In sickness and health, animal rescuer gives her all to 'fur kids'

Susan Lee says she wants to make sure her “fur kids” are well cared for if something happens to her. Lee, who describes herself as an independent animal rescuer, is suffering from Stage 4 cancer. She learned in December that the cancer has spread to her brain.

Lee, 55, has undergone radiation twice – each time coming back to the home where she grew up and where she’s always had animals nearby.

“I love this place. My mom has been blessed, I’ve been blessed to live here,” she said as one of her dogs, Lily, sauntered over to lick her face. The pup is one of eight dogs and six cats that still need homes.

“She loves people, loves people,” Lee said about Lily. “Loves kids – not good with cats.”

Lee has been rescuing animals for 35 years. She said they just need someone to help them out, someone who understands. She’s doing her best to get them adopted.

She said her cancer has strengthened her faith and made her grateful for each day. It has also strengthened her bond with her brood of pets, which also includes special-needs horses.

“I hope there will never be a day that I’m alive that I don’t have an animal with me,” she said. “I worry about my mother. Who is going to look after her? I worry about my animals. Who is going to look after them?”

“Not knowing is the hardest part,” she said. “Not knowing what comes next.”