About Us
Our Mission
CAPE works to save the lives of animals who are older or who have special needs, and to educate and empower people to alleviate animal suffering in their own communities.
In addition to our rescue work, CAPE is committed to educating the public about the interconnected issues facing animals and humans in our world today. Our educational programs emphasize that all animals deserve the right to a long, happy life free from suffering.
Through our education events, sanctuary tours, and the award-winning Animal Film Festival, CAPE has welcomed thousands of visitors from all over the world to learn about and fall in love with all animals. We continue to advocate for animals alongside other social justice movements, building a world in which all beings are free from suffering.
Our Story
CAPE’s story began in 1992, following the rescue of a big, slobbery dog named Huckleberry. This unruly, chaotic, spirited hound became the spark that inspired CAPE’s co-founder, JP Novic, to create an organization rooted in compassion and committed to saving the lives of animals with special needs.
Since then, CAPE has rescued thousands of animals through its hands-on rescue efforts and award-winning education programs.
Here are some notable accomplishments:
Speaking of Animals Radio and Television Show – CAPE hosted a weekly radio show, which expanded to a television show on the local Santa Cruz networks. Speaking of Animals was a platform dedicated to animal issues, providing insightful, engaging discussions about animal welfare and health.
Old Friends – CAPE filmed and produced an award-winning documentary showcasing the stories of rescued senior animals as they live out their golden years with their human companions.
Viva Los Perros – CAPE filmed and produced a second documentary film about the inspiring rescue stories of dogs in Mexico City, MX.
Sanctuary – Established the CAPE Animal Sanctuary in Grass Valley, California, offering a permanent, loving home to animals with special needs.
Animal Film Festival – 2013-2018 CAPE hosted the Animal Film Festival, bringing together filmmakers and animal lovers to celebrate inspiring and educational films about animal issues.
Muttopia – CAPE partnered with Compassion Without Borders to create Muttopia, a shelter dedicated to rescuing and caring for dogs in Santa Rosa, CA.
Wildfire Animal Assistance Fund (WAAF) — Due to higher frequency of fires throughout the west coast, CAPE established the WAAF program to help animals injured or displaced by wildfires or other natural disasters.
Nevada County Spay/Neuter Coalition (NCSN) — CAPE partnered with local animal rescue groups in Nevada County to form the NCSN, providing low-cost spay-neuter services to Nevada County residents. NCSN has had major success and impacted countless animals and families in the community through low-cost spay-neuter surgeries.
Today – CAPE continues to provide daily care and medical support to a diverse group of rescued animals, including chickens, pigs, goats, dogs, cats, donkeys, and burros, ensuring they live healthy, happy lives.
In 2025, CAPE transitioned to new leadership. You can read the announcement below.
JP Novic,
Co-Founder
Dear Friends,
For the past 32 years, I have had the absolute honor of ushering CAPE through thousands of animal rescues, hundreds of educational programs, and dozens of movie making and screening events. For the most part, this work has been filled with joy, passion, and community. But just like anything worthwhile that involves saving lives, there is always a flip side - long, tiring days, the heartbreak of knowing you can’t save them all, and witnessing the unspeakable suffering that humans inflict on innocent animals.
Over the years, I have received thousands of cards, letters, and emails from people who have reached out to say “thank you” to CAPE for helping animals in the way that we do. It always fills me with deep gratitude when I read these messages. But really – the thanks go to all of you. CAPE has always been a team effort. It is all of us - you, me, volunteers, the CAPE staff as well as the Board of Directors, and donors who have, with kindness and humility, just done what needed to be done to help those who needed it most. We have accomplished something remarkable, and we have done it with pure kindness and heart, for no other reason than it was the right thing to do.
I have some big news to share with you.
At the end of this year, I will be passing the baton - passing the Muck Boots, as it were - and welcoming a new Executive Director to continue CAPE’s mission to rescue and protect animals in need. You may recognize her name or her face from previous CAPE events, newsletters, and photos. She has been volunteering with CAPE for 32 years, almost her entire life. CAPE’s new Executive Director is my daughter, Zoe Novic.
