Welcome & Introduction
Hi there. My name is Johanna and I live in southern New Jersey and as you probably guessed, I am a cat fanatic. Due to some recent stressful events in my life, volunteering at an animal shelter was suggested and my story begins.
Anyway, it is quiet a busy shelter since it services the entire county where I reside and over 1,000 cats come through the door annually. The shelter also has dogs, but I tend to stick with cats since volunteers are so sparse for the kitties.
Initially I was in awe at the staff and the dedication and true love they have for each and every animal in the shelter. Many of the cats are feral and the staff has caring for them down to an art. Not only do they tend to their basic needs but every attendant at the shelter truly loves the animals and tries to spend time with them. The animals best interest is always first and foremost.
I began volunteering at the shelter and immediately began falling in love with the cats. I was a bit nervous at first, mostly because of anxiety due to my personal situation but the staff was amazing and welcoming. It did not take long for me to show up more and more until I was visiting the shelter about 5 days a week. Of course had my favorites, although this could be debated by the shelter staff, since I claim just about every cat there is my favorite.
It didn't take long to see cats start coming around and getting use to me and progress as far as their socialization skills. So it became equally rewarding for me as for the cats.
Once kitten season began, I offered to try fostering. The amount of kittens that pour in the doors in the spring is absolutely stunning and heart breaking. The shelter runs out of cages and in order to get these kittens adopted they need to be worked with to make them friendly. Most come in feral and require patience and dedication to work with them to get them to the point where they can be adopted.
So, my kitty stories begins. This blog really is so I have a place to post photos and my adventures fostering. I become so attached to each and every one and the best way for me to remember them is by posting about them. Maybe in the process, others will be touched and find some enjoyment along the way.
I will also share some info about the shelter cats since I spend time with them and they are such characters.
Anyway, it is quiet a busy shelter since it services the entire county where I reside and over 1,000 cats come through the door annually. The shelter also has dogs, but I tend to stick with cats since volunteers are so sparse for the kitties.
Initially I was in awe at the staff and the dedication and true love they have for each and every animal in the shelter. Many of the cats are feral and the staff has caring for them down to an art. Not only do they tend to their basic needs but every attendant at the shelter truly loves the animals and tries to spend time with them. The animals best interest is always first and foremost.
I began volunteering at the shelter and immediately began falling in love with the cats. I was a bit nervous at first, mostly because of anxiety due to my personal situation but the staff was amazing and welcoming. It did not take long for me to show up more and more until I was visiting the shelter about 5 days a week. Of course had my favorites, although this could be debated by the shelter staff, since I claim just about every cat there is my favorite.
It didn't take long to see cats start coming around and getting use to me and progress as far as their socialization skills. So it became equally rewarding for me as for the cats.
Once kitten season began, I offered to try fostering. The amount of kittens that pour in the doors in the spring is absolutely stunning and heart breaking. The shelter runs out of cages and in order to get these kittens adopted they need to be worked with to make them friendly. Most come in feral and require patience and dedication to work with them to get them to the point where they can be adopted.
So, my kitty stories begins. This blog really is so I have a place to post photos and my adventures fostering. I become so attached to each and every one and the best way for me to remember them is by posting about them. Maybe in the process, others will be touched and find some enjoyment along the way.
I will also share some info about the shelter cats since I spend time with them and they are such characters.
This is awesome.
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