Reflections

Do you ever stop and wonder if you’ve made a difference in anyone’s life? Do you reflect on your day when the day is done? I would like to think that what I do or have done in the past has made a positive impact and made someone’s life just a little bit better. Sometimes what we do becomes so routine that we don’t realize the good we are doing.

For some reason, we dwell on the negatives. The mistakes we have made. We may not notice we just smiled at someone when they needed it the most. When we gave that compliment and made the person’s day.

The greatest accomplishments are the ones we do quietly. No one else has to know you did what you did. When you go around boasting and singing your own praises, it diminishes the good.

This world is made up with a lot of little things that make a big impact. We all donate what we can to charities that mean something to us personally. We all have had cancer touch our lives in one way or another, so the American Cancer Society may be near and dear to your heart.

I love to garden. I like to nurture living things and watch them grow. I planted trees in my backyard when my grandchildren were born, and long after I am gone there will be a lasting legacy for them.

Planting just one seed can make a huge difference in our world. I take that same thought into the shelter with me. If I’ve made a difference in just one life of our shelter animals, then that is all I could hope for.

Going into the shelter and feeding and cleaning each morning can become very routine. A lot of days I go about my business and never think about my actions, and at the end of the day I ask myself, “What have I done to make a difference?” Most days I really have to think. Sometimes I think too hard.

A lot of the times we think it must be this huge, monumental accomplishment when in reality the small gestures make the most impact. The extra hugs and cuddles given to the scared new cat that doesn’t understand where it is or why it is there. The dog that just needs a little human contact to let him know it will be OK. These gestures are done without much thought behind them, because they come so naturally that we may not even notice we do them.

I will admit around people I notice my flaws way more than I should. I am very hard on myself when I reflect on my words or actions. Why did I do that? Why did I say that? Over and over. When I am with animals, I don’t feel that way.

Growing up I always had a pet there for me in my time of need. I could say or do anything and it never judged. That is why my charity of choice has always been one with animals. 

Animal Welfare Society is a refuge for these wonderful, caring animals that are waiting for their forever homes and would love to have their own person they could show unconditional love to. If these same animals could think and reflect on their day and wonder if they did any good, they could without any doubt or regrets answer “yes.” All those purrs, rubs, tail wags, barks and nothing beats those big eyes and a tilt of an understanding head to let you know you are loved. They do all of this without thinking or expecting anything in return. Can you say the same?

Together, we can make a difference in the life of a shelter animal.

Welcome Home

Life changes can be very stressful. Anytime we experience anything new or different in our lives, be it good or bad, it can send our anxiety level sky high. The same goes for our four-legged family members. Any change in their daily routine can be challenging, one change being adopting a new pet and bringing it into your home for the first time. Some animals adapt right away, and others may take time, patience, and understanding. Think how you would feel in the same situation. Meeting new people in new places is always stressful.

Slow introductions to new people is always best. Cats especially do best in a “safe room.” Keep your cat in one room designated especially for it for a while. A porch, bedroom or even a bathroom works well. Visit the cat often and spend some play-time with it. When you notice it rolling on the floor and greeting you freely, you can expand its space. Eventually, the open space of your whole house won’t be so overwhelming.

You will also soon know the personality of your new pet, and you should respect that uniqueness. If you have a reserved pet, you would probably do best if you close it off in a quiet room when you have company or any new visitors.

I place my two cats in my bedroom whenever we have a lot of visitors or workmen in my house. My number one fear is someone will leave a door open and they will get outside. My two cats each have different personalities. One is shy when new people are around and the other is super friendly and wants all the attention and follows everyone. He is the one I worry about if I’m not able to keep a close eye on him. He follows workmen and “talks” to them. We say he is the inspector and makes sure they are doing the job properly. He is also the one that has been closed in closets and cabinets. My other cat will always let us know when her brother is locked in somewhere by crying and staring at the door or closet he is in.

If you have a dog, it is best if you remove it when workmen are in your home. I know a lot of service people won’t enter a house with a loose dog inside. It is in their contracts that dogs must be put in an area away from the work space. Yes, we love our dogs, and yes, they are harmless, but not all people are animal lovers. I am sure more than once they have encountered not-so-nice dogs, and that has left an impression.

