My babybear was at the cattery when he became ill, i went to collect his things on monday and was speaking to the lady that owns it. i felt that i could help her out so i asked if that would be possible, she said that i could go whenever i wanted to. i really feel like i need some feline company just for a little while. Should i go in my spare time to help in rememberence of my babybear or would i be hurting myself even more!!!!!!!!!!! im really confused, i love all kitty cats and as i will be moving aboard in the next few years my partner doesnt want to get another cat untill we have settled down, and i dont think i can go for years with out those beautiful furbabies in my life!!!!! i really need advice!!!!!!

Never mind i just phoned her to ask if it was ok, and she seemed funny with me and told me that she would ring me back. I wish i never phoned know i feel so bad, what was i thinking!!!!!!!!!!! I feel so stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!! It just hurts so bad................

regardless of her response, i think it was a fine idea. helping other animals and/or people is a great way to keep the mind active and to do something
helpful at the same time. perhaps she may have acted odd because she already said you could come on by any time. either that or she could have been
having a bad day or in the middle of something. there are animals out there that need your love, dont give up!

i know but now i feel like an complete idiot, maybe i mistook what she said the first time, i meant that i could help her groom them and spend time with them, and she just said on the phone ' what do you want to do come look at the cats!!! ' I said to her on the phone if it isnt ok then please just say so. The reason why i said i could help her is that none of the cats she has there are for rehoming they are all there because there owners are away, that way i wouldnt get tempted to bring one home!!!! maybe it just isnt meant to be but now i feel like im back to day one i dont even want to go home.

she may have misunderstood your intentions then. clear it up with her and i bet she would enjoy having the non-paid help. if not, she wasnt worth your time
in the first place. if your goal is to help the animals, your local shelter ALWAYS needs help (and supplies and money, of course).

Hi Babybear,

Did you think perhaps of animal fostering? Many shelters are in need of loving homes to help house animals until they get adopted out. This is something that I have done before and I can tell you that it is a rewarding and life changing experience. It may help you out with your grief and you will be doing a good thing to help out with a needy animal.

Take Care,
Cynthia

Hi Sara,

I think your idea of helping with other cats is a great idea! In fact, I did the same thing myself. I have been donating to a local no-kill cat shelter for the last few years, and I knew they had an "adoption bus" (a retro-fitted school bus that takes cats and kittens to local pet stores to help them get adopted) and were having a supply-drive. I took a load of supplies to the adoption bus a couple of days after my Winnie girl's passing (in her honor) and when I got there, they invited me to see how the bus worked. Once I had met all of the kitties, I asked if they needed someone to come volunteer on the bus. Since then, I've gone every Monday evening for an hour or two, and I'm going again tonight. I've already helped with two adoptions and it made me feel great! I've also really enjoyed petting, brushing and playing with all of the adult kitties. They have such a wide range of personalities, but all of them seem to appreciate the attention! I also think that Cynthia's idea of fostering animals is a great suggestion! I haven't done it myself, but it could be the perfect thing for you if you're in the position of not really being able to adopt right now.

I'm sorry that your first experience was embarrassing for you. It is likely that there was a miscommunication, but even if the woman you spoke with isn't appreciative of your willingness to help, I'm sure that there is someone out there who will be! I'd say to keep trying!

Best of luck,
Eliza