Conference misery::feline

    Lauri -
    
    I'm not sure of the difference either, but I've been in the
    Buddy Dog.  It's a shelter - I've seen mainly dogs (but that's
    not to say they don't handle just as many cats.)  An old boss
    of mine got his family dog there, shots, etc. included.  It was
    actually a nice place!  That's the only one I know of in the
    general Marlboro area.  Good luck!
    
    C.
    

    I know that some Marlboro folks volunteer at the Framingham
    Humane Society whose shelter is located in Southboro.
    Pat
    

    Hi,
    
     I'm a Hudson folk, and I volunteer at the Framingham Animal Humane
    Society in Southboro, located upstairs from Southboro Kennels (private
    boarding kennel).
    
     We have only cats here, and we have some very nice ones that would
    love to have a home. If you have any idea what you may be looking for
    in a pet, let me know, and I'll let you know if we may have the perfect
    match! ;-)
    
    Yonee

    Yonee, Lauri wants to volunteer some time at a shelter, not volunteer
    to take home a half dozen cats!  :^)

    That's correct.  I'm looking to volunteer some time at a shelter.  I 
    already have two kitties at home. 
    
    I'm curious as to what volunteers do at these shelters.  Could you give
    me some ideas?
    
    Thanks,
    
    - Lauri
    

    
    I work at the Pat Brody Shelter for Cats in Lunenburg (which is
    probably a bit too far for you) but here are some ways volunteers
    can help out.   You truly would have to speak to the specific shelter
    to find out where they need help...but believe me any time you can
    give will be very much appreciated:  Shelters are always looking for 
    help!!!
    
      o Cleaning Crew - We have groups of folks that are responsible
        for specific days that go in feed the kitties, change water bowls,
        scoop/change the litterboxes, wash the cages/catwalks, medicate,
        and most importantly play with the kitties etc!!  At the PB shelter 
        we work this so the weekend crew only has to do this once a month!
    
      o Office help - mailing thank you cards, updating distribution list, 
        opening mail, mailing newsletter, answering/returning phone calls, etc.
    
      o Coordinators for fund raising events or even volunteering at
        fund raising events such as fairs, cat shows, craft shows,
        doggie dips (summer only), flea markets,  etc.
    
      o Craft Committee - This might be unique to the Pat Brody shelter
        but we have a committee that meets twice a month to work on cat
        crafts which we sell at cat shows.   Some folks make crafts on
        their own and donate them to the shelter.
    
    I'm sure there are other ways shelters need your help.....and I can
    guarentee you will meet ALOT of wonderful animal loving people!!!
    
    Sandy  
    
    
   
    
                                                 

    Oh yeah! Just goes to show how much sleep I got last night! DAH!! ;-)
    
    I'm sure they could use more volunteers, I just don't know which
    night(s) they need them. I could find out and get back to you if you
    like.
    
    There, am I on the right track yet? ;-) Unbelievable! 8-)
    
    Yonee

    Of course it would also help if I read all the replies before I
    answered too! (What a day I'm having! 8-0) 
    
    At the Framingham Humane, we (in the evenings) feed each cat wet food,
    and then we scoop the ppops and sweep up each cage as needed, and make
    sure there is dry food and fresh water. Then......WE PLAY WITH
    KITTIES!!!!
    
    I like to spoil the kids, so I usually bring lots of baby food to feed
    off fingers. It also helps gets medicine into some of them if we mix it
    up. Some of the cats need a lot of attention to help bring them out of
    their shell and get them socialized. I like to work with them too.
    
    If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. I'm sure
    among all of us, we'll come up with an answer. Of course my answers
    today, may have absolutely nothing to do with the questions! ;-) I'll
    try though.
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee
    
    P.S. Cheryl, how am I doing? ;-)

    Ooo, sounds like the tasks mentioned are just what I was thinking.  I
    especially like the *play with the kitties* part (or even walk the dogs
    would be good).  
    
    This is great.  I think I'll give them (Buddy Dog) a call (or would 
    showing up in person be better?).
    
    BTW, how far is Southboro from Sudbury (near Edgell Rd)?
    
    Thanks for all the info!

