Cat Buddies

I took the kids to the SPCA today. We have been a few times and have thought that it would be a good idea for the girl's to volunteer there once a week. So, today was the day that we went and got some hands on experience. I had never been to an SPCA before, but I am highly impressed with our branch. There is a kitten room where the kittens are all loose with food, water and lots of toys. The girls just loved it in there. They were very gentle and played great with them. J Man joined us today and he even is learning to be gentle, except for one stepped on tail, he did great! Next we headed to the adult cats who were in their cages. We were shown which ones to take out and how to brush them. Then we were able to take out some younger ones to play with. They chased balls and played with toys that the girl's had for them. Next we headed outside to the dogs and were able to go and play and cuddle them. Some just wanted lovin's (which was right up Beaner's alley), and there was one dog in particular that just wanted to play! As soon as Cici saw her and saw the mini tire and ball, the game was on! It was a great match, a dog with tons of energy who just wanted to chase balls and be chased, and a 7 year old with endless energy!

Cici- to the the SPCA worker "if we ever get a dog we need to get one that can keep up with me!!"

After we tired the dogs out we headed back inside to see more cats. They have a large room with tons of toys, climbing things and even a kitty door to the outside, where many more cats can do their kitty thing. So, in we went and this is where we found some cat buddies. Beaner sat on the floor and one young kitten came over to her, curled up beside her and played with her skirt. Beaner loved it so much! Cici found a kitten that became her buddy and she continued to "save" all the kittens and other cats from one very grumpy feline who was bullying all the other cats!

All in all a great day at the SPCA. I look forward to going with the girls every week. I know it will be a great experience for them. Already they are learning that they are there for the animals, and not for their own enjoyment, although that comes along with it too. They were learning today to see what the animal needed and respond the right way. Some dogs wanted to be petted and loved on, some wanted to play and run like crazy. It was a joy to see them bond with the animals and learn the bigger picture that they have a job to do to help these animals know that humans and kids are safe. It was a bit of a lesson today when I told the girls we needed to go, and perhaps when we come next week some of their cat buddies won't be there because they would be in a home. The looks on their faces we of disappointment that they might not see their special buddies again, but they know that they will make new ones next week. I think this experience will be great for them, and hey, I kinda like going to play with the animals too!!