A day in the life of a shelter worker
By Gail Wieder
Board member
That was me on Friday, April 11; Betsy and Sharon had left that day to go to a conference that left only two girls to do all the work, along with the volunteers. My day job as a CSR at Dead River Company lets me volunteer one day a year for a nonprofit organization. I want to thank Dead River Company for giving me the day to volunteer at the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
I want to tell you about my day. Crystal and Heather, two of the shelter employees, were there to guide the volunteers, one being myself. One volunteer was in each of the cat rooms, cleaning cages, feeding and watering the cats, and the last chore in the room is mopping the floors. Crystal started me out sweeping and vacuuming the front lobby, office and the kitchen/meeting room. After I swept and vacuumed the area rugs, I mopped the floors.
I dusted and cleaned some racks and counters. I think the girls went easy on me — it being my first time to help out. Then Heather asked me if I wanted to try my hand at clipping some cats’ nails. I clip my own cat’s nails, so why not try to clip some of the shelter cats’ nails. Some of them were so good I got to clip the front and backs, some would only let me clip the front paws and a few, well — let’s just say I got a few scratches. But all in all the cats loved the interaction and I got purrs out of most of them. I considered that a job well done.
The one washer and two dryers are going all day nonstop, so it is a constant job to go back to the laundry room to transfer from the washer to the dryers and to put another load in the washer. Every towel, blanket and stuffed toy that are taken from the cages are taken to the laundry room on a daily bases to be washed. The stuffed toys are put in a garment bag before going in the washer. Then, as it comes out of the dryer you fold and put away on the shelves where each item belongs. The girls have a system and it works well.
Throughout the work day I got to observe and meet some of our regular volunteers. They come in and go right to work cleaning cages, helping with laundry, folding papers — whatever is needed of them. Our best newspaper folders are Chris Robinson’s mom and dad, Ernie and Barb Cowett. They travel from Ashland and pick up newspapers and take them home to fold and sort and then bring them back to the shelter. We use the newspapers to line the cat cages on the bottom. We are very lucky to have the volunteers that we have and I thank you for the work that you do.
Crystal and Heather are two of the best employees anyone could ask for. These two girls are very hard workers, they go nonstop; they get the work done, supervising the volunteers and getting all their duties done as well. I got to know these two girls better by working alongside of them and chatting over lunch. Paying attention when people came in asking questions about the dogs or cats, Crystal and Heather are both so knowledgeable about all the animals. We are so lucky to have the staff that we do; they truly love the animals.
On my way out the door, I stopped to thank Crystal and Heather for letting me be a part of the shelter that day — thanking them for all they do for these animals that come through our shelter and telling them they are appreciated. They both thanked me and said that they love animals and the work that they do. I got in my car and reflected on the day. I smiled and my heart was happy. What a wonderful day I had.
If you love animals, please take the time to come to the Central Aroostook Humane Society and volunteer your time; it is rewarding. There is so much to do, you can walk the dogs or take the cats out of their cages and play with them. I know I will return again to work with the girls and the animals, will you?
After our article was published by The Star-Herald about the need for the Kuranda cat beds, we are so very happy to report that the community is making this a reality for the Central Aroostook Humane Society! The shelter started receiving notices from the Kuranda Company that beds were being ordered left and right. We want to thank each and every one of you for your generosity and support. All our shelter kitties are going to be happy and content until that perfect home comes along!
Don’t forget Paws for the Cause is coming Saturday, May 17. Registration is at 10 a.m., and the walk starts at 10:30 a.m. Bring your friends, bring your pet and join us for this awesome event.
Please be responsible, spay and neuter your pets!
