of 2004. Last but certainly not least is Sascha, another cat from Ollie's Place. She came to recuperate at Ed's house after cancer surgery last summer and just decided to stay. Of course, Ed and his family didn't object and Sascha is in excellent health today!

Sadly, Ed's clan was even bigger last year before the unfortunate loss of two beloved cats in the same week! Jake, who also came to Ed from Ollie's Place, had lived with him for four years and was described by Ed as "the sweetest cat you ever met." The week before Christmas, he was taken from his family far too soon after succumbing to a squamous cell carcinoma in his throat. Days later, their 21 year old cat, Miss Kitty, who was Ed's very first pet, passed as well. Ed thinks she died of a broken heart after her protector Jake had passed on.

Of all of the many things Ed loves about volunteering with Ollie's Place, the part he enjoys the most is watching people's eyes light up when they first visit Ollie's Place and see all the cats out and about and running around. He has a lot of fun watching visitors get down on the floor to play with the cats.

The biggest challenge Ed has faced in his time at Ollie's is wonderment at why so many lovable animals are abandoned. His ultimate wish for Ollie's cats and animals everywhere is that each one that needs a home will find a caring, loving family. Barring that dream, he hopes that there will always be enough funds and compassionate people to care for those animals until they find their forever homes.

In his (rare) spare time, Ed enjoys reading, weekly piano lessons, and travel; he has visited more than 25 foreign countries! His favorite pastime is relaxing on a beach studying the inside of his eyelids¿

Ed is an exceptionally caring volunteer, especially with giving the cats attention and love. We at Ollie's Place are so grateful for the work he has done with us and for his generous, gentle spirit.

If you are interested in learning more about voluntering, please email kitcoord@gmail.com