By JANET STOICA

Volunteering isn’t the most glamorous job at times but the satisfaction you feel from helping others, including animals, is truly immeasurable.

Volunteers are greatly needed at Webster’s no kill cat shelter, Community Cat Connection (“CCC”). The shelter has been a shining beacon for area towns and those individuals who must give up a furry feline due to an owner’s inability to care for their furry companion or for someone who may have passed on. Their trap-and-release program capturing stray felines is also a large part of the job to benefit those cat owners who allow their cats outdoor access. When a pet owner allows their feline outdoor access they may come in contact with stray tabbies who haven’t been vaxed for rabies, distemper, or a myriad of other contagious diseases. Your tabby could conceivably bring home an unwanted virus. Not good. The CCC’s volunteers capture strays and get them vaxed before releasing them back to the wild as a valuable benefit to those house cats they may come in contact with. 

However, for all the good they do, the CCC is desperately low on volunteers. Barbara Hassett is one of the dedicated volunteers who assists with the everyday care of the lovable critters. “This is my happy place really,” said Barbara, “it’s so fulfilling knowing I’m helping these animals find good homes. My fellow volunteers also make it worthwhile to come here knowing all the good we are doing.” Doris Bemis’ volunteer job at the CCC is to seek out strays who are reported to them. She will scope out their habitats with capturing devices. Once in Ms. Bemis’ care, the cats are quarantined and then brought to clinics like Tufts or Second Chance in Worcester and North Brookfield for neutering or spaying. The furry bundles of joy are then vaxed for rabies and distemper as well as given flea baths and de-worming treatments if necessary. They are also chipped and clipped as well as FIV-tested for immunodeficiency. Some of these kitties are then socialized and put up for adoption or they may be released back to their original environment.

Doris’ job is a hardy one and not for the faint of heart. It’s tough going out and trying to coax strays into a transport cage but Doris knows every detail and best procedure for helping these kits as she’s a 15-year volunteer. She’s an angel for sure but she needs more angels to assist her just like the CCC shelter does for the care, cleaning, and feeding of these beautiful pets. Doris related a story about an 18-year-old lovable tom cat who needed care during his last days. Tears came to her eyes as she described her time spent with the wonderful animal before he passed. When I visited the CCC, volunteer Dorothy Berard was diligently caring for the majority of the felines in the main caging room. She had her routine down pat and was enjoying her time spent with the adoring kits.

If you are looking for a satisfying volunteer job, the CCC needs you!  If you are a high school student looking to beef up your credentials and resume by doing community service activity, here’s your chance. If you love fuzzy and endearing creatures, you’re the one they need. If you have a big heart and the desire to make a difference, they’re waiting for your phone call. One day a week for 3 hours can make you a hero. Take your friend, relative, son, daughter, husband, wife with you and get the chores done in half the time. You may be right and I might be crazy but you just might be the cat fanatic they’re looking for. (Thanks, Billy Joel.)

“So many people just leave their cats behind,” said Ms. Hassett, “it’s a shame. They’ll move out of an apartment or home and just leave the animal with no regret. Many of our cats here have the sweetest personalities and are the best companions. They are low maintenance and don’t have to be walked outdoors in all kinds of weather. They are indoor creatures and are such good buddies. We had a little kitty that was abandoned in an apartment after its owner moved. The landlord found the kitty. He was such a sweet cat. How can anyone just abandon an animal like that? By the time we had him vetted he was even sweeter from having more love given to him while at our center.” Barbara and her two daughters began their volunteering seven years ago when the girls were in high school and wanted to do community service. They’ve been volunteering every other Saturday since high school.

The CCC was the recent recipient of a $1,000 Walmart Community Award for its service to the local area. Brett Bergeron, Walmart’s Pharmacy Manager in Walmart’s North Oxford store, presented the grant to the Connection’s staff.  The award funds will go toward the trap and release program.

Ms. Trudy Charette of Dudley was the founder of the CCC when it began. She used her Dudley home as the original site and then moved into a small storefront near the French River Bridge. The Community Cat Connection is also synonymous with its generous benefactor, Mrs. Marilyn Fels. Without Mrs. Fels’ benevolence and concern, the Connection’s current building construction, maintenance, and upkeep would never have happened. Her caring and goodwill is an asset to the Town of Webster and surrounding communities.

As Charles Dickens wrote: “What greater gift than the love of a cat?” and there are quite a few beautiful cats waiting for you to choose them as your faithful and loving companion. 

Potential volunteers may download Volunteer Forms from their website: www.communitycatconnection.org 

Community Cat Connection, 289 Thompson Road, Webster MA 01570 (across from the former Colonial Restaurant). (508) 949-0779. Open hours to the public: Thurs/Fri 12 noon – 3:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Find them on Facebook.  [email protected]   

Contact Janet:  [email protected]