I have thought about this transition for a long time, and I am so excited that CAPE will be in the capable hands of someone who is extremely creative, talented, experienced, ambitious, and kind. Zoe brings a wealth of leadership experience and passion for animal advocacy. After getting her BA in Anthropology from Brandeis University and serving two years in the Peace Corps in Indonesia, Zoe worked as the Bay Area Grassroots Director for The Humane League, a farm animal advocacy organization. She obtained her Master’s in Public Health from Yale, and most recently she worked with Greener by Default as the Healthcare Manager. Zoe’s background in public health, animal advocacy, and her commitment to CAPE’s mission will strengthen CAPE’s work and vision for the future.
I am so excited to watch her build on CAPE’s established successes and create new opportunities to expand our rescue and advocacy efforts. Her introductory letter is below. Please know that I will still be very present at the sanctuary and if you want to come for a tour, just let us know. I promise I’ll wash off the ol’ Muck Boots in preparation to greet you here. Thank you for 32 years of helping animals together. Here’s to many more.
With much gratitude and love,
JP
Zoe Novic, Executive Director
Dear Friends,
It is an honor and a privilege to write to you today as CAPE’s new Executive Director. Some of you may already know me—perhaps as a child tagging along with my mom, visiting shelters to rescue animals in need, or through stories and photos in this very newsletter, where my mom has shared CAPE’s incredible journey over the past 32 years. Wherever our paths may have crossed, I am thrilled to now embark on this new chapter with you.
For over three decades, CAPE has been a beacon of compassion, dedicated to saving the lives of older animals and those with special needs while empowering individuals to make choices that alleviate animal suffering. Together, we’ve accomplished so much: rescuing more than 2300 animals, providing sanctuary to those who might not have had another chance, and spreading messages of empathy and change far and wide.
For me, CAPE has always been an extended part of my family. Founded just six months after I was born, CAPE has grown alongside me—a sibling in mission and spirit. Over the years, I’ve witnessed CAPE’s:
Remarkable growth and had the joy of being part of key milestones:
The establishment of the CAPE Animal Sanctuary.
Launching the Animal Film Festival and the Speaking of Animals television show.
Filming and distributing the Old Friends and Viva Los Perros documentaries.
Opening the Muttopia shelter in collaboration with Compassion Without Borders.
Partnering with California county animal shelters to rescue animals in need.
And so much more—all made possible by your unwavering support.
As I step into this role, I’ve come to appreciate even more deeply what makes CAPE unique: it is an organization powered by compassion. Our small but mighty team, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and inclusive community are the heart and soul of this work.
Looking ahead, CAPE will continue to lead with compassion, building upon the solid foundation already laid. Our commitment to animal rescue, adoption, vet care, and community outreach and education remains steadfast. Together we will explore new strategies to expand our impact and create even more meaningful change for animals and the people who love them.
Thank you for your trust and partnership on this journey. I look forward to building a future with you that reflects the compassion, hope, and resilience that CAPE embodies.
With gratitude,
Zoe Novic
Executive Director
Meet the Team
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Zoe Novic
Executive Director
Zoe brings a wealth of leadership experience and passion for animal advocacy.
After getting her BA in Anthropology from Brandeis University and serving 2 years in the Peace Corps in Indonesia, Zoe worked as the Bay Area Grassroots Director for The Humane League, a farm animal advocacy organization.
She obtained her Master’s in Public Health from Yale, and most recently she worked with Greener by Default as the Healthcare Manager. Zoe’s background in public health, animal advocacy, and her commitment to CAPE’s mission will strengthen CAPE’s work and vision for the future.
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JP Novic
CO-FOUNDER
In 1992, JP founded CAPE alongside a dedicated group of veterinarians, medical professionals, and animal protection volunteers. She served as Executive Director for 32 years.
During her leadership, JP rescued thousands of animals from overcrowded shelters, abuse, and neglect. She created award-winning humane education programs, including the Speaking of Animals radio and TV shows, and the Animal Film Festival. JP’s vision for a kinder world is evident not only through CAPE’s work but also in the compassionate culture she fostered within the organization and community.
