I celebrated my two year anniversary at the cats-only boarding facility just two weeks ago. The time has definitely flown by!
My anniversary comes right in the middle of our busiest season: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. We had nearly fifty guests for Turkey Day, and are expecting just over fifty guests for Christmas! That’s still a low number, compared to the sixty-five we had my very first holiday season at the boarding facility.
But what a way to learn the job! I had plenty of coworkers around for questions and help, and plenty of cats to work with — figuring out the cleaning routine, getting up to speed on feeding, learning how to do grooming and medications.
One of my favorite things about my part time job is getting to know the cats and owners. We have a lot of repeat customers, especially around the holidays. And I know that I like it when people remember me, or my dogs… so I do my best to remember our clients and their kitties.
A couple dropped off their two cats this morning, cats who I don’t think I’ve seen since last Christmas. And as we were tucking them into their kennels, I said that I remembered one of them was a scaredy-cat, but couldn’t remember which. (It quickly became obvious as one cat eagerly explored his space and the other hid under his bed!) Next time they come in, I’ll be sure to remember which is which.
I certainly don’t mind spending my holidays with the kitties. Yes, we’re open on holidays — the guests need food and water and meds and clean beds! I can definitely think of worse ways to spend a holiday morning than surrounded by furry friends who need me, and laughing with my coworkers.
A few days after New Year’s, we’ll be back to more normal numbers. It will seem very quiet after the crazy pace of the holiday season!