News
Oct 17 2010
The Day of a Volunteer
A SART volunteer arrives with a smile on their face, a light step and cheerfulness knowing that they are going to be spending time with some of God’s most misunderstood creatures – cats. There is special food to make, washing to start, special scrub water to make in several buckets all of which have to be carried to each of the 6 rooms of SART. When you walk into the rooms you are greeted by all of the cageless cats in the room – there are 72 in one room, 63 in another room, 20 in a room, 19 in a room, and the nursery of 55. Not to mention the caged area where new arrivals, special needs cats, and waiting area currently holds 31.
Matthew West – My Own Little World[audio:MyOwnLittleWorld.mp3]
No matter the weather – whether it is 97 and humid, 42 and raining, or blowing everything across the shelter, the volunteer is there. There are 255 mouths to feed, litter to change, blankets to change, rooms to disinfect, and medicines to administer – but the cats are so appreciative. You are greeted with purrs, smiles of cats, eyes that dance, and cats who welcome you with leaps of joy.
SART is not a sad place. Yes, it is sad that 255 unwanted animals live there. Yes, it is sad that already 323 before them were there until their forever homes were found. But, it is not sad being in the rooms of SART. The cats are healthy, happy, free to be who they are, and there is Christian music playing and fresh air blowing, and much love in each room.
The hours of a volunteer vary. A volunteer can sign on to clean one room – which takes around 1 hour or so. Or, they can sign on to work as a team for as much as 6 hours in one day.
How does a volunteer feel at the end of the day? Exhausted, but with a filled heart. Weary, but knowing that for another day all has been done to make the cats of SART happy, healthy and content.
It is hard work, but the rewards are huge. You receive more than you give, you feel as though you made a difference, and you connect with so many wonderful animals and help them feel loved. If this sounds like something you want to seriously commit to, please contact Sue at Sue@sartohio.org and tell her why and how much time you want to give. Maybe there is a place there for you as well. It will do your heart good.
