Eli Knapp: Volunteer Spotlight
“I’ve been volunteering with Furry Friends for two hours a week since the end of July,” Eli says. “I found out about you through my friend, Kailen. She posted a picture of her holding some kittens and I knew I had to get involved. I needed some kitten loving!
“As a volunteer, my time is divided between doing chores and having fun. My chores include sweeping the floor, scooping litter boxes, feeding the kitties and giving them fresh water. The fun part includes playing with toys, petting, cuddling and, quite often, simply hanging out.
“My favorite part is seeing the different personalities and moods of the cats. They each have a unique vibe, and it’s so special getting to know them. Also, being surrounded by kittens and having them climb all over you is awesome. On the other hand, my greatest challenge is managing my time: it’s easy to get caught up in so much kitty cuteness when there’s work to do. Not to mention falling in love with the cats and wanting to take them all home with me!
“My proudest moment was meeting my fellow volunteers and the cats for the first time. I was so happy to be there and so pleased with my decision to volunteer. Since then, I feel proud whenever shy or fearful cats start coming out of their shell and begin feeling comfortable around me. It means a great deal to me knowing that I’m a safe person for them.
“Outside of Furry Friends, I work as a florist at New Seasons Market, and I love it. I also work part-time as a cat sitter and dog walker. As to why I give back? I give back because it’s incredibly rewarding. Knowing that these cats are well cared for and loved while waiting for their fur-ever homes brings me so much joy! It’s only a small amount of work and it’s such fun. If you love cats, I would highly recommend volunteering with Furry Friends.
“I’m passionate about environmentalism and making the earth a cleaner, better place for our furry friends and for us. In fact, I hope to get my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies within the next few years. And speaking of furry friends, I have one cat at home, a sweet tuxedo named Edgar. He’s shy but very cuddly once he’s comfortable. (He’s in my lap as I’m writing this).
“Just for fun: I love to cook and bake: I just took an apple crisp out of the oven! I also love hiking, playing board games and photography.”
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Furry Friends Volunteer Spotlights are compiled and written by Nomi Berger who is the bestselling author of seven novels, one work of non-fiction, two volumes of poetry, and hundreds of articles. She is a volunteer writer for Furry Friends in Vancouver, WA and also volunteers her writing skills to animal rescue groups in Canada and the USA.
