Animal shelter volunteer remembered by her peers

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A two-vehicle crash occurred Wednesday evening just west of Milford, killing Hoopeston resident and animal-lover Sara Rhodes. Now, those Rhodes worked with at the Vermilion County Animal Shelter are remembering her.

She was a volunteer at the shelter. Adoption Manager Kathleen Orcutt said Rhodes was always a giver.

“I’ve known Sara for about 10 years. Anybody that met her knew that she was animal-oriented. Yes, she had a job and she had a career, but she lived her life to serve animals,” Orcutt said.

Rhodes traveled as far as Texas to save dogs.

She crashed on her way back from another rescue trip. A foster dog was with her when she crashed, and also died in the accident.

“She didn’t do anything small. She was very much a go-getter,” Orcutt continued. “She wanted change, she wanted better for the animals.”

Rhodes was also a volunteer member of Hospice Hearts Animal Rescue in Urbana. The group said she always helped when she could.

“She encouraged adoption, or she encouraged people to be more active in the animal welfare industry. She was just an absolutely amazing person,” Orcutt said.

Rhodes is one who will always be remembered for her dedication to animals that were left behind.

The Vermillion County Animal Shelter said volunteering gives people a chance to gift these animals with deserving homes. Anyone can start by just donating litter, cat food, or their time to helping the shelter.

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