History of FOCCAS

Founder and former director Laura Jorgensen started FOCCAS in 2005 as a new retiree relocating to the Coos Bay Area with husband Gil and numerous cats and dogs. As a volunteer at Coos County Animal Shelter, she took a shelter animal to the mall every week to increase its chances for adoption. From that humble beginning she grew FOCCAS to include countless volunteers and a wide range of services to benefit the local cat and dog population. 

The nonprofit, Friends of Coos County Animals, Inc. (FOCCAS), was established in March 2006. During Laura’s 15 year tenure as Director, hundreds of displaced pets found new homes, and thousands of pets and ferals were neutered through our Community Outreach program for many who otherwise could not afford the surgeries. Her tireless energy and dedication to animals will long be remembered in Southwestern Oregon. We are forever grateful and thankful for her contribution to our community.

Laura passed away on July 24, 2020. She will be remembered as an amazing, dedicated savior to so many animals and a fiercely passionate advocate for animal welfare.