Grateful
I just finished a shift at Columbus Humane (CH) as a greeter. I have volunteered at CH for almost two years and am grateful to be of service, but I often receive more than I give. I love interacting with people and animals in a happy place.
In addition to my role as greeter, I also help in the cat rooms, where I get to pet and play with cats and kittens waiting to be adopted. There is nothing more soothing than cradling a 10 week-old kitten in my arms, or coaxing a senior cat out of her kennel to explore and play.
During my Sunday afternoon shift, I greeted more than 25 individuals, couples and families who stopped in to find a love match with a furry friend. I enjoy talking to people about what type of pet they are looking for, and feel especially grateful when they leave with a dog, cat, bunny, or pocket pet. Sometimes people come in with purpose, intent on leaving with a specific animal they saw on the website. Other times, people are window shopping, scoping out an animal they connect with. And still other times, people just come in to fill their cuteness quota by spending time with a cuddly kitty or playing ball with an eager dog.
I witnessed about a dozen adoptions over my two and a half hour shift, which makes me so happy. It is so rewarding to see an animal going home to be loved and cared for, as well as the joy on the adopters’ faces. The day coincidentally marked the one-year anniversary of my own adoption. A year ago, I brought Cassandra home, a two-year-old torbie (tortoise-shelll/tabbie).
There was one visitor during my shift I cannot get out of my mind. A young man entered the lobby, and he was very anxious. I asked him what brought him to the center.
“I don’t know how to do this, but I need to leave my dog,’ he replied. His eyes were red, and he was genuinely upset. He told me he had been evicted from his home and would be living in his car. “I’ve had my dog since he was a puppy, and now he’s eight years old,” he replied with a shaky voice.
My heart broke for this man, losing his home and his dog all in one day. I wanted to do everything I could to help him. “Let me talk to the staff member at the desk and see what she suggests.”
I explained his situation to the adoption specialist, and she offered to talk to him. They walked together down the hallway, and then he left the building and she went back to her desk.
“What happened?” I asked. I was invested in his story and needed to know if the organization could help. As luck would have it, an Intake staff member was still at the desk and agreed to meet with him, even though they usually require an appointment.
I continued to greet other visitors over the next 30 minutes, but I could not get this encounter out of my mind. I even thought to myself, “If they don’t take the dog, I may find myself stepping in and taking a dog home with me tonight.” The shelter is often at capacity. Even though they want to help everyone, CH will not take in more animals than they can effectively manage.
When I couldn’t wait another minute, I asked the adoption specialist if she knew the outcome of the man surrendering his dog. She made a call and told me they were able to take the dog.
I was so relieved. I finished my shift and drove home. The rain had changed to snow, and the temperature had dropped to the low 30s. The gravity of this man’s situation weighed heavily on me. He faced a chilly night in his car while I went home to the safety, comfort and warmth of my home, greeted by Cassie, as I call her now (or Miss Cassie, Sassy Cassie, Missy or Sweet Girl).
As sad as this story is, I am grateful he did right by his dog and the shelter was able to help him. I hope he took comfort in that, though I imagine he was lonely without his dog.
These are trying times, and I’m happy that people are stepping up to help one another. When I volunteer, I see the piles of donated items that kind people bring in. CH uses these items to care for animals as well as provide supplies and food for those in need. They also operate a low-cost clinic, along with several free vaccination clinics throughout the year. These resources reduce the need for people to surrender their pets when they lack the financial resources to care for their animals.
I’m grateful to organizations like Columbus Humane. Animals bring such joy to our lives, and having a place to match the right pet with the right person is magical. And when circumstances require someone to surrender a pet, there is a place to take the animal rather than just abandoning it.
And to my Cassie, Happy Anniversary! I’m grateful that you are a part of my life. You light me up with your playful nature.
According to information I found on the Internet, torbies are “sometimes known as the 'divas' of the feline world and have a reputation for being sassy and vocal.” Well, that tracks. However, I have one request, Miss Cassie. Could you reset your internal alarm clock to 7:00 a.m. instead of 6:00 a.m. or earlier? I’d love to sleep in once in a while. If only I could put a ‘do not disturb’ on her meows like I do with my phone!