Joanne Gerow could be described as the champion for animals in Sullivan County, making it her life's work ever since witnessing one of the worst cases of animal cruelty she's ever seen in the 1980s.

"I was 28 years old at the time, and it had a permanent impact on how I look at life, and it also created a goal for me to make life for animals better in my community," said Gerow, the director of the Town of Liberty Animal Shelter and Catskills Animal Rescue.  

Ever since that pivotal moment, she's made animal welfare her life's passion, serving on the Sullivan County SPCA board, as a town of Liberty dog control officer, and getting police academy training as a peace officer.

"I would investigate reports of animal cruelty, a dog tied outside in the inclement weather, animals that didn't have proper shelter," said Gerow. 

Last month, the Sullivan County Legislature awarded Joanne with the Distinguished Citizen Award for her lifelong work protecting and caring for animals in the county. For years, Joanne ran Catskill Animal Rescue (CARE) out of her home. But in 2016, her animal rescue dreams came true.

Alan Gerry, a local businessman, donated five acres of land to Joanne and her organization for an animal rescue haven.

"That's my favorite story to tell," said Gerow. "In 2016, Mr. Gerry asked me what my dream kennel would be, and I worked with an architect, and we designed this building."

It has a 4,000-square foot facility with a kennel with heated floors, a cat room, kitchen, grooming room, a veterinary exam room, and even a dog run with artificial turf for the dogs to play.

The Town of Liberty owns the facility and lets Joanne operate it in exchange for her service. Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff often turns to Joanne to rescue abandoned or homeless pets. 

"She's just always there. She never says no. She's right up there with the firemen and the ambulance corps," the sheriff said.

Her job is not easy. Responding to heartbreaking animal cruelty cases on a daily basis can be difficult.

"People ask me 'how do you do this?' " said Gerow. "I do it out of love for the animals."

If you are interested in adopting a dog or cat from C.A.R.E. and the Town of Liberty Animal Shelter, click here.