 - Thad, feeding his neighbor’s kittens.
Thad
How long have you been a volunteer at Furkids?
I have been a volunteer at Furkids since September of 2010.
How many hours per week do you volunteer?
I volunteer approximately 6 hours per week.
Where/how do you primarily volunteer?
I clean at the PetSmart Northlake location about 2-3 times per month and I clean and socialize with the cats at the main shelter every Saturday and Sunday morning.
What do you like most about volunteering at Furkids?
I really like being around the cats and taking care of them — even if it means that I just give them fresh litter boxes and a clean floor.
Which cat/dog is your favorite? Why?
By far, Chewy in Room 9 is my favorite. He’s such a sweet little guy and his story of how he came to Furkids is a sad one to me. His owner passed away and he and his brother, Chaco, had nowhere to go and so Furkids took him in. His brother Chaco adjusted to the change a bit better, but Chewy was really confused at first — and he’s still struggling a bit to adjust to a room full of other cats. I always give him a little extra attention whenever I’m at the shelter — even if I’m not assigned to clean Room 9.
What would you like visitors to our website to know most about Furkids?
It really is a unique place. You will never get tired of coming here if you really like cats.
What do you do when you are not volunteering for Furkids?
I am an academic librarian for a large university.
Do you have pets?
Yes, 5. Four cats: Jackson, Lucy, Beanie and Algebra. And a GBD (generic black dog) named Boo.
Name one thing you have, one thing you do, and one thing you like.
- I have: a collection of vintage postcards.
- I do: marathon training.
- I like: The Simpsons.
 Leah
How long have you been a volunteer at Furkids?
Almost 6 years.
How many hours per week do you volunteer?
I volunteer approximately 6 to 7 hours per week.
Where/how do you primarily volunteer?
At the main shelter cleaning cat rooms.
What do you like most about volunteering at Furkids?
Besides the cats, I think we are all there to make sure all the cats are healthy, happy, and comfortable.
Which cat/dog is your favorite? Why?
Too many to pick one. Gooseberry, Gus, and Norton are my top 3. Gooseberry and Gus are BIG, beautiful, laid-back cats. Norton has come such a long way since he and his brother Tyson arrived at the shelter. They were terrified, and it took many months for them to start trusting people. Norton so looks forward to his wet food on Tuesdays that he hops up and down at the door waiting for me to bring in the tray. It’s a great way to start my work at Furkids.
What would you like visitors to our website to know most about Furkids?
It’s all about the cats.
What do you do when you are not volunteering for Furkids?
I am a homemaker.
Do you have pets?
Two cats. We recently lost a dog a few months ago, but hope soon to bring another one into our lives.
Name one thing you have, one thing you do, and one thing you like.
- I have: a crush on Tony Soprano.
- I do: enjoy being productive.
- I like: Chardonnay.
Melissa
How long have you been a volunteer at Furkids?
Since 2006
How many hours per week do you volunteer?
Currently, being pregnant and a stay-at-home mom to a 2- and 4-year-old, only a few hours a week. When I initially started volunteering, I volunteered about 20 hours per week.
Where/how do you primarily volunteer?
I respond to all of the e-mails sent to the info@furkids.org account. I am also helping make changes to the new website. When I first joined Furkids my duties included returning phone calls, replying to e-mails, opening the Midtown PetSmart adoption center, painting, heading the adoption team, maintaining the cat list, updating and adding all of the cats to the website and cleaning at the shelter as needed. I really loved being with all of the cats and I really miss that now that I mainly volunteer from home.
What do you like most about volunteering at Furkids?
I really believe in Furkids’ mission. Furkids has helped so many unwanted animals. I love how we offer so much to people in trying to keep the animals in their homes. I love our adoption process — I like how we will always take back any previously adopted cats. Our commitment to our cats is their lifetime and I agree with that wholeheartedly.
Which cat/dog is your favorite? Why?
Alicia. She is a long-timer at the shelter and has been looking for her forever home since before I started. She has been there since 2004 and is such a kind soul. I hope she finds her people soon.
What would you like visitors to our site to know most about Furkids?
How they can help if they are interested. We always need volunteers!
