Unfortunately, the last four or five days have been the hardest to tolerate at the shelter. This is because it is currently kitten season and small kittens carry the most germs/ bacteria and have severely spread the epidemic called Pan Leuk throughout the cat rooms within the last week. This disease kills adult cats within a few days to a week and kills kitten within a day or two. For the last five days I have observed that approximately sixteen cats, whom I’ve gotten to know very well, are no longer in their cages or are not part of our world anymore.
Throughout my volunteering I have been able to maintain my emotions and be immune to the reality around me until I personally noticed a shelter employee physically remove four cats I had recently finished photographing. After this occurrence I instantly became extremely aware of the amount of cats that were missing.
Overall, there were surprisingly about four to six new cats in each room. I was previously informed that the shelter’s turn-over rate was 40% but I didn’t completely understand what that meant until I witnessed the process with my own eyes. I assumed the public would adopt some of the cats instantly because most have wonderful personalities. However, unless you visit the shelter daily, one would not learn their personalities unless they spent more than a few hours with each cat.
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This is Stephanie. She is an 8 year old Calico. Her impoundment number is 53041. She is a die-hard smush and a playful ball of fun. She has most likely not been adopted because she is considered “old” to potential adoptive parents who may also think adopting her would not be worth it. |
I agree that it is very hard sometimes because of the effects of kitten season. I think now more than ever it is important for us to spotlight the older cats so that they can get adopted sooner. I really love this picture of Stephanie. The fur on her face is beautifully detailed and color corrected. Her eyes are bright and luminous with the catch lights and her defined whiskers really draw you in, excellent job!
ReplyDeleteYes, it can be very difficult to see the effects of animal overpopulation, and pet owner irresponsibility. I try to remind myself that whatever I am experiencing as a volunteer, it must be so much harder for those that work there. That self-talk usually doesn't make it any easier. Please know that you are doing an important service and you ARE making a difference. Photographs touch people's hearts and move them into action. I truly believe that. This photo of Stephanie is really strong. Hopefully it will help find her a home. Try posting it on your facebook page. That usually helps.
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