I wanted to start out a new Sunday post, sharing something in my life that has become very important to me. I have been a volunteer at the SPCA of Central Florida since last March. I volunteer there every Wednesday and every other Friday.
The SPCA of Central Florida has really become a second home for me. I'm pretty introverted and have always struggled throughout my life to find my "niche" or place I fit in. I can say at the age of 26 (at the time), I found it at the SPCA. The staff and volunteers there are so welcoming, friendly, and nonjudgmental. I've made some true friends here with big hearts and open minds.
Before I get into my volunteer duties, I want to share a bit about the SPCA of Central Florida. The SPCA of Central Florida takes in owner relinquished pets and puts them up for adoption. The SPCA of Central Florida does not euthanize for space or time. As long as pet has a non-aggressive temperament and does not have an terminal illnesses, they will be up for adoption. We've had pets as old as 13-15yrs old put up for adoption, and find homes! We've had pets who have been in the shelter over a year, stay in the shelter until they find their home! I am a direct witness to this. You can find out more about the SPCA of CFL policies, missions, and practices
here.
I have 2 volunteer duties at the SPCA:
One, I'm a "Kitty Cuddler"
There is some Kitty Cuddling action for you! As a Kitty Kuddler, my main jobs are to help get cats adopted and to socialize the shelter cats. If a potential adopter comes in, I help answer questions and direct them to a pet that fits their needs. I familiarize them with the adoption price and all that includes (shots/spay/neuter). I also, spend time petting and playing with kitties, so they get as much attention and love as they can in the shelter environment.
Two, I'm a "Kennel Coach"
As a Kennel Coach my job is to help enrich the lives of shelter cats. We have various enrichment activities Kennel Coaches do for the cats each day. Some days we get crafty by making the cats pipe cleaner toys, teaser toys, and kitty mobiles. We also have "cat nip day" where we use cat nip sprays, cat nip bubbles, and dry cat nip to help entice and entertain the kitties. Then there are tuna tacos and tuna balls which are special treats we give the kitties. All of these things help keep kitties entertained, active, and happy while they're at the shelter.
This is just an introduction to my SPCA Sunday posts. I plan on every Sunday, featuring a shelter cat, with their picture and information. I'd also like to share some of my experiences that week while volunteering. The intent of these posts is to be warm, fuzzy, and fun. These posts will not be depressing or sad, I promise you that. I just want to share a meaningful part of my life, that makes me smile. I hope also that it will bring attention to the importance of animal shelters and pet adoption.
Thanks for reading!
Happy Sunday!