JP continues to care for animals at the sanctuary and serves on CAPE’s Board of Directors.
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Lori Perry
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Lori joined CAPE in 2013 after participating in CAPE’s elephant ride protests at the Nevada County Fair. Starting as a part-time admin, she quickly took on animal care responsibilities, became an Assisted Living foster home for multiple CAPE dogs, and helped start manage CAPE’s WAAF program! Lori is grateful for the joy her job brings, saying, “Being part of CAPE is life-changing, where gratitude and compassion are felt every day, for both people and animals.”
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Rene Alger
LEAD ANIMAL CARE
The only thing Renee has ever wanted to do was help our fellow humans and animals, though they didn’t know exactly how. They began by working at assisted living facilities, pet shops, and dog kennels. After a life-changing shift during COVID, they took a leap and moved from Sacramento to Grass Valley.When Renee found CAPE’s job listing, it felt like a gift—an opportunity to be closer to their dream of caring for animals. Things fell into place, and now, as the on-site Lead Animal Caregiver at CAPE, Renee has built strong bonds with the animals and staff, proving that dreams really do come true.
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Julie Wang
ANIMAL CARE
Julie is a Nevada County native, though she spent over 20 years in Southern California, where she gained two ex-husbands and two perfect children. Now an advocate for mental health and compassion for animals and children, she has a sanctuary in Penn Valley with ten goats, three cats, one dog, and an elderly chicken named Penny, with much love and thanks to her partner in crime, Nathan. In 2023, Julie decided to volunteer for CAPE. Instead, she was offered a job! Julie says that working with others who hold animals in high esteem has been amazing! She is “way down deep in her DNA grateful.”
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Alex Maloney
ANIMAL CARE
Starting as a dog walker and cat cuddler at a local animal shelter in 2014, Alex went on to foster cats, kittens, and puppies, housing almost 700 animals in her time fostering. Alex became an employee at the animal shelter, where she worked her way up into management and then shelter operations.
Alex has her Master’s degree in Social Work from USC (Fight on, Trojans!) where she studied Community Organization, Planning, and Administration. Alex joined the CAPE team at the beginning of 2024. She is passionate about humane education, building community support programs, and animal rights. Alex is so grateful to be a part of the important work at CAPE! -
Cathy Townsend
FOSTER CARE & ADOPTION MANAGER
Cathy connected with CAPE in 2001 when she adopted her CAPE dog, Elsie. It was Elsie’s care that inspired Cathy to begin fostering for CAPE and in due time she became the Foster Care and Adoption Manager! Cathy also volunteers and fosters for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, where she’s been involved for 14 years.Grateful for the experiences, Cathy says, "I am often thanked for what I do, but it's me who is thankful! I have learned so much from every single soul that has come through my door. The compassion and dedication from everyone at CAPE has inspired me and I am so proud and honored to be a part of this wonderful organization."
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Nancy Eaton
OUTREACH COORDINATOR
In the early 90s, Nancy helped produce CAPE’s Speaking of Animals show, an educational cable TV show that aired over 100 episodes and won multiple awards. She also co-wrote music for CAPE's shows, including the theme songs for Viva Los Perros! and Animal Eyes.Nancy volunteered at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, writing the “Dear Tabby” newsletter column, and spent 12 years rescuing and fostering with the Bay Area Poodle Rescue and CAPE. She also managed the Santa Cruz SPCA for seven years. Now, as CAPE’s Outreach Coordinator, Nancy continues to foster special-needs dogs. In her free time, she writes music, poetry, and short stories, and enjoys serenading her fur-BFFs on guitar, piano, or flute.
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Mack
CAPE OFFICE MANAGER
Mack spends his time as Office Manager sleeping, cuddling, and taste-testing CAPE treats. He was recently quoted in a New York Times interview stating that his work philosophy is “walk hard, nap hard.”
He is a very helpful Office Manager and he hopes to be promoted soon.
