Dianne Fox, right, receiving donation for Red Head Strays
For stray and feral cats around Saint John, Dianne Fox is nothing short of a guardian angel. Whether she’s reuniting lost pets with their owners or managing feral colonies, her work ensures that cats across the region get the care they need. It all started with RC, a feral cat she mistook for a raccoon, in her Redhead neighbourhood. From there, Dianne's passion grew into Red Head Strays, a charity that’s changed countless lives.
At the heart of the organization is a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program, which runs every spring and summer to help control feral populations and keep colonies healthy. Dianne is quick to remind pet owners that the best thing they can do is spay or neuter their cats and, if possible, keep them indoors. “It makes a huge difference,” she says.
Red Head Strays is powered by a small but passionate team of volunteers who foster, fundraise, and care for local colonies. Together, they’ve built a thriving community of nearly 11,000 supporters. Dianne’s personality shines through in the quirky details of the organization, including her banner that reads, "One cat away from being the crazy cat lady." She says it’s a playful nod to the fact that no matter how many cats she and her husband, Reg, may have at home, she’s always just one away from officially earning that title.
Want to lend a hand? You can shop their Amazon wishlist or take part in their Valentine’s Day fundraiser, featuring gift packages worth over $1,000. Every bit helps Dianne and her team continue their life saving mission—because for them, every cat is worth it.
Know a Local We Should Feature?
Big thanks to Mary-Ellen Martin for telling us about Dianne and her amazing work with local stray cats. If you know a local hero—or just someone with a great story to tell—drop us a line! We love discovering new faces in the community. Your tip could help us share their story next!