Randy's Blog 

Did you know that Spooky Cat is actually a real person? With a real name, and a wonderful story about compassion? Spend a little time on Care2, and you are sure to meet some very kind and interesting individuals.  And every once in a while you learn tidbits about them you might not have picked up by just looking at their profile page.    

RP: Spooky Cat - do have a real name?

SC:  Christy Mitchell-Grider, aka Spooky Cat
 
RP:  Where are you from?

SC:  I live in the St Louis, Missouri area,  but I was born in San Francisco and grew up in Pacifica and El Sobrante California.
 
RP:  How did you discover Care2?
SC:  I actually didn’t log on to the Internet until 2003. On another site, one of the members was a once famous writer who used to tell us stories. He wrote a story about how he lost his virginity. It was very tasteful, not at all explicit. He was banned from the site.  Seven of us (three are now Care2 members) protested. Yep, we were also banned. It's one of my better moments. And it brought me here, where I belong.
 
RP:  What causes are you most passionate about?
SC:   Animals, in particular finding homes for homeless cats and dogs. Spay & neuter. Women's reproductive rights. Helping people learn how to live in society without returning to prison, (which is also how I make my living).
 
RP: What motivates you to get involved in the Care2 community?
SC: I believe Care2 is a way to make a positive difference. That’s what I'm about.
 
RP: What do you enjoy most about Care2?
SC:  The groups, Camilla's emoticons, my friends and extended family.
 
RP: How has the Care2 community made a difference in your life?
SC: On 3/2/2007 I was involved in a terrible accident. I was driving home from dropping off my son at his after school job; I woke up in an ambulance. I spent time in the hospital so the doctors could be sure they wouldn't need to do surgery to relieve the pressure on my brain. A CAT scan had indicated intracranial bleeding.  
 
My beloved border collie Angel had been riding with me.  Angel was left at the scene and although when I got out of the hospital I posted reward posters and got a story in the local paper to try to find her, we never did.  Angel was killed by a car two weeks later.
 
This was all very difficult. If not for the support of a group of Care2 friends, it would have been even more difficult. There were phone calls, flowers, and all kinds of assistance. Some of the most wonderful people I've ever met, I met on Care2. Y'all know who you are.     
 
RP: What change would you like to see in the world?
SC:  I would like to see people embrace a green lifestyle. If we don't, the world as we know it is done.
 
RP: What inspires you?
SC: The little things. Seeing people help one another, even when they have very little. Those who persevere against the odds.  
 
RP: During each team meeting at the Care2 headquarters an employee gives out a “Make a Difference Award” to a colleague they’d like to recognize for his/her contributions.  If you could give a “Make a Difference Award” to a fellow Care2 member today, who would you give the award to, and why?
SC:  I would never be able to pick just one.  There are too many people on this site who make a huge difference every day. Care2 is filled with heroes.
 

Thank you Spooky Cat  for sharing your story -  and thank you for helping make the Care2 community such a special place.