I've decided

I've decided to volunteer at a local cat rescue center called Cat Welfare. I've been looking at different shelters in the area and I really like this one. It's only 5 min. away from my house so if I'm needed in an emergency I can be there in a flash. I've been kicking around the idea for quite sometime. I would like you all to know that you had a part in my decision! Some of the stories I've heard about ferals and rescues made me realise there is a real need out there for people. I also was very affected by a local animal abuse case. I also want to become a TNR volunteer because of Sarah, the feral I took in. I need advice right now because I am a little nervous. I've never done anything like this before and I don't know what to expect. I'm definitely commited to this, however I'm worried about the emotional toll this may have on me. I'm a very sensitive person when it comes to cats and kittens. The shelter is a no kill shelter, but a lot of the animals that come in have been abused or hurt. If any of you are volunteers I would really appreciate any advice you have for me on what to expect. I don't want to be blind sided by something I can't handle. If I know what to expect, then I can be prepared to deal with it when the time comes.

I also consider myself overly sensitive, and I just cry at the pics I see of the abused animals. But when I worked at a shelter it was totally different. I guess I didn't get all weepy because I was right there to comfort and help them.

Good luck! That's great you are going to help out!

Nenners, I think alicat is right. When you are busy and actively helping an animal, you'll be able to handle it better. If you can't handle it, you can always quit, but I'm betting you'll stay and help the animals.

Those hurt or abused animals are the ones that really need a sensitive, caring person to help them. I bet you will be a wonderful addition to their staff. Please keep us posted on this!

Nenners, it's a great thing you're doing. I'm sure there will be tough moments, but I'm also sure that knowing you're helping the animals will get you through the tough times. You know all of will be around if you need to vent. Good luck.

Good luck Nenners! I've been thinking about volunteering at a shelter by my house, but I haven't figured it all out yet. I'm sure you'll do fine and you'll feel great that you get to help out animals who need you.

Nenners, how wonderful! I'm quite sure it's going to be VERY difficult. But just remember - we're here for you! We'll cry with you, and we'll hold your hand when you need it.

For years I've wanted to volunteer for something on a steady basis. But work for me has strange and long hours, unexpected travel, etc. TCS helped me find my "volunteer niche" too! I conduct research for a living, and Anne, the webmaster of TCS, often posts links to articles. One of them, a terrible story written by some journalist in Amarillo, involved a stray cat that was "terrorizing" his neighborhood. He named the cat Osama! Because of that thread (now the top "sticky" in the Ferals Forum), okeefecl and I ended up volunteering to gather information on TNR and low-cost spay/neuter programs. ...and we just got the websites "up"! Well - they're a work in progress. So my volunteering is NOT of an emotional nature at all - but we'll want some of your rescue stories!!!

Isn't TCS great?

Way to go, Nenners. I really admire people with the fortitude to emotionally manage it. It's darn difficult!!!!!!

Nenners - that is a wonderful thing you are doing. I'm sure you will get much help and support from the other volunteers on how to deal with abuse cases.

But I also think once you are involved and not just an onlooker you will jump on in and do what needs to be done to help the animal rather than sit back and just 'feel sorry' for it. I'm sure you will feel anger at what hurt has been done to the animal, but at the same time that will, hopefully, be balanced by the fact that you are able to make a difference and are not that helpless onlooker.

I went in to Cat welfare yesterday and put in a volunteer form. I went into the adoption room. It's a really nice facility. However, most of the cats had colds. I imagine that I will have to wear scrubs there because I don't want to bring anything home to my girls. I have an orientation to go to tommorrow.