ElderChicks

I’m loving all of the posts here about pets. I myself share my life and lap with an 18-pound cat named Heidi, an alumna of our local animal shelter. I also have the pleasure of knowing Herbie, the basset hound in an earlier post, and spending many happy hours with him at the local dog park.

Speaking of the animal shelter — oh wait, let me back up a step. The other day I bought a new sofa. People do this every day, right? Not I — I hate change so much that replacing a 26 year-old well-worn, well-stained and much slipcovered sofa involved months of visiting and revisiting every sofa store within 20 miles of my home (San Francisco) and making sure it was perfect not only for me, but for Heidi and her habits. Are the arms wide enough for her to sleep on? Can she walk across the back? Can she scratch the fabric?? OK, I finally solved all of this, but now the next problem: figuring out the “disposal” of my (and my cat’s) very comfortable friend. Did I mention that I hate change?

Well, a brainstorm hit me that has me thrilled. I called SF Animal Care & Control and asked, if I made new covers (waterproof, durable, removable for washing)  for the 3 seat cushions, would they accept them as beds for little older dogs or cats?  i.e., not a pet who would immediately chew it up, but a quiet little one who would just love the comfort? They love this idea!! I already knew that SFACC (and any shelter) gratefully accepts old blankets and towels, but had never thought of this type of “recycling.”

How do I know SFACC so well? I’ve been volunteering there since 1989. My “job” is lost and found, where I try to reunite new stray pets with their frantic guardians, who call to report them missing. Of course, any volunteer’s job there is also to pet and play with any and all of the animals we meet, and to work at public events. And, to supply a free shoulder on which the newest stray Cockatoo, Pineapple, can perch and offer commentary. Other jobs are adoption counselor, dog walker, cat socializer, PR, etc. – something for every talent and interest.

I’m also the secretary/treasurer and webmistress of Persian & Himalayan Cat Rescue, a group dedicated to placing Persian and Himalayan cats who find themselves in shelters or other hard situations. Speaking of which, to anyone who lives near Delaware, there’s a darling 2 year-old Himalayan named Opal who urgently needs a new home due to a family “situation.”  Check out our website if you’re interested!

These animal shelters and breed rescue groups never have enough volunteers… or beds!