Yesterday I started my new volunteer job at the local humane society animal shelter. I was told they open at 9am. When I came at 10, the gates were closed and the sign said they open at noon. I left and came back at noon. When talking of times later, I mentioned the gate being closed. They seemed floored that I didn’t just open the gate and come in. I guess I was suppose to know I could trespass.
I was given a tour by Lily*, also a volunteer. As we winded through the many corridors, doors, and pens, she kept a stream of information flowing. Do’s and don’ts, warnings….and her never falling mantra ~ These animals need love; two legged creatures will destroy you but four legged ones just want to love and have love in return.~ All of this over the unceasing barking of hundreds of dogs.
I learned that the workers there are female former inmates living at a halfway house. I was told not to trust them, basically not to speak to them. I was also told to do no work. A volunteer is only suppose to love the animals but do no cleaning, watering, or feeding. Leave that to the paid workers.
I readily told her that I am better with cats than dogs. I like dogs and in fact love them. But I know cats, their body language and their moods, better than I know a dog’s moods. It will take me time to make a connection with the dogs. But I am sure once I am around for a bit, they will know me, trust me….and I them.
We took one dog for a walk. Lily showed me the route she usually takes with them. Lily then sent me to “Nana’s Chalet”, the big cage with all the hunchbacked old cats just awaiting their time, unadoptable. Here was my heaven. I combed, snuggled, and disengaged many stuck claws from my pants, shirt, hair…
I spent 2 hours in there until Lily came and told me it was time to go home. It was decided I would return at 9 am today.
On the way home I thought about all of the negative vibes there. I don’t believe I saw a human smile in my time there. But I know the kitties in Nana’s Chalet did!
9am…..
My first dog to walk is a docile springer spaniel named Sheila. We walk, we run, we pee, we poop…Okay, just Sheila did the last two. But it is a nice outing. Just as I am wondering how long each walk should be, ( I asked but was never given an answer) an escapee comes whizzing by, his ear dripping in blood. He was soon followed by his handler. He had been attacked by another dog. As the vet and handler were taking care of Escapee, who is quite shaken and hyper, Lily yells to me to take Sheila back into her kennel. I am then told to go to Nana’s Chalet.
I spend an hour with my new friends. I have every knot out of Lardass’s fur. I know he is 20 lbs if an ounce, I know he purrs like the dickens and I know he loves me. I know which 2 are not only afraid of the comb, but humans too (SimonBlindBoy and Pinky.) I know that Fluffy Mr B is cold and has just weeks to live. I know that Tiger Barbie is a bitch. Pierre, with his invisible jaunty cap, making his one deformed ear flip down, is a brush whore. I know that Sweetie, with her lovely blue eyes, would love to come and live with me forever. She is beautiful, gracious, and smiles quite prettily. I can make her have Gloria Swanson..ready for my cloesup, Mr Demille eyes with the brush and she adores it.
As I was in the Chalet I saw a dog run by…and another. I look at the running kennel next to me and see the gate ajar. More escapees are at the breach. I went out and realigned the gate so as to stop more Steve McQueen actions. When I turned around, one gal had 2 dogs in her arms….barely. I asked if she wanted me to take one. “Sure take Peanut.” As I put my arms out to take him, he lunged to bite me. I drew my arms back, reflex I suppose, but she was already letting him go so he fell to the pavement. He wasn’t hurt and he even had a nice snarl for us. But I still felt terrible.
Soon all escapes are accounted for and I go back into the chalet and Lily comes and chats for bit. I tell her I should just adopt Nana’s Chalet, spend my day or hours there. She thinks that is a great idea.
Later Lily comes and tells me it is time to go for the day. We are knocking off early today. Okay. It isn’t quite noon yet so she is going to open the gate for me. Oh, and by the way, do we have your number in case we need to call or text you? Yes, it is on my application.
I usually put my purse in the trunk when I am out and about here and don’t really need it. I decided to go to the lake for walk after my “shift”. I get home from my walk, retrieve my purse and I have a text message……10 minutes after I left the shelter.
“Good morning, Shelly ( the director) feels for your and the animals safety this shelter is not a good fit. Thank you for your dedication and willingness to volunteer.”
I have been fired from a volunteer job. I immediately start sobbing….and it took me most of the day in sobs to realize I am not crying for me. I am crying for Nana’s Chalet. After all, I loved them enough that eventually they all ignored me…the sign of a contented cat.
In my heart, I know that “Shelly” doesn’t even know who the hell I am. I have never met her. But I think I will write her a letter, so she knows that those kitties I took to so readily, and took to me, had great love and companionship…for a day and half……. And I was a great fit.
*name changed
Traveling Through the Ether 