Crazy Cat Lady

First, a little update on volunteering.  Since May, I've served more than 130 hours with 8 different organizations.  75 of those hours have been at SPCA.  I think it's safe to say, I've found my favorite. 

One of the things I like best about SPCA is that there are so many different things I can do there. 

Hanging out with cats and kittens waiting to be adopted was what drew me in, and I love to do that. 

On the days I don't have anything else going on, I like to go in right after dropping the kids off at school, before they're open to the public. 

Starting the day giving some love to my furry friends makes me happy.  And so does the high turn over rate.  Most of these cats pictured have already been adopted. 

Another way I like to help out is by working the vaccine clinic days.  On these days, people bring their pets in for their shots.  I've learned a lot.  I've done a variety of positions on vaccine clinic days, and I like that it's interesting and busy.  It's funny, I've never been a dog person, but I'm learning to like them because of helping out.  Puppies can't be on the floor of the clinic until they've had all their shots (usually around 6 months old) and some of the larger breeds require a cart during their visit.  I've assisted people with their carts and met some nice dogs.  And I'm often handed leashes while pet owners use the restroom.  Whether I'm taking names, or helping people carry pet food to their car, or drawing up shots, the time passes quickly on vaccine clinic days. 

This sweetheart is Shirley, who is a special kitty I always liked to stop and visit.  She spent most of her time perched up on a shelf.  But she loves to have her head scratched.  Her info has disappeared from the website, so she may have been adopted.  I'll be sure to check next time I'm in. 

Another favorite way I serve is at the feral cat clinic.  Concerned citizens trap feral cats and bring them in to be spayed or neutered.  I had no idea how large the feral population was until I started helping out here.  We usually fix around 100 cats each weekend.  Those animals are then re-released into the colonies they came from.  I work recovery, helping them wake up after surgery, and it's always a little sad to know that all those beautiful animals are homeless. 

Some of the pictures I take while I pet cats end up on the website, and I hope they are helping to find those animals homes. 

Benny is a gorgeous kitty who was so photogenic I just couldn't resist snapping a few shots of him from outside his multi cat habitat during a vaccine clinic day.  I sent a couple on to one of the "real" volunteer photographers, who added them to Benny's profile online, and Benny has since been adopted. 

I know people think of SPCA as cats and dogs, but there are often other small animals in need of homes, as well. 

We frequently have bunnies, and various other smalls.  Right now, there are a couple of chickens and a bird. 

It's probably a good thing Paul has said I can't bring any of them home.  I fall in love with somebody pretty much every week. 

It's easy to do when they're so eager for attention. 

This is Boots, who is very vocal.  We had quite the conversation last week! 

The vast majority of the cats are short haired, so I'm sure someone will see Boots' longer fluff and fall in love. 

I am blessed to be able to "give back" in a way that gives so much to me. 


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