Furkids for the Soul Part 2: Volunteer

Purkids for the Soul

Sitting in the middle of the floor in the Purkids room I get the pleasure of observing and absorbing their little world. Sitting in silence they calmly walk over me, on me and around me. My breathing slows, my mind slows, my need to accomplish the next to do dissipates. Being a part of their little community, even for a short time, I am always in wonder. I learn something new with every visit and I notice little changes in myself.

Whether you are a dog, cat, fish, bunny or just general lover of animals understanding what caring for animals can do for your overall health cannot be underestimated. From lowering your stress level, to decreasing your chance at heart issues pets can play an important role in the overall health and wellness of a human body and spirit.

If you read my last post you have learned that I have been a lover of animals (cats specifically but honestly all animals) since I was a child. Recently my cat passed and I have chosen to give back by volunteering at a pet shelter.
 It is a gratifying for my soul as it is for my physical health.

So if you are ready to improve your health and the live of another animal, I welcome you to check out the purkids site for further information on volunteering, foster or adoption opportunities.

Some of the many health benefits of animals

Decreases Stress. ...

Lowers Blood Pressure. ...

Eases Pain. ...

Lowers Cholesterol.

Improves Mood. ...

Helps People Socialize. ...

Prevents Strokes. ...

Monitors Blood Sugar Levels for Diabetics.

FURKIDS- MY SELF CARE TEAM

ZANE ON THE LEFT AND PAGET ON THE RIGHT LOOKING OUT INTO THE WORLD

Sitting by the window with Zane and Paget. I stroke their fur as I put my head in between the cat tree to see the world outside. Birds are fetching their next meal at the feeder. The both watch with keen interest. My heart rate slows as I gently have my hand on the nape of their necks. We both sit in silence for what seems like eternity. Although I am here to help save them, they is really the one saving me.


Pets have the power to heal. I knew that at a young age. My earliest childhood memories involve sitting under the dining room table speaking to our house cat Sugar. To be honest, she was my mothers cat but as my sisters and I came into the world she allowed us to share my mom. I would spend nights sitting under the table rubbing her forehead while I spoke in soft tones. I would tell her about my day and talk to her about hers.

When she passed, we continued to have family cats. Each one was equally special. I was fortune in my lifetime to have my own cat in my late twenties. I searched far and wide for a purebred korat cat. Life however gave me just what I needed, Gizmo Jullian aka Gizzy. Everyone who came in contact with him thought he acted more like a dog than a cat. For me he was just Gizzy. He would be there to listen when I had a bad day. When my depression took a life of its own he would sit in bed with me while I cried myself to sleep. He would allow me to dance with him around the house during my happy times. Gizmo was pivotal in my self care. He would remind me that I could not just give up, he needed me.

Losing him after 10 years was one of the most devastating experiences during that time. However after some time I found Furkids and found a way to give back to animals who have given so much to me throughout the years. Volunteering with Furkids, specifically Purkids cats has been not only helpful to my overall health by lowering my stress levels it also helps me to learn how to give of myself to cats who only need love and safety.

Purkids specifically are cats that may not have had a chance to fully socialize with humans or experienced some type of trauma. Purkids volunteers work with specific cats, and through these interactions help these cats to become more comfortable around humans, thus making it easier for them to be adopted.

MY PURKID PAGET

I work with two wonderful cats, Zane and Paget. They have taught me lessons in love and that love doesn’t always come from animals that are cuddly and friendly. The special moments that I have and breakthroughs give me more joy each week. From my initial visit with hissing, paws ready to strike and just walking away from me all together, to full body rub downs, baby food grabbing with paws, and play time. Working with these cats has not only opened my heart to them but also to others.


If you are interested in volunteering with Furkids in any capacity (dog or cat volunteers), please see the link above. Trust me, you won’t regret it.