Sometimes when Mom volunteers, she hangs out with a bunch of different cats. She'll go kennel to kennel taking pictures of all the cats to play on my slideshow. She'll pet each one for a little bit, then move on to the next one. Other times, Mom spends more time with just one cat. That's exactly what she did this past Wednesday. She browsed around and decided to go into one of the hug rooms, Catfish Cove, where Camper is staying.
Camper is a male, yellow, medium-hair cat. He's 7 years old and is FIV positive. That just means he has a weakened immune system. He'll be able to live a full life, but if he gets sick, it will take a bit longer for him to recover. He should either be an only cat or live with other FIV positive cats. When he came to the shelter, he had a wound on his hip. Although it's healed up, he prefers not to be petted there. He likes pets on his head and upper body instead.
Mom sat with Camper for about an hour and a half. They sat together in a chair for a while, then he got down and went to his little campsite that one of the volunteers set up for him.
Isn't it cool? He's got a campfire and everything. Mom went and sat by the campfire with him. He was very quiet and calm. He enjoyed sitting on Mom's lap and she enjoyed sitting with him. Mom really likes evenings at the shelter like she spent with Camper. She gave him a lot of one-on-one time that he probably needs since he doesn't have a home of his own yet. At the same time, she was able to sit and relax, just listening to the sounds of Camper's purrs.
Volunteering is very special for Mom. Sometimes she gets distracted by other stuff and forgets how lucky she is to have the opportunity to give a homeless kitty a warm lap to sit on for a little while. It's rewarding and gives her a sense of peace.
If you can volunteer, you should give it a try. Do it for yourself. Do it for homeless kitties like Camper.
Camper is available for adoption at Wayside Waifs in Kansas City.
Your mom is awesome and Camper is adorable. My staff is so pro for the volunteers. Their work is so valuable and it is not always easy, and there can be some sadness, too. I love your mom!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks! There has been days that Mom has cried over a kitty at the shelter, but she says the happy outweighs the sad.
DeleteCamper is absolutely adorable. Love his fluffy fur and cool expression.
ReplyDeleteYour pal, Pip
M says she is in awe of your mom. M wanted to volunteer locally and just sit one even a week and play with the kitties in the socializing room. She has Parkinson's and can't do the actual work anymore of cleaning cages, etc, but she thought should could at least entertain the kitties. Well, they wanted her to go thru a 3 half days of trianing at their main location out of town, so, M decided she couldn't handle that. She tried to tell them she was only capable of sitting and playing with the kitties, but they would not make any exceptions in her case. M was not happy.
ReplyDeleteMom is sad that they wouldn't make an exception for M. At Wayside, you have to go through orientation then take either Cat1 or Dog1 (or both if you want!) which are all taught right there at the shelter. Just a couple hours each and you're good to go cuddling kitties!
DeleteHmm Camper has a lion-esque look about him doesn't he?
ReplyDeleteCamper is a great little scout! This is so cute. Camper is a really sweet and beautiful kitty. Thanks for sharing him.
ReplyDeleteHey Sebastian! My mom is starting volunteer training at Wayside Waifs next month! You must be from KC! We are too! That kitty needs a great home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet guy Camper is and what a heart-warming post. That is fantastic that your Mom volunteers. We love Camper's campsite, it is special.
ReplyDelete