March 14, 2012
I finished up training at a local animal shelter: not that I need to learn how to clean out a cat box. However, I was amazed at the logistics of multiplying one or two cats times over 100. There is a lot more than just the cat box. Everything from being able to read the moods of the "stranger" cats to doing the laundry. The shelter uses gallons of bleach to sanitize. Some cats will do anything to get your attention -most of it is comical. The part I like is to provide some TLC to these wonderful creatures. Even the dogs are rated as to who should handle them.
There was a middle age woman there using a cane, as opposed to a flock of college coeds whom I wondered how many times they cleaned a cat box. I struck up a conservation with the woman. She was from Scotland and had met a man from the local area online. She's lived most of her life in a city. Even after 2-3 years in a rural area she admitted she has had a hard time adjusting. I sensed she has had a difficult time making new friends. Well we really hit it off and hung around the shelter just talking. It seems we both came to the training for the same purpose - to meet new people and to help the animals. When we left we traded phone numbers.
Living alone with a disability can be deadly. But meeting new people and making new friends is almost as challenging as the disability itself, especially if you are bit on the shy side. The message I have for friends and family of those living alone with chronic illness and/or disabilities is to check on them regularly. As we get older we have a tendency to stay home more and maybe whine more. But life is what you make of it with whatever cards you have been dealt. It is better to get off your duff. Volunteering is a win win for everyone. Start with a place where you feel comfortable such as a family reunion. Check out a local church for their outreach programs. Try the local hospital or senior center. There are never enough volunteers. I have found being around people who enjoy the same things I like makes for good medicine (pain, anit-depressant etc.). On the other hand it is ok to have days where there is too much pain, fatigue or just being over whelmed.
You mention volunteering when you are disabled. Tell me, how I can volunteer when I am in a wheelchair and cannot drive and have no one to take me anywhere?
ReplyDeleteJoan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. Not knowing the extent of your mobility, I will give you some ideas. Shelters are usuallly open on weekends as that is when folks come looking for pets. Call around and ask the shelters about hours and if wheel chair accessable. Shelters can use all kinds of help. Since you can use a computer I bet there are some marketing things you could do at home. As for getting to the shelter you might be surprised and be able to work something around your husband's schedule. One of the most difficult things to do when we lose our former life and life style is to ask for help. Think about asking neighbors or someone from a local church. Check out local disability organizaitons for "ride" services. There are lots of resources. Try this link http://www.disabilityresouorces.org/ fill in your state. There are a lot of resources out there. And I bet there are some cats and puppies that could be just held. there is also fostering a shelter animal. I suspect you would like to have the feeling of being useful again. Good luck. You will find a way.
Ella