Supporter Spotlight: Consie Berghausen
For Consie Berghausen, caring for others has never been a passing interest, it has been a constant throughout her life. A clinical psychologist by training, she spent many years in private practice. As she began to spend more time on Cape Cod, she started a support group for older women through her church.
Animals have always been part of her story. Growing up, their home was always filled with rescue animals, and whenever her parents couldn’t find Consie, they knew exactly where she’d be: downstairs playing with the dog. And one winter day, her family found a kitten struggling in a snowstorm and brought it home. Moments like these reinforced a lesson that stayed with her for life: animals depend on people to notice, to care, and to act.
That sense of responsibility stayed with her as she grew older. Consie would send whatever amount she could to organizations working to protect animals. Later, when she had more to give, she simply gave more. That philosophy of giving what you can, when you can, continues to guide her philanthropy today.
Consie believes strongly that our relationship with animals carries a responsibility. “In a world that uses and abuses animals, we should do our best to care and protect them,” Consie states. This belief shaped how she lives, gives, and teaches others. After her youngest left for college, Consie stepped away from full-time therapy work and into the world of children’s literature.
She began writing books to help children respect nature and care for animals. Today, she has six books inspired by the wildlife she sees at her homes on Cape Cod and in Arizona. Her daughter, Nina, even helped by illustrating the books, making it a true family project.
Consie first connected with ARL more than 25 years ago when she adopted a cat from the Brewster location. Over time, her admiration for ARL’s work deepened. She is especially inspired by the organization’s work protecting animals from cruelty and its community programs that help people keep their pets during difficult times.
Over the years, Consie and her husband have supported a wide range of efforts—from animal welfare organizations to helping establish a small medical clinic in Mexico—but their guiding philosophy has remained the same. They choose to invest in trusted organizations that are making a real difference for animals and communities.
Supporting ARL through monthly giving felt like a natural extension of that philosophy. By giving each month through ARL’s Champions Circle, Consie provides steady, reliable support that helps sustain the organization’s work year-round. For Consie, the idea is simple: there is always a way to help. And sometimes the most powerful way to help is through small, consistent acts of generosity. Even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting difference.
Make a Difference for Animals Every Month
Your compassion can make an impact all year long. By becoming a monthly donor to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, you provide reliable, ongoing support to help animals get the care, comfort, and second chances they deserve.









