Hometown Hero: Kate's Kitties and K9s

PITTSFIELD, Ill. (KHQA) — Katelynn Royalty is your typical freshman from Barry who enjoys painting and reading, but what makes her so unique is her dedication to animals.

Amy Edwards, Kate's aunt, nominated her for KHQA's Hometown Hero award, noting her selflessness for those she serves.

“In the last 18 months, she has raised over $5,000 for the Pike County Animal Shelter," said Edwards. "She’s not looking to stop anytime soon. She has events planned though next year, and I don’t know any 14-year-old that gives so much of herself to a cause and ask for nothing in return.”

For Kate, who now has her own desk at the shelter, it wasn’t a hard decision to start volunteering.

“I’ve always known I wanted to work with animals," said Royalty. "In June of 2021, I was informed that the Pike County Animal Shelter needed volunteers. I thought it would be for the summer but turns out I love it there.”

According to Edwards, Kate's love for animals has been prominent since she was young.

“The first thing she would do as a little girl is run in and go straight to the dog or to the cat," said Edwards. "She would always ask about them. Anytime we sign a birthday card, we have to include the pets, because they are our family, and she will let us know if we forget somebody. Her entire life has been caring for animals and loving animals.”

Heather Hayden, manager for the shelter, says Kate’s contributions in the last two years has made a huge difference.

“It costs around $300 a week to feed our animals," said Hayden. "Which it depends on the quantity of animals we have, but the money she brings in and the food is substantial. When we go to pay for it, it comes right out of our budget.”

On Saturday, March 4, Katie held her second quarter auction for the shelter. She said they raised over $1,000 last year and was hopeful to surpass that number this year.

While her dedication seems to come easy, I had to ask if it hard not to take all the animals home.

Although she knows she can't take every animal in, she has taken a few kittens in from time to time.

“I know that she took a couple kittens home," said Hayden. "One of them didn’t have paws and it didn’t’ make it. She sees the good, the bad, and the ugly, and we have to be upfront.”

Despite the heartbreak of losing an animal, Kate plans to continue her career at the shelter after she finishes school.

Thanks to the massive turnout for the event, Kate’s Kitties and K9s is happy to announce that over $1,300 was raised for the shelter.

Kate has dedicated so much time and energy to give everything back to the Pike County Animal Shelter, and it’s an honor to be able to call her KHQA's February Hometown Hero.

You can check out the rest of KHQA's Hometown Heroes here.

As always, if you have someone you know that you think deserves a Hometown Heroes award, make sure to nominate them by sending an email to asrmiller@sbgtv.com