Of course, size has a lot to do with it also. The larger the dog, the more intimidating. My son has a large French mastiff and put her out on his deck when he was getting a delivery one day. The delivery person took one look at her and said, “That’s the largest pit bull I’ve ever seen.” He was petrified! Little did he know the worst she would have done was slobber all over him.

Moving is also another stress factor. The same suggestions apply as when you bring animals home for the first time. They are creatures of habit, and those everyday routines are security for them. Any disruption of those routines can be very unsettling.

A little patience goes a long way. Your pet is a family member, and just like other members of your family you have to make some concessions. It’s a small price to pay for all the love and loyalty they give us.

When I have moved, I have left my animals in a room at the old house and then brought them over at the last moment to the new house. I tried to have as much as possible put in place and ready for them to investigate. I’ve been lucky, as they have always adjusted quickly. As long as my husband and I are there with them, they seem to be happy anywhere.

Bringing home a new baby is a big stressor. Suddenly the attention that was on them is now on this strange new bundle. Prepare your pet for the new addition by bringing home a blanket of the baby’s from the hospital before the baby comes home and let your pet get used to the scent. Install gates in the baby’s room or designated areas and do not allow your pet in that space. By doing this your new baby is already elevated in the “pack.”

Never leave the new baby alone with your pet. Unintentional accidents can happen. Always remember that they are “animals.” You are in control, and your pet has to know that. You will have a happier and better behaved pet when it knows you are the leader and it doesn’t have the stress of being in charge.

There will always be stress in our lives and unexpected circumstances. That does not mean things have to go awry. There isn’t much that can’t be remedied. If you find yourself in a difficult situation with your pet, give Animal Welfare a call. We are always here to help. Our goal is to keep pets in their homes and out of our shelter. Together we can make a difference.

Happy Anniversary to Me!

Has it really been one year already since I started writing this blog? They say that as we age time goes by so much faster. I had no idea it would be going this fast!

My first blog was about AWS’ Valentine Cat Open House, and we just had another one Feb. 12. As always, it was a packed house, with everyone enjoying themselves and, more important, getting our cats adopted into their forever homes. One by one they were getting picked and placed into carriers and going off with our goodbyes and wishes for a wonderful life. It never gets old seeing the smiling faces of the people leaving with their new friends. It is hard to tell who is happier, the people or the cats. I’m guessing it’s a tie.

It is especially important at this time of year to get our resident cats into new homes so we can make room for the upcoming spring season of life and renewal. In shelter talk that means an abundance of new litters that happens each spring. This past year, we had new litters into November.

There is such a simple solution to this major problem. Spay/neuter your pets! We can’t educate the public enough on this subject. For some reason people still don’t spay/neuter, especially their cats. These animals are allowed to roam, and we all know what happens next.

I was recently talking with a relative who has a 14-month old poodle/Havanese mix, and I was upset to hear that the dog still hadn’t been neutered. Of course, my first question was “why not?” The answer was even more shocking. “People are saying he is so cute that we should breed him.” I went off the walls. Our shelter, along with other shelters, is full of cute dogs and cats. Cuteness is never a reason to bring more animals into this world. Come to our shelter and you can find loads of cuteness just waiting for someone to adopt them. One of our board members sells T-shirts with simple lettering NYPD (Neuter Your Pets Damnit). Love it! Whenever I wear my T-shirt, it starts many conversations with strangers.

So what are we to do? How do we get people to truly understand the importance of spaying/neutering their pets? AWS even offers certificates to help with the cost for people who are in need. Still not enough. It may be due to the fact we are a non-destroy shelter and will keep the animals with us if no forever home is found. That only works if we get them in the door. At times we are too full and can’t take anymore in. We hate having to refuse and put them on a waiting list. Sometimes when people want us to take the animal in and we can’t, they get annoyed and start threatening to abandon the animal or have it euthanized. That is never the answer. I am only mentioning this hoping people will have second thoughts on adding more animals to an already over-crowded society and not wanting this to happen to that cute little dog or cat you may be considering breeding.