    Hi,
    
     Southboro is probably quite a trek from Sudbury. I go there from
    Husdon, and it takes me about 20 minutes I guess.
    
     Buddy Dog is probably your best bet. I'd give them a call. They will
    probably have you contact a certain person, who coordinates the
    volunterrs, so they don't all show up one day, and have no help on
    another one.
    
     Let us know if you start volunteering!
    
    Yonee

    Southboro kennels from Edgell Road is about 25 minutes. From Edgell
    you can turn right in Framingham onto Belknap, left at the end of
    Belknap,and right after the Marist (?) Center. Cross route 9, turn
    right at the next corner and take that road (Salem End Road) on 
    into Southboro. It sounds more confusing than it really is. 
    Or you can take Edgell to Rte 9, turn left after crossing Rte 9, and 
    you'll be on Salem End Road. 
    
    I live in Hopkinton and go to the Framingham Animal Clinic and it
    is approximately 25 minutes. 
    
    But Buddy Dog is definately closer to you, and they all need help.
    I'm certain you will be appreciated wherever you go. I guess it depends
    on whether you prefer working with cats or dogs, or maybe it really
    doesn't matter since the need is there in both places.
    
    Pat 
                               

    I contacted Buddy Dog.  I go in for volunteer orientation the week of
    the 18th!  They have dogs and a LARGE cat population too (yippee).  
    
    Volunteers as supposed to feed and groom the animals, play with them,
    and clean cages too.
    
    Oh dear, I just realized that I didn't ask if they were no-kill! 
    Yikes!  I don't think I could work in a place that destroyed the
    animals.  Off to make a phone call....
    

    Laurie,
    
    I believe that they are a no-kill shelter.  I remember seeing them at
    the pet fair in October in Marlboro.  I believe that they said they are a
    no-kill shelter.
    
    Good luck!  And have fun!
    
    Holly
    

    Hi again,
    
     I knew there were some back roads to get to southboro from Sudbury,
    but had no idea of soem of the road names, so I stayed out of that.
    Especially after messing up so many times earlier! ;-)
    
     I'm glad you're going to be a volunteer. It's really fun I think. I
    would love to be able to have dozens of cats myself, so this way I get
    my multiple cat fix, and can be happy at home with my three without
    having to add any more! It works out great for me.
    
     Enjoy, and let us know how you make out.
    
    Yonee

    And just a couple helpful hints to help you through this in
    case you might have a hard time.....I know of some folks who
    walked in a shelter and burst into tears!!
    
    When I first started volunteering I use to have dreams/nightmares
    about the cats at the shelter.  I felt so bad for them...
    being so alone.   To help here...just keep in mind that
    this is only a temporary home, just keep in mind what would
    have happened to these animals if they were still homeless,
    were in an abuse situation or went to a kill shelter.  I have come 
    to the conclusion that shelter cats are the lucky ones and they all 
    will find their special place someday soon.
    
    Another suggestion would be to convince the shelter to have a
    bulletin board with all the pictures of the shelter cats that
    were adopted.  I can't tell you how many times when I felt a bit
    depressed that I went and looked at the pictures and read the
    wonderful stories and that always put a smile on my face. 
    
    I can honestly say that after working at a shelter for two years...
    I have grown unbelievable, I can deal with issues that I would have
    run away from before, I have alot more medical knowledge on
    cats, I have met the GREATEST people, and the pleasure I get from
    working with the abuse or feral cats is the most wonderful feeling
    in the world.  Can you imagine how you feel when you get to pat a
    animal who hates human and who gains total trust in you???  It's heaven!
    
    Good luck and I'm sure you'll find it very rewarding!!
    
    Sandy
         

    
    re: -1
    
    Thanks.  
    
    I was wondering how emotional I would get with all of those critters 
    running around with noone to love them, but then I figured that was 
    why I wanted to volunteer, to give them that love until they had a
    permanent mommy/daddy/family to love them.
    
    The tough part for me will probably be getting attached to quickly...
    I hate goodbyes.
    
    I'll let you know how I make out.
    
