Monday, March 10, 2008

Working With Animals

Chowder Long Haired Tabby Cat
I've decided to volunteer at my local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals -- if they'll have me. One reason I haven't done this before is I wasn't sure I'd be able to handle seeing the homeless animals on a regular basis, but I've visited quite a lot recently and survived. Did you know that you can volunteer to socialize with the cats? How purr-fect! Like a Walmart greeter of the animal world.

There are so many dedicated folks out there -- volunteers and those who have been trained and educated to work with both pets and wildlife. There's a North American website called AnimalWork.org. It’s a job-matching site for all jobs related to animals, like training, grooming, veterinary medicine, caretaking, retail and zoo positions. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be paid for doing something you love?

14 comments:

NuclearToast said...

Lynn, that sounds great! Glad to hear you're bringing joy to animals' lives.

Lynn Sinclair said...

Thanks, NT. Won't it be embarrassing if, now that I've posted it, the OSPCA won't accept me as a volunteer?

Jan said...

We have a marvelous group locally that works with socializing animals. The best part is that we can work with the animals when we get a chance with no guilt if we aren't there on some schedule.

Heidi the Hick said...

I'd be afraid I'd take one home with me every day!

I've thought of doing that too. I'm sure I will.

(Most gorgeous photo on today's post! What a beautiful lady...)

Lynn Sinclair said...

We could arrange to volunteer on the same days, Heidi. That would be fun, and I could make sure you go home empty-handed.

And the gorgeous lady is my cat, Chowder.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea.. I have such a hard time with that... we did our TTouch workshop at an animal shelter and I almost came home with a cat. If it wasn't 4 hours away and the fact that my car didn't have Air conditioning in 90 degree weather, I would have!

Heidi the Hick said...

I thought that must be Chowder.

Okay Lynn, we should do it. It's a good idea!

Lynn Sinclair said...

Fuzzy, that was my great fear as well, but I know my cat, Meeko, would not be a happy camper if I brought another one home.

Lynn Sinclair said...

You're on, Heidi.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful thing you're doing, Lynn.

And by the way, Meeko probably already knows...you've been seeing other cats. The whole feline keen "sense of smell" thing, and all that. : )

My Jazzy would know right away, whenever I came home from playing with another cat at a friend's house.

What sensitive little critters they are.

Lynn Sinclair said...

True, Georgie. I love when cats open their mouths just a tiny bit when they smell something unusual (like another cat). Meeko would be fine as long as I didn't actually bring a cat through the door. I did that last year and it was a major mistake.

Shannon Perry said...

Good for you, Lynn! You continue to amaze me with your bravery. I tried to sign up to run with the dogs, but so many people here already do that that there's a waiting list! I was sorry, but so happy to hear so many people here want to help. (and my cat does that slack-jawed thing after she sniffs my socks or feet. I try not to take it personally)

Lynn Sinclair said...

Running with the dogs -- what a great idea! Since my running days are long over, I'll stick to patting the cats.

Anonymous said...

hi

very good cat