There are many days when the only thing that keeps our volunteers keeping on is the fact that we have a profound responsibility to the shelter and the cats – and especially to each other. The work load is overwhelming and the criticism is constant and often vicious. The stress is amazing: “Will anybody show up to help today?” “Do we have a cage for this box of kittens that somebody left by the dumpster?” “One of the cats is sick – can we pay the vet?” ‘The psycho is trashing us all over the internet – again – will this kill our donations?” “We’ve killed ourselves for weeks planning this event – will people come even if the weather doesn’t cooperate?” “Light bill is behind, gas bill is behind, rent is due, we’re out of supplies, we have no money – oh, look, a cat with three broken legs was just dumped in the parking lot!” These circumstances happen constantly, there is never enough help, never enough money, never enough room in the inn. So why, why, why do we “keep on keeping on”? I can’t answer for everybody, but my personal “why” came flying in the door last night. Two ladies crying their eyes out, bearing a litter of hypothermic kittens and a plea, “Please save them!” Two hours later, they were warm enough to latch onto a bottle, an hour after that they were being cradled by their new foster mom. They have a chance now, because we keep on and on and on and on... Boom, baby!
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 18:12:06 +0000