That's cool Kelly!! Do let us know what the orientation is like and what you will be doing!Volunteers are such wonderful and valuable resources!
I too am saddened by the lack of people's responsibility. If it weren't for irresponsible people, there wouldn't be such an animal surplus and so much neglect. I wish I had more time and money to help out with needy organizations. I pick two organizations to donate a little bit of money to once a year. I know it's not much, but it's all I can afford.
When I first moved out here, I was really involved with Town Cats, a local no-kill cat rescue shelter that also manages local feral colonies as well. I helped out at the shelter with socialization, medication and cleaning. I was also in charge of 2 local feral colonies. The Taco Bell colony and the McDonald's colony.
About once a month I would help out with the WCSV (Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley) where I helped with the rehabilitation of wildlife: particularly squirrels. The babies were so cute! Unfortunately there was a lot of euthanization going on there, because some of the wild animals would be so far beyond our help that putting them to sleep was the only humane thing to do. So heartbreaking!
Of course, I have "Crookshanks" right in my own backyard! Funny, but I remember the first thing I noticed about the neighborhood was not the people or the houses or what-not, but a stray cat. There was no doubt that she would end up at our "outdoor" baby. I would love to bring her in and make her an inside cat, but Aaron just won't hear of it. Our little house is just too small with our 2, especially with Scooter and his behavioral problem. I think she would be a great indoor kitty. She had to have been at one time. I keep food, water and shelter out in my enclosed backyard for her, but it just breaks my heart to see her out there. At least I was able to bring her in to my vet (who is also the Town Cats vet and participates in TNR programs) under the stray/feral cat program and for only $10 she was vaccinated, tested for FIV and spayed. I feel so bad for her. She is so thin. I don't understand it. I keep her bowl full in hopes that she'll eat more and gain some more weight. Especially with winter coming. If anyone would like to take her, or knows someone who would, do let me know. She definitely deserves to live a better life than I can offer right now. I think she may be a little on the older side. I have included a picture of her.
The hearts of animal lovers are so big, but so often overworked. I think anything that one can manage to muster...no matter how small...still makes a big difference in animals lives. I really think we animal people are something special.
Good suggestions AntiPam!! I think I'll go through some of my boxes of things because I'm sure I could find stuff to donate
**hugs**
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