Cinnamon Bun is one of dozens of cats in the care of Caroline Lyons, a volunteer at Middletown's animal shelter, Pets Alive. She’s the resident cat lady there and you probably couldn’t guess how many cats she’s taken care of.

"Hundreds. I’ve been here for eight years so it’s like so many cats have come, so many cats have gone," she said.

Every week, she spends at least two days there, cleaning up, feeding, and playing with over 30 cats, both young and old.

One cat in particular, Timmy, is loved by all his caretakers. Lyons said he’s ready for his forever home.

"We really love Timmy. He's a sweetheart," she said.

When COVID-19 hit in March, Lyons was disappointed when Executive Director Becky Tegze asked all volunteers to stay home.

"I was very sad. When she said volunteers have to stay home, I even asked, I said, 'that doesn't mean me does it?'" she said.

She was happy to be one of the first volunteers to return in July.

"I always call this place my happy place because I'm just happy when I'm here," Lyons said.

Becky Tegze is executive director of Pets Alive. She said Caroline answered the call to volunteer at a crucial time, some eight years ago.

"We had over 100 cats and kittens come in in a 24-hour period and she fell in love with the place. She fell in love with the cats and she hasn't left since," said Tegze.

Lyons said she has no plans to slow down now, as the ongoing pandemic is a reminder that volunteers are needed now more than ever.