What do you do when you are not volunteering at Furkids?
I am a stay-at-home mom to a 4-year-old boy and a 2-year-old girl and am currently pregnant with our third child (a boy) due in November.
Do you have pets?
I have 2 black cats, Ricky and Fred. Black cats are my favorite, they are so laid back.
Name one thing you have, one thing you do, and one thing you like:
- I have: a wonderful husband and family.
- I do: mountain biking.
- I like: going places with my family.
 Marbeth
How long have you been a volunteer at Furkids?
Since April of 2006
How many hours per week do you volunteer?
15-17 hours.
Where/how do you primarily volunteer?
The first two years at the shelter, and now at the Thrift Store.
What do you like most about volunteering at Furkids?
The feeling that I am contributing to helping animals that in so many cases have been treated as disposable. I have also met some wonderful, caring individuals.
Which cat/dog is your favorite? Why?
Of course they are all special and although it would be hard to pick a favorite, there are some I will always remember.
What would you like visitors to our site to know most about Furkids?
That every animal is important and worth saving.
What do you do when you are not volunteering at Furkids?
I am retired.
Do you have pets?
Only one dog now (a Siberian Husky who is wonderful but high maintenance). I have had as many as five dogs at one time. Six cats — the most recent to come live with me is blind, FIV+, and incredibly loving. One bird, a cockatiel.
Name one thing you have, one thing you do, and one thing you like:
- I have: a strong commitment to the welfare of animals.
- I do: read as much as possible.
- I like: anything chocolate.
 Cindy H.
How long have you been a volunteer at Furkids?
I have been a volunteer at Furkids since 2006.
How many hours per week do you volunteer?
I volunteer about 7 hours every Sunday.
Where/how do you primarily volunteer?
I clean Room 8 and for the hallway cats at the shelter. When there is an occasional dog that Furkids is blessed to have, my buddies, Deborah and Linden, and I take them on walks.
What do you like most about volunteering at Furkids?
I enjoy the friendships I have with the people and animals. Sam (the shelter’s director) gives the volunteers so much freedom to love and socialize with the cats. The shelter is the most wonderful place I’ve ever seen.
Which cat/dog is your favorite? Why?
Bunny is my friend and confidant. I think when she’s adopted, her forever home will have to let her bring Room 8′s recliner with her.
What would you like visitors to our website to know most about Furkids?
Seven years ago I was feeding some homeless cats close to my job. Their owners moved and left them behind. I fed and loved them, but I didn’t know how to care for them, especially when the colony started to grow in number. I was so scared when the kittens kept coming. One morning Jimmy saw an article in the newspaper about Furkids. With Sam’s years of experience and guidance, the colony was soon fully vetted, spayed and neutered and re-released. It is a pleasure to volunteer at a place that helped me and many, many others.
What do you do when you are not volunteering for Furkids?
I work in a middle school cafeteria.
Do you have pets?
Yes, I have one big dog that is scared of cats and three happy cats!
Name one thing you have, one thing you do, and one thing you like.
- I have: my first grandbaby to look forward to — due in February.
- I do: study biology at Georgia Gwinnett College.
- I like: to watch The Closer and The Good Wife.
Lisa L.
How long have you been a volunteer at Furkids?
Six years.
How many hours per week do you volunteer?
It varies. Anywhere from 2 to 40.
Where/how do you primarily volunteer?
I primarily work on Furkids’ fundraisers and special events and I serve on the Board of Directors. I usually manage our silent auctions and help out with other events as needed. I also assist with a myriad of other initiatives such as the newsletters and the website. On the week of a big event I’ve been known to pull all-nighters to get everything ready. Our last silent auction had over 400 items! In between events, I can focus on other shelter needs and relax enough to spend some quiet time with the kitties.
What do you like most about volunteering at Furkids?
I love the cause and the animals we help. I’ve been doing volunteer work since I was a teenager and with Furkids, I have a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment than with any other organization. I see how important every dollar we raise is and how many animals are saved and given a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life. I also love spending time at the shelter playing with the cats.
Which cat/dog is your favorite? Why?