Board of Directors
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Becky Smith
Becky has been an animal advocate for decades. While in graduate school, she created an arrangement with a local veterinarian to care for dogs and cats that had been dumped in her rural neighborhood. She created an informal abandoned dog placement project and encouraged fellow students to adopt many of the animals who needed homes.
At the close of her high technology career in 2010, Becky decided to focus on the care and well-being of wildlife and domestic animals. This involved volunteer work with the Peninsula Humane Society’s Wildlife Care Center, the Oiled Wildlife Care Network, and an operations/admin. role with HSUS’s Rural Area Veterinary Services team.
Becky was invited to join the Board in 2000 to provide business and financial guidance, and since then she has become a vital and integral part of the team. -
Bonnie Yoffe-Sharp, DVM
Dr. Yoffe-Sharp is a veterinarian who is also a founding member of CAPE. She was on the organizing committee to establish a specialty in shelter medicine and earned her specialty as a Diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Shelter Medicine in 2016. Dr. Yoffe-Sharp has spent most of her career practicing shelter medicine both as Medical Chief of Staff at the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA for 14 years and then as City Veterinarian for the City of Palo Alto's municipal animal shelter for 20 years.
Dr. Yoffe-Sharp has also done relief work in both emergency and private veterinary hospitals. Dr. Yoffe-Sharp has been a speaker at veterinary conferences on the topics of the link between interpersonal violence and animal abuse as well as on the veterinarian's role in recognizing and reporting animal abuse. She has also trained veterinarians and veterinary students on early age spay and neuter techniques.
Dr. Yoffe-Sharp has been published in the JAVMA (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association) as well as authored a chapter in the Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians textbook. -
Josh Novic, MA, MD
Josh Novic, M.A., M.D., is a founding member of CAPE. He has been committed to animal rights since his college days. While a neurology resident, he testified in the California senate in support of a bill to exempt interested high school students from participating in animal dissections. As a member of the Stanford Medical Ethics Committee, he published a letter in the New England Journal of Medicine criticizing the committee's official report that attempted to justify the use of animals in medical experimentation.
He and JP Novic have a longstanding mutual interest in animal rights, and in fact their wedding vows specifically acknowledged this! Their greatest joy is that their daughter, Zoe, is committed to carrying on with this important work. -
JP Novic
JP's previous career as an occupational therapist at Stanford Hospital ultimately led her to follow her true passion, which is animal rescue and advocacy. In 1982, she made the decision to change her career path and to devote her life to helping animals. She took a position at The Palo Alto Humane Society as the humane educator and to prepare as a presenter in class rooms and lecture halls. She was inspired to delve deeply into animal welfare and animal rights issues. The more she learned about the abuse of animals in the food, bio medical, household product and entertainment industries, the more motivated she became to speak out on behalf of animals regarding these issues.
In 1987, JP went to work for the Peninsula Humane Society as the Volunteer Coordinator and in 1989 she worked for The Humane Farming Association developing educational and outreach materials. From 1985 thru 1990, JP served as the public member of the Letterman Army Institute of Research (LAIR) providing a voice for the animals who were being subjected to extremely inhumane, painful and redundant experiments. In 1991, JP was invited to go to Washington DC where she testified in front of the Congressional Armed Services Committee to report on the extreme animal abuse occurring at LAIR.
In 1991, JP and a small group of dedicated volunteers, founded the Spay Neuter Action Project (SNAP), a non-profit organization based in San Diego, California. SNAP is still going strong today and has provided affordable spay and neuter to thousands of animals in San Diego County.
In 1992, JP, along with a group of dedicated veterinarians, medical doctors and experienced animal protection volunteers, founded CAPE. JP served as the Executive Director of CAPE from 1992-2025. Under her leadership CAPE saved thousands of animals through rescue, outreach and sanctuary programs. -
Hillary Yoffe-Sharp
Hillary has been an animal advocate her entire life. She has saved countless animals in her work throughout Northern California, and she has served as a CAPE board member for 32 years.