01/18/2026
Such an amazing lady. She did so many great things for the animals in our area
Today, on her birthday, we remember and honor Kathy Midkiff Tabor a woman whose love for animals and people alike forever changed our community.
Kathy was truly a force of nature when it came to advocating for animals. As the co-founder of ALIVE Animal Services Group, she, alongside a small but fiercely passionate group of individuals, helped transform our local shelter from a high-kill facility into a life-preserving shelter that proudly continues to uphold a no-kill philosophy today. That legacy lives on every single day.
Kathy and her husband, Steve, worked tirelessly with fostering, transporting, and advocating for abused, abandoned, and at-risk animals who had no voice of their own. But Kathy’s compassion didn’t stop there. She was also the kind of friend who never hesitated to drop everything to help someone in need. Her smile warmed hearts, and her compassion was truly unmatched.
When Kathy was diagnosed with cancer, we promised her that the work she devoted her life to would not be forgotten. One of her greatest passions was spay and neuter advocacy. Kathy and Steve spent countless hours researching, drafting, and fighting for a spay and neuter ordinance. After many years, that ordinance is now officially in place — and we know Kathy would be overjoyed to see it become reality.
It is only fitting that ALIVE, which was a dream fulfilled for Kathy , is now scheduling the first recipients of ALIVE’s Spay and Neuter Assistance Program this week, made possible through a grant from the Mercer County Commission. This is Kathy’s vision in action.
ALIVE is honored to carry forward Kathy’s memory and her deep love for animals by continuing to Make a Difference — one life at a time. Because as Kathy so often reminded us…
“It matters.”
If you feel led, please consider making a donation to ALIVE in honor of Kathy’s memory and the legacy she leaves behind. You may donate through PayPal at [email protected] or mail a check to 223 Surratt Street, Bluefield, WV. 24701
Today, as we celebrate Kathy on her birthday, we honor a life lived with purpose, compassion, and unwavering love. Your work continues, your legacy lives on, and your light still guides us. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Kathy — you are deeply missed and forever loved and remembered. 🕊️🎂
