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Patsy Hooks Pet Rescue Award
Kay Wlodarek
Drew Springer, Marsha Brown, Kay Wlodarek, Dennis Hooks
A
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native of Poland, this year’s Recipient of the Patsy
Hooks Pet Rescue Award is now a U.S. citizen and
earned her Bachelors of Science degree at the University
of Texas at Arlington. Animal rights advocate Kay
Wlodarek, who first bought property here in 1996 and
made Parker County her home in 1997, said she was very
surprised by her nomination for the award and curious as
to who put forth her name.
Asked about her favorite way of giving back to the
community, she said, “My goal for the last 20 years has
been to do what I can to fight the systemic challenges
of animal overpopulation. A significant part of our work
has been working with shelters and the community in the
Parker County area to tackle these problems head on, to
include educating the public on ways they can help.”
Wlodarek is operations director of Tall Tails Rescue
and Transport, a full-time volunteer position. She previ-
ously worked for the Small Business Administration
providing disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Katrina
and at the FDIC during the relatively recent bank crisis.
“However, my passion has always been to assist and
advocate for animals, since they are unable to speak for
themselves. So I made the switch to become a full-time
volunteer in order to devote my time and energy towards
animal rescue,” she explained.
Concerning role models, she said her heroes are the
animals she helps. “No matter how terrible of a situation
they are coming from, they still give back unconditional
love,” she added.
Wlodarek said she’d like to be more involved in advo-
cacy, fighting for legislation designed to protect animals,
improve their lives. As far as going anywhere else to work,
she feels she is right where she needs to be.
“Texas has one of the worst animal overpopulation
crises in the country, so I am already working where I can
have the most impact,” she said. “The individuals that I
would want to stand by me are also already by my side.
My partners, volunteers and friends that are involved in
rescue with me are truly invaluable. The work is never-
ending, and often thankless, that these individuals do
day-in and day-out. From the volunteers who clean up
unimaginable messes to the fosters who sit up all night
with scared or broken dogs, and even to the drivers who
risk their lives transporting animals cross-country in all
types of weather, those who I want standing beside me
are all of these individuals who are willing to do what is
needed to help save these animals, including my family
who is understanding of why I do and what I do.”
Wlodarek said all her time is spent helping animals or
with family, leaving little time for movies or books. This
award is acknowledgment of her passion and dedication
and the difference she makes in the community and in the
lives of its animal population.