Right now I have to say there are three kittens – Jellybean, Gumdrop and Caramel. These three siblings were about to be euthanized when Furkids rescued them. It just so happens that my sister and brother-in-law are fostering them so I’ve watched them grow from little balls of fluff to three of the cutest kittens you will ever meet. Because they live at my sister’s house, I get to visit with them often so I have grown quite fond of them.
What would you like visitors to our website to know most about Furkids?
That there are so many different and interesting ways to get involved and help – even if you are allergic to cats. You will also see the positive results of even the smallest efforts.
What do you do when you are not volunteering for Furkids?
I have a full-time job as an Associate Director of Marketing.
Do you have pets?
I have two cats. Bonnie, an old girl (who’s sibling Clyde died a few years ago) and Mushroom, a younger boy that I adopted from Furkids after Clyde passed away. Cats are very social and generally like the company of other animals. When Bonnie lost her brother, she was miserable and depressed but now she and Mushroom are great buds.
Name one thing you have, one thing you do, and one thing you like.
- I have: a very large collection of cat figurines, sculpture, art, etc.
- I do: sing in a community chorus called Collegium Vocale (our next concert is Nov. 12, 2011).
- I like: sea kayaking.
 Emily A. (youth volunteer, age 12)
How long have you been a volunteer at Furkids?
I have been volunteering at Furkids for almost a year now. I started last November.
How many hours per week do you volunteer?
I volunteer about 3-6 hours a week. I’d do more if I could! : P
Where/how do you primarily volunteer?
I like to help out in all the rooms, but I can usually only do 3 or 4. Most of the time I help out with laundry and food and water for the cats. If there’s a dog, I take it for walks. And I know everyone does this, but of course I pet them! : 3
What do you like most about volunteering at Furkids?
I volunteer because it’s nice to know you’re making a difference in someone’s life. : )
Which cat/dog is your favorite? Why?
Oh wow, this is a tough question! Probably Hadrian, because he tries to escape the room, so he’s adventurous, like me! 8D
What would you like visitors to our website to know most about Furkids?
That we are a non-killing shelter!
What do you do when you are not volunteering for Furkids?
Usually I’m doing homework, doing chores for my cats, cleaning my room, fostering, being with friends, planning sleepovers, the list goes on and on! C:
Do you have pets?
Yes, and I love taking care of them!
Name one thing you have, one thing you do, and one thing you like.
- I have: a good life.
- I do: help others.
- I like: helping others!
 - Jill in the Kitten Room!
Jill H.
How long have you been a volunteer at Furkids?
I’ve been volunteering at Furkids for 2+ years.
How many hours per week do you volunteer?
I volunteer for about 2-4 hours each week.
Where/how do you primarily volunteer?
I started out cleaning the PETCO-Holcomb Bridge center and switched last year to cleaning the shelter on Sundays. My husband comes with me and we usually clean room 9, although sometimes we get to clean the fat kitty room (room 5). I also started volunteering this summer and fall with the fundraising/awareness activities.
What do you like most about volunteering at Furkids?
Same answer for everyone…the CATS! Plus the people are really nice and the shelter is incredibly well-organized and well-thought out for cleaning.
Which cat/dog is your favorite? Why?
Right now my favorite is probably a 3-way tie among Daisy, Michael, and Hadrian. I fostered Happy Harry the terrier for a night, so of course I’m in love with him now. 
What would you like visitors to our website to know most about Furkids?
They need to know how unbelievably well-managed it is. Of course we have dedicated volunteers, but Furkids also has a terrific system in place to provide the utmost care to rescued cats and dogs and make the most of every dollar and volunteer hour they receive. And, less adoptable doesn’t mean not rescue-able at Furkids.
What do you do when you are not volunteering for Furkids?
When not at Furkids, I work full time as an engineer, and I volunteer with Atlanta Dog Squad.
Do you have pets?
Definitely! Four cats (2 from Furkids) and one dog. Butterscotch, Casper, Daisy, Mocha and Hamlet.
Name one thing you have, one thing you do, and one thing you like.
- I have: a great husband and home.
- I do: my day job really well.
- I like: helping kitties and doggies.
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