Time sure flies when you’re scooping kitty litter! Today is my one year anniversary with the cats-only boarding facility. I’ve learned a lot about our feline friends over the last three hundred and sixty-five days.
The first (and most important) thing I’ve learned is a true appreciation for cats. When I first started work at the cats-only boarding facility, I knew a little bit about kitties. I’ve never owned one of my own due to allergies and a general preference for dogs… but after the past year? I could see myself living with a cat someday.
It’s the guests themselves who won me over. From Ru, the kitty who decided I needed some grooming to any and every cat who sat on my lap purring to the clowny kitties who loved to play, they all left a paw print on my heart. One thing that makes working at the boarding facility easy? Knowing that the majority of our guests have loving homes to go back to. Working in a shelter would break my heart on a daily basis, I think.
I’ve learned a lot about the subtle signs of illness. Pets in general are great at hiding the fact that something isn’t right. Over the past year I’ve learned how to identify various worms and parasites, how to watch for changes in coat and personality, and more. I think it’s made me a better dog momma, too — I pay more attention to how much the dogs eat, their potty habits, and other subtle changes that can signify a health problem.
I’ve also learned about saying goodbye. Because we’re attached to a veterinarian’s office, I’ve been able to interact with cats at varying levels of health and in varying stages of life. We’ve said goodbye to several guests over the past year — some who had lived close to two decades, some who had major health issues that couldn’t be overcome. I’ve seen cats make a peaceful passing surrounded by gentle hands and loving family.
There’s a huge responsibility that comes with working with animals. There are living creatures — little loving souls — who depend on me and my coworkers for basics like food and water, companionship, and health care. There are families who trust that we’ll return their furry friends in good health and good cheer.
I started this adventure because I was looking for a reason to leave the house a few days a week — to get out from behind the computer once in a while. It’s given me much more than just a paycheck and a change of scenery. It’s given me an education in what it is to love cats.