    - Lauri
    

    Lauri,
    
     I can vouch for the getting attached quickly to certain cats. Nancy
    Cross and I did New Year's Eve duty at Framingham, and discovered upon
    arriving, that our very favorite guy, "Brutus" had been adopted the
    previous Sunday! We both looked at one another, got all teary and
    hugged each other! We were really glad he got a home, but were sad at
    the same time. We didn't get to say good bye.
    
     I'm going to have the same problem tonight, as another of my favorites
    went to a new home this past Sunday. I'm happy for her, but I'll miss
    her like crazy, just like Brutus.
    
     I love going there to love the cats that are there though, and working
    with the timid/scared ones to try to socialize them so they can have
    new homes too. 
    
     It's amazing to watch though. Once in a while, a person will walk into
    the shelter, and a cat that usually cowers in a corner, becomes VERY
    vocal, and climbs all over the person! It truly makes you believe that
    the cat picks their own person. Usually when we explain why we all have
    totally shocked looks on our faces, the kitty will go home with "THEIR"
    special person. Those are the guys that make it all worth while to do
    the volunteer work.
    
     Just my two cents worth. I agree with Sandy about the shelter cats
    being the lucky ones. My heart breaks for the ones still out in the
    cold.
    
     Have a great time doing this! I even enjoy scooping the poops for
    these guys! They truly seem to appreciate what we do for them.
    
    Love,
    
     Yonee
                                                

RE:  .17

	It's funny but I've had two experiences that are exactly
	what you said -- but from the adopter's point of view!

	Our last cat, Barry, is a Maine Coon-mix from the Pat Brody
	Shelter (thanks to Sandy).  He was greatly adored there
	and while people were delighted to see him go to a good
	home, they also looked shocked and horrified that we were
	taking him out of the shelter!  I think they were really
	stuck between saying Thanks and Get-outta-here.

	Our other Pat Brody Shelter cat is Jennifur, a lovely
	tuxedo cat.  From her behavior since we've had her (two
	years now I think) she HATES other cats and can be very
	moody about what situation exists when you try to pick
	her up.  When she wants to cuddle she can't show you
	how happy she is, but it's much more likely that she'll
	growl and attempt to separate your hand from your arm.  I
	walked up to her at the Shelter and said Hello, at which
	point she climbed up into my lap and buried her face into
	my blouse, purring as loud as possible and drooling with
	delight!  I was chosen, no doubt about it.  Normally I
	would never try to pick her up when all the other cats are
	around since I like my hand just where it is, but in this
	case...

	Good luck in volunteering, I know your efforts will be
	greatly appreciated and I hope you will find it rewarding.


	Jan  

    
    God I haven't been in here in months, and this is the first file
    that pops up.  I work with Yonnee (aka Yvonne) at the Framingham
    Humane, and the problem I have is that I have ended up with more
    cats.  Not cats from the shelter, mind you, but cats I have picked
    up to foster FOR the shelter.  Headcount holding steady at 11, and
    I've yet to adopt out even ONE of them.  Not because no one wants
    them, but because each Sunday as I steel myself to prepare the "babies"
    for adoption (Sunday is our adoption day) I find I bring out the
    carrier, look at all their faces, try to decide which is to go, then
    put the darn carrier away and sit down and love 'em all up.  So much
    for being a foster mom.  (sigh)
    
    And I thought by working at the shelter, I'd keep myself from bringing
    anymore cats into my home....  HA!
    
    The softy.
    
    N

    I got my kitten there two years ago. I hope the volunteer staff has
    improved since then. I was very surprised to see 16 year old girls
    running the place, and perhaps that contributed to the unkept
    facilities (my 7 week old came home with matted fur, worms, broken
    whiskers, and embedded dirt between her claws). This is probably why
    pet stores seem so attractive to first-time owners; they are cleaner
    and more presentable. 
    
    I also got a nasty gram from Buddy Dog 18 months AFTER I got my cat
    demanding to know whether she was fixed or not, and if she wasn't,
    there was the threat they were going to come take her away from me!
    Again, left a very sour taste in my mouth to recommend this place to
    anyone. 

