My first day with Georgia Humane was October 18, 2008. As a Georgia Tech student, I was away from my pets at home and I was really missing them! I started volunteering with another organization, but soon found it impersonal and wondered why people in rescue could be so apathetic about the animals they were supposed to be saving. After witnessing some of my favorite animals killed because they didn't want to treat them for upper respiratory, I decided I couldn't stay. I knew there was a rescue group at the Petsmart on Howell Mill Road near where I live, so I decided to apply online as a volunteer. I thought it might be better working with a smaller group.
The day I went to be trained at the adoption center was really overwhelming. I learned how to clean the center and interact with the cats. I tried hard to make mental notes of all the things the lady with the blue glasses was saying about the cats and what types of personalities they had. I enjoyed it though, and walked away that first day really excited about being a part of the group. The foster parents knew every detail about their pets and you could tell they genuinely loved and cared for them. It was amazing to hear about the horrible places these fur babies came from, and then see them now happy and whole.
Things got a little hazy at this point. I started off volunteering one day a week just cleaning and socializing, and within a year I realized not only was I cleaning and socializing, but I was doing adoptions, bringing other volunteers on board, managing facebook and other PR things, as well as spending about 5 days a week at the center. Soon, I became whole heartedly invested in the happiness of the cats. I loved seeing new families come together when people finally found their perfect new kitty. I loved talking to the public about cats and their care. I loved having a place to go off campus where I could relax. And most of all, I loved the cats. Each one with a different story and each one so special!
I didn't know anything about the animal rescue world when I started volunteering. Having always had cats in my life, I longed to have them there for comfort while I was at school. Once I realized the suffering of so many animals in the world, something in me awakened. I read every piece of literature I could find on animal shelters and overpopulation. I soon learned the many levels of animal groups like high kill, no kill, animal shelters, or humane societies. I realized that even though the animals well being should be the top concern, that wasn't always the case. It was disheartening to see that people do whats convenient instead of right, and that over 4 million animals die each year because of it.
What I wasn't expecting from GHS was the people I met. I wasn't looking for a family, but I found one. Michelle, GHS President, inspires me daily. She has such a good heart, and always is so strong. Michelle would do ANYTHING to save an animal. She quickly showed me that it is possible to do whats right in the care for animals and will treat animals for parvo, upper respiratory, and heartworms which many rescue groups would rather euthanize. I don't think I have ever met anyone with such a passion for animals. She opened my eyes to more than just the suffering of companion animals, and taught me much about how the world works and how to make it better. Suzanne was the first person I really met and bonded with at GHS. She managed the cat room and fostered as well. Even today, with Suzanne working long hours overnight as an ER nurse, I know that I could call her and she would have an answer for me. When I was first learning the ropes, I used to call her about the most insignificant things (like a cat having a hairball) and she would explain to me everything I needed to do or know.
Once I started doing adoptions with the group on Saturdays, I met Lisa, Amy, and Roxie and got to know them better. Lisa, Amy, and Roxie are three of the nicest, caring, hilarious, and loving women I have ever met. They find the humor in things, and let's face it...with the things they deal with and have seen that is a blessing! Lisa always looked out for me to make sure I was taking care of myself and not just the cats. She often reminded me that I was still a college student and I didn't have to take on the world. It was also always funny to see how attached her foster dogs were to her...they would eye her wherever she was during adoptions and whine if she left their side. She works wonders with abandoned dogs that need TLC! All I knew about Amy and Roxie was that I could always tell which kittens were theirs when they got to the center, because they were always so loving and sweet. Amy was always in a good mood and always willing to help me figure out any cat situations. She took me to my first high kill shelters and showed me the suffering which most of the world spares themselves the sight. Amy is such a happy and loving person, that I'm not surprised all her fosters are just like her. Roxie might be one of the kindest people I have ever met. She is always willing to see the good in people and pets, and would do ANYTHING to save a kitten...even if it means inconveniencing herself. Even after years of rescuing, every life is precious to her and it shows. She treats every pet that comes through her house like a family member and invests so much of herself in them.
As I leave GHS, I am so thankful for the experiences I have had with the wonderful individuals and wonderful pets. It has truly been a life changing experience that has made me more compassionate, more understanding, and more dedicated to helping the world realize that pets are not property, but living, breathing, loving animals that depend on us to survive. So thank you GHS!!! Thank you for making the world a better place one life at a time...
