Why I Volunteer

I remember my first visit to the RAPS cat sanctuary in the spring of 2009. A friend from my martial arts class who had volunteered on a casual basis a couple of years previously told me about this amazing place somewhere in Richmond with 900 cats. Knowing I loved cats and missed having a pet (my landlord at the time didn’t allow animals), he and his wife offered to take me out there during visiting hours some Sunday afternoon. On arrival, I found the sanctuary was indeed an amazing place, as advertised. I met volunteer coordinator Debbie Wolanski and expressed an interest in helping out. Before I knew it, I was starting my first shift helping to feed the cats their dinner and scooping out the largest litter box I’d ever seen (hint: wading pools aren’t just for water!).

Surprisingly (or not), it wasn’t the prospect of endless wet food and kibble or the resulting deposits that kept me coming back week after week, month after month. And, though a very close second, it wasn’t even all the wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting through our shared love of animals. It was, and is, the cats. Over the course of my weekly evening volunteer shifts and through the research I do to find stories for the Neko Files blog, I’ve come to know so many cats who, their basic needs for food, shelter and medical care met, just really seem to need a friend. Ask any volunteer or member of staff and they’ll probably have a story to tell of some cat who took a particular shine to them and vice versa.

And as if this wasn’t enough, those cat friends can still keep giving even after we walk out the gate and head off down the driveway to go home. So far, I know the good vibes spread by their purrs can reach at least as far as Vancouver Island where my grandmother had to move from her townhouse into a nursing home earlier this year. On a bulletin board above her bed are the few family photos and mementos that there’s room to keep in her room. Among them is an 8 ½ x 11 enlargement of this photo Debbie took earlier this year of me and my cat buddy, Fred. Thinking it might make her smile, my dad made a print from the file I sent him and put it up for her. He was right: it does make her smile. Thanks, dad. Thanks, Fred.

Volunteer and Neko Files blogger, Claire Fossey

Georgio

Hello!

We have had Georgio for a month tomorrow and we could not be happier. He is a really good dog and getting better everyday. We had a session with Laurie a few days after we brought him home and it was super helpful addressing his biting issues. We have had a few encounters since the first day but lately when he gets excited all it takes is one no or unun and he stops and finds one of his many toys to rip apart. He knows sit like a pro and is almost as good with down. He can shake a paw and always waits for us to go out the door first.

We always kept him on the leash in the house but two days ago we let him roam free and he laid on the rug at our feet. He still has to be on the leash when people are over, especially new people. He tries to attack them or hump them, but, he walks like a gentleman on his leash and we have even let him be off-leash in our deadend back alley twice with no problems. He came when we called him and waited outside the doors for us. We can feel how he has really become attached to us.

He even came on set with us around week 2. We shot two music videos back to back at this studio in east van and aside from a few barking issues (thank goodness it was a music video) he was a great dog.

We discovered the other day that he loves bubbles. We blow them he attacks them...jumping and spinning in the air and trying to bite them. It is a great game cause it really tires him out but do you think the bubbles could be bad for him?

Thank you so much for awarding us Georgio. We could not be prouder parents.

Michelle and Jon

More Milo pics!

Milo grows stronger every day

Milo, the dog hit by a car and recovering at the RAPS City shelter, is getting stronger and healthier every day! He spends his days resting, going for short walks, chewing on bones and receiving tons of pets and affection. He is a sensitive, gentle dog that loves a good belly rub and human companionship.

RAPS is currently accepting applications for this handsome dog. Applicants can expect an interview and home check prior to approval for adoption.

Jenny's Fine!

Hi!

Just wanted to let you know that Jenny, the cat I adopted last Saturday, is doing really well. I'm attaching a couple of photos of her. She and Rippy (my 6 yr old cat) are still getting used to each other, but things are a little easier each day.

Jenny really is a funny, nice little kitty. She seems happy here, too, which is great.

I still have the cat carrier you loaned me ... I hope it's okay if I return it on Friday?

So thanks again,

Mary M