Meet Tammy Brzezniak | Physical Therapist and Cat Rescuer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tammy Brzezniak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tammy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The one most important factor in any successful operation is honesty. My rescue is based on a true heartfelt mission of creating a safe, healthy and happy environment for all of my animals. Unlike many rescues who view their operations as a profit generating business, my only concern is the welfare of my animals. If the definition of success is based on one’s earnings, you won’t find me on the cover of Forbes. However if success is determined by one’s humanity; the need to ensure the welfare of every one of my rescue animals, I am proud to call myself an extremely successful person.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I apply a strong work ethic to my professional and personal life. Equally important is my business ethic. Nothing upsets me more than witnessing corporations placing profits over people. The greatest sense of accomplishment as a physical therapist is watching a bed bound person take their first steps. When they thank me for giving them their life back, I know I made a positive difference and there’s nothing more satisfying. Unfortunately not all case assignments are patients who can benefit from any form of therapy or simply have no need for it, yet the agency accepts them simply because they will receive payment from insurance companies. This unethical practice is ongoing and challenging for those of us who have nothing but disdain for such fraudulent practices. I have dealt with this by refusing these type of appointments even if it means a personal loss of revenue.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the mutual benefit of combining patient health care with my love for animals. It has been proven that animals have a positive effect on one’s health. I have placed many of my cats with patients who are home bound, disabled, elderly or just lonely. The patient now has a purpose and the animal has a loving home. I have also helped many of my low income patients by getting their pets fixed. Along with educating them about pet overpopulation I have personally taken their pets to the vet for sterilization and found low cost veterinary services for those with sick pets.
Help is help-whether it’s for two or four legged individuals !

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I love the outdoors and wildlife, my perfect vacation would be camping. Luckily I’m just a few hours away from the Florida Keys, one of my favorite destinations. From the native Key deer to the dolphins and the famous Hemingway cats, there’s always something to amaze you. Equally awesome is the clear blue water and magnificent sunsets. After four or five days of “roughing it” I enjoy the luxury of staying at one of the many fabulous hotels where I can completely relax and enjoy a hot shower and a good meal. Since I’m not a food snob, I’m happy with a good burger and a cold beer!
I’ve learned from my various travel experiences that the most interesting people are the ones you’ve taken the time to know. Everyone has a story and I have learned something from everyone with whom I’ve come in contact. Whether I’m conversing with Europeans in the alps or the lady on line at the supermarket checkout line (usually someone buying pet food!), I have walked away learning something about them and often times about myself.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” This quote from Mahatma Gandhi has given me the inspiration to refresh the world on the importance of caring for our animals and to create value by making a difference. To rescue abandoned, abused and injured animals and to rehabilitate, neuter, vaccinate and find loving adoptive homes for them is what I strive for each and every day.

Website: https://angelicocatrescue.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelico_rescue/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Angelico_Rescue

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelicoCatRescue

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKECFozQ3qyCmvtJtfx7jupS-nnS6k3es