Hometown Heroes – Kyla and Ilene Speizer

This week’s Hometown Heroes are Kyla and Ilene Speizer, a dynamic mother-daughter duo that specializes in putting in hours at Orange County Animal Services, caring for animals and working hard to find each and every one a home.

“Kyla was always an animal lover, and so when she turned 13 and decided she wanted to volunteer, she could only volunteer with a parent,” said Ilene Speizer. “We decided to do it together, and we have a great time doing it together.”

Ilene’s daughter Kyla, a sophomore at East Chapel Hill High School, has been volunteering with her mother for two and a half years.

“She comes in twice a week, sometimes more, and has excelled here and gotten many animals adopted out to great forever homes,” said Sarah Fallin, Program Coordinator for OCAS. “She brings a very positive attitude with her every day and is great with informing members of the public about our adoptable animals, making sure they find the perfect fit.”

Kyla and Ilene work together at the shelter since 2014 to bath, groom, socialize, train, walk, hold, and love the animals and future pets at OCAS. In addition, they hold meet and greet adoption counselling and help with special shelter events. Over their two and a half years of volunteer work, the Speizers have seen many animals they love go to good homes, but not all the animals are so fortunate.

“Our worst experiences at OCAS have come from watching spectacular animals be returned by adopters for reasons that could have been avoided,” said Ilene Speizer. “Apartment complexes not allowing certain dog breeds, or the owner being allergic to cats.”

Thankfully, many of the OCAS animals have found loving and fitting forever homes, thanks to Kyla and Ilene.

The Speizers enjoy volunteering together, and keeping busy through making a positive impact in the lives of animals who need help and appreciate the extra attention and love. Their work in improving the world they live in isn’t limited to OCAS, though. They also support the Eastern Region Odyssey of the Mind by leading training for coaches, kids and support the competition events and through the “Elly Fund,” which helps financially support the education of one boy and one girl from a slum in Nairobi, Kenya.

Thank you, Kyla and Ilene Speizer, for all you do in our Hometown! As they put it, school and work sometimes get in the way of volunteering. While that’s true, we hope that you continue to work together to make the world a brighter and friendlier place for both animals and fellow human beings.

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Photo Gallery: 2020 Hometown Heroes Luncheon

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This week’s Hometown Heroes are Kyla and Ilene Speizer, a dynamic mother-daughter duo that specializes in putting in hours at Orange County Animal Services, caring for animals and working hard to find each and every one a home. “Kyla was always an animal lover, and so when she turned 13 and decided she wanted to […]

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