I have long avoided going anywhere near an animal shelter for fear it would irreparably break my heart. The shelter here has proved that in Bermuda my fears were unsubstantiated, and instead of heartbreak I have had one heartwarming experience after another. I volunteer as cat socializer, which basically means pet, cuddle, play with, and hold to help give them comfort and keep them prepared for the day when their future forever parents come to meet them. The first thing I was surprised at was that in addition to the cages, there was a large indoor and outdoor area for the adult cats who were of good temperament and could successfully co-habitate with other cats. 15-20 could nap, play, and live in this area while waiting for adoptive homes. The new intakes and kittens were more often in the cages in the adoption center...often they didn't have to be there long as kittens are adopted quicker than adults, and once the larger cats were settled they were moved to the big cat room. There was also a playroom where each caged cat would be given time to run, climb, play every day. This makes it a lot easier as a volunteer, and as a potential adopter to come to the shelter and know you won't be seeing sad animals with a short opportunity for adoption before euthanasia. I read that shelters in bi cities like LA only have a 5 day window from intake to euthanasia. Fortunately Bermuda tries to give them as long as it takes. Several have been at the shelter longer than a year before the right person came for them.
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| Eli ad Gordie in the big cat room |
Today I snuck in for an hour in the afternoon since I don't have to be at work until 4. I was very happy to see that long term resident Billie found a home this week, as did Mela who had been there for over 6 months as well. Several kittens, a couple of bunnies, and Coco the dog also went home in the 8 days since my last visit. There were still 4 rabbits, a guinea pig, 5 adult cats, and at least of dozen kittens, and I try to take a picture of each one and give each one a little snuggle. The exuberant purr of kittens is right up there with tree frogs on things that soothe the soul. So today's blog is going to be a couple of cute cat pictures, and a reminder to people that animal shelters are a fabulous place to find a new addition to your family. Whether you need one or not, or in my case need 3 or 4 or not, there are many animals that need shelter, and sometimes you don't know what you are missing until you see that little fuzzy ball of unconditional love waiting at the door reaching out its paw to you when you come home. Many animal shelters or rescue organizations are looking for foster parents -- basically when the animals need special care, are too nervous or afraid to be in the shelter, or when the shelters are full, they reach out to people who will agree to home the animals on a temporary basis rather than euthanize them. It allows them a little more time to learn love and trust, or a chance to be shown at the shelter when it isn't so crowded. But, what you might find is that despite deciding to be a temporary respite, you actually can't bear to let them go -- which is how i ended up with panthers. They now have a home and I am guaranteed smiles and a laugh every single day. I did have the ability to return them to the shelter. I just chose to keep them.
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| Toyota is a shy 11 week old |
The SPCA in Bermuda is a wonderful group, hosting children's summer camps, an annual expo, special interests groups, and tries its hardest to find a home for every animal, and does so as a charity, relying on donations and community support. It stands up against animal cruelty, and has twice that I know of been in court on behalf of abused animals where the owners refused to surrender them despite signs of lengthy abuse and malnourishment.
Donate to shelters when you can. Adopt from shelters when you can. Volunteer in any way you are able. You may be surprised at what you find when you make your way through the door.
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| Riley is a blurry snugglebunny who doesn't stay still and can't figure out why he is still there. |
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