Our shelter may be a non-destroy shelter, but there are many that aren’t. I always thought they were mostly in the southern states, but I’ve found out we have a lot of shelters here in Connecticut that are so over-populated they must euthanize their residents. Sometimes as soon as a few weeks! My goodness, that doesn’t even give the animal any time at all to have a chance at being adopted.

What can you do to help, you ask? Speak up for the innocent animals that can’t speak for themselves. Tell everyone you know and then some to spay/neuter their pets. Help us with a donation to our trap/neuter/return program. Let us know of any cat colonies around your community and even that single stray cat that hangs around looking for food. Soon that one will be five, and five will be ten…you get the picture.

We can’t let this overshadow our happiness for the wonderful cats that recently got adopted. Sometimes it can be upsetting worrying about the cats we know are out there and wondering how to get them into our shelter.

Trapping isn’t the only issue to consider. Space is the big issue. We are trying to save up funds for an addition to our shelter so we never have to turn an animal in need away. The homeless animal population is growing faster than our bank account. Each new day brings us new adoptions and closer to our goal. 

If you haven’t looked at our Web site recently, www.aws-shelter.org, or our Facebook page, please check them out. You will see the cutest dogs, cats, kittens and puppies waiting for their forever homes. Come in for a visit and quite possibly you may find a space in your heart and home for one of our amazing residents. They don’t ask for much, and they give back so much more.

Cuteness fades…euthanasia is forever!

Angels Among Us

Happy New Year! Here’s to an even better 2012.

We have had a remarkable year at AWS. We have seen some of our longtime residents get adopted into their forever homes. Whether we ended the year with a bang or started the new year with joyful hope, anyway you look at it, it is a positive. What never fails to amaze us is when people come in asking to see our longest resident at the shelter. They aren’t looking for perfection (that would be boring), only they have the love and compassion needed to take these animals into their homes and give them the love and security that has been long overdue.

The most recent Christmas miracle was when a lady came in wanting us to show her which cats had been here the longest. We showed her Curtis, Annie, Whisper and Porter. Any one of these would have been a great choice. She chose Whisper. Whisper is an older gal that had been with us way too long. We tried everything to get her adopted. One of our volunteers had a soft spot in her heart for Whisper and would always give her extra love and attention. She had resolved herself to the thought that Whisper might never get adopted and the shelter would be her “home” for the rest of her days.

Whisper spent her time sitting on the window sill looking outside. When I came in one morning and was told Whisper had been adopted, I was floored! I called Marianne right away to give her an early Christmas present with the news of Whisper’s leaving us. She almost couldn’t speak. She was in shock! All her hard work had paid off. It was indeed the best present she could have gotten, and, most important, Whisper found a home for Christmas.

We have already been updated with her progress, and from day one she seemed to ease into family life. Now she has a house to explore and a window sill all to herself to relax on and watch the world go by. Congratulations, Whisper, and may you live a long and happy life in your new home! To Whisper’s new “mommy,” you really are an angel for seeing the good in one of our older, longtime residents.

I recently came upon a quote that, to me, says it all. “Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened.” I don’t know when people come to love and respect animals, if it is something we are born with or learn from our environment, but to me it is as natural as breathing and lives deep inside me. My children were all raised with animals, and they have love and compassion for all creatures, big or small. My grandson is being raised in a home with a dog and cat, and he has learned from an early age they are part of the family and have feelings and should be treated that way. Whenever Liam comes to my house, one of the first things he does is go looking for my “kitzies” and my dog “eta” (Pita). Just the sight of them makes his whole face light up with happiness.

That is exactly how I feel whenever I walk into our shelter and am greeted by all our floor cats. I always give all our “boys” and “girls” a big hello and ask how their night was. A lot of them are big talkers, especially when they are hungry, and answer me back. You may be mistaken and think our shelter or any shelter is a sad place, but you couldn’t be more wrong. It is a “jumping” place with loads of activity. How can it not be when you have cats stalking and capturing toy mice and helping with overseeing your chores? Step back into our dog kennels and you get greetings so loud and wags that could knock you over. How could you not smile or respond to that?

The next time you are standing by a stranger or pass someone new in a grocery store, give the person a warm smile. Who knows, it just might be an angel among us.  You know who you are!