The Galveston County Daily News

When UTMB graduate student Allison McMullen decided to adopt a kitten, she visited Whiskerville Animal Sanctuary in Texas City.

Two years, three cats, two dozen foster kittens and several foster dogs later, McMullen is an ardent volunteer for the no-kill sanctuary. In fact, when she and her husband, Joe, married in 2008, guests were asked to donate to Whiskerville in lieu of gifts.

These days, Allison juggles schoolwork, research and a graduate assistantship to invest time in the sanctuary’s family of animals, volunteering at least once a week.

“No matter what the task, she was (and still is) always there for us,” wrote Wydell Dixon, Whiskerville owner and founder. “When Hurricane Rita was threatening, she evacuated with the three kitties she adopted from Whiskerville, as well as her four foster babies.

“Again, when Hurricane Ike was headed for us (she lives in Fish Village with her new husband, Joe), they left with their animals, as well as six Whiskerville kittens and one of our dogs…. They simply come no better than this outstanding young woman.”

For her work helping rescued animals, Allison McMullen has been selected as a 2009 Unsung Hero. She joins others selected by The Galveston County Daily News from across the county who were recently honored with a plaque at a reception.

Allison was drawn to Galveston three years ago by the promise of the University of Texas Medical Branch’s research programs in infectious disease and also by the beauty of the island. She is working on her doctorate, studying the West Nile virus and plans to pursue a career in research, helping find vaccines for infectious diseases.

McMullen’s volunteer work with Whiskerville ranges from answering phones to nurturing animals.

“I’d bring them all home if I could,” she said.

The couple has drawn the line at three adopted cats — Holly, Abraham and Melissa — who have become accustomed to sharing their home with rowdy foster kittens and an occasional foster dog.

“I really enjoy it,” McMullen said. “I give up basically every Saturday at the least. It feels good to make a difference and to help something that can’t really help itself.”

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Details To Note

Whiskerville Animal Sanctuary Inc., 409-948-1112, hosts a Pet Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of each month to showcase adoptable cats and kittens. The sanctuary also is open from 3 to 5 p.m. every Friday. Dogs are kept in foster care and are showcased (along with some adoptable kittens) at the Gulfway Plaza storefront located between Bass Outlet and Barcelona Restaurant from noon to 5 p.m. usually on the second and fourth Saturday. Check the Web site calendar to confirm dates. Donate by check or money order to Whiskerville Animal Sanctuary, Inc., 1112 — Sixth Street N., Texas City, TX 77590 or online at www.whiskerville.org. Check the Web site for information on volunteering, and on available pets.