After nearly two decades of being Freeland’s resident cat lady, Judy Dewing is leaving behind the purr-fect job for a new adventure – retirement.

Since 2005, visitors to the Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation’s Cat Cottage have been greeted by a cacophony of meows and Dewing, the friendly manager who has facilitated hundreds of feline adoptions over the years.

Dewing officially hung up her cat hat on Thursday. All week, pet owners who have adopted from the Cat Cottage stopped by to bid her farewell.

“They send me photos years after they’re gone,” she said. “And that’s really great. I remember the cats’ names more than I remember the peoples’ names.”

In addition to managing the Cat Cottage for 17 years, Dewing fostered two litters of kittens every year with her husband, Rob. Last year, the couple bottle-fed a total of 10 neonatal kittens simultaneously.

“That was like having a newborn baby,” she said, then added, “It’s invigorating more than tiring.”

Whether it’s been a cat surrendered in the middle of the night or a special needs kitty requiring extra attention, Dewing hasn’t hesitated to help out. She and Rob immediately got involved with WAIF after moving to South Whidbey from San Fransisco, where Dewing had a previous career in human resources.

“Being with WAIF made it all worthwhile coming here,” she said. “We just went right in. We volunteered and then I was here.”

She shared countless success stories of felines, young and old, healthy and unhealthy, who thrived under WAIF’s care.

“He came in just terrified, frozen,” she said of current Cat Cottage resident Halloumi. “You wouldn’t believe he’s the same cat.”

She fondly recalled two of the Cat Cottage’s former permanent residents, Lola and Manny. Framed photos of the late felines are proudly displayed on the shelter’s walls. Lola had plenty of cattitude and was the queen of the place, while Manny was the night watchman.

Over the past 12 years, Dewing has raised nearly $90,000 for WAIF by collecting change in 30 different tin cans around various South Whidbey businesses, including grocery stores, gas stations and pot shops.

In retirement, she plans to spend more time with her husband and her own three cats: Selkie, Be and Bop.

“Anything out of here is going to pale in comparison when I retire, because this was as good as it gets,” she said of her favorite job.

WAIF Executive Director Cinnamon Hudgins praised Dewing for her compassion and incomparable dedication to vulnerable animals.

“The Freeland Cat Cottage won’t be the same, but we can’t expect it to,” Hudgins said. “She is one-of-a-kind and can’t be replaced!”

Rico, a shy kitty who was recently adopted, peeks out from his bed. (Photo by David Welton)

Freeland Cat Cottage manager Judy Dewing with Billy the Kid, a friendly tuxedo cat. (Photo by David Welton)

Puck and Billy the Kid curiously peer out of their cage. (Photo by David Welton)