    And that is why shelters need many more caring responsible volunteers
    to help out!!!   When you have limited volunteers.....and many animals
    you have to concentrate on the priorities which are feeding, scooping,
    and medicating.  I never understood this...until I started volunteering
    at the Pat Brody Shelter.  Thank god we now have many responsible 
    volunteers that give alot of time/effort and can keep the cats/shelter
    spotless!!
    
    At our shelter we now have a $25 neuter/spay deposit (on top of the
    adoption fee) for kittens that aren't old enought to fix.  Once the 
    adoptive parents neuter their kitty...they will get the $25 back.  WE 
    also have them sign a contract stating they will have the cat fixed 
    by XX/XX/XXXX and we also follow-up!!  In my opinion this is GREAT 
    procedure and is the only way to ensure our shelter kitties aren't
    adding to the cat over-population problem.   I can understand from
    your point of how this didn't sound too good....BUT just visit a
    shelter in the spring (kitten season) and you will see how BIG this
    issue really is!!  It's really sad.
    
    Sandy
    
    
    
    
    

    
    
      I think that the spay/neuter deposit is a good idea and the
    follow-up.
    I think it's real sad that there is such an over population, especially
    where alot of it is due to just plain not caring enough.
    
     Just my own personal 2 cents.
    
    Diana

    Well, I'm hoping to go for my orientation this weekend.  I say hoping
    because they said that they have SO MANY volunteers that they have to
    stagger them.  Let's hope that because there are so many volunteers the
    living conditions for the animals are better.  And if they are not, then I
    will do my best to make them so.
    
    Keep your fingers crossed that I get in this weekend.
    
    - Lauri
    

    Lauri,
    
     If you find you don't get enoigh time in at Buddy Dog and would be
    interested in the Framingham shelter, let me know, and I'll send you a
    phone number for the woman that coordinates the volunteers there.
    
    Yonee

    Well, the volunteer coordinator was tripped by her dog and is now
    layed up for at least a week.  So, no orientation for at least one more
    week.  *sigh*
    
    Is the Framingham shelter in Framingham?  I thought I remember hearing
    something about in really being in Lancaster.  If it is close to
    Sudbury I may just volunteer there instead.
    
    Thanks,
    
    - Lauri
    

    The Framingham Shelter is really in Southboro. It's on the second floor
    of the Southboro Kennels, which is a boarding kennel for dogs and cats.
    
    They are hoping to be moving to Framingham soon, as the shelter is
    really too small, and the kennel people don't really like the sjelter
    being there. 
    
    They are/were considering a house in Framingham Centre, but I'm not
    sure if it will go through. 
    
    If you want the number for the volunteer coordinator for Framingham,
    let me know, and I'll send it too you through mail.
    
    Yonee
    

    Hi,
    
     There is a person that works near me, that found a couple of abandoned
    puppies (GRRRRR) and would like to place them in a no kill shelter, as
    she cannot keep them, but doen't want to se them put down either. I
    guess they are really cute.
    
     Has it been established that Buddy Dog is ano kill shelter? If it is,
    can someone supply a number for me?
    
     If not, does anyone know of a dog shelter in the area that is no kill?
    
    Thanks in advance!
    
     Yonee

    Hi Yonee,
    
    	I do not know what the area that you are talking about
    	but there is a no-kill shelter in Upton, Mass called
    	Dog Orphans.
    
    	It is also a kennel.
    
    	They primarily a shelter for dogs, but do not turn away
    	cats/kittens.
    
    	That is where we adopted our first cat, Tallin.
    
    	Please contact me offline for the number.
    
    Hope this helps,
    Donna

    
      From what I hear Buddy Dog is a no-kill shelter and is a
    very good one.  There is a meeting/interview with the dogs/owner 
    before they are brought in to ensure they are really adoptable
    dogs.  If they don't pass the interview...they will not accept
    the dog.
    
    The number I have is 617-237-4747
    
    Sandy
    

    Yes.  Buddy Dog is a no kill shelter.  I got my cat from there about
    a month ago.  They said they've had a dog there for over 2 years I
    think. 
    
    Ingrid

>    Yes.  Buddy Dog is a no kill shelter.  I got my cat from there about
>    a month ago.  They said they've had a dog there for over 2 years I
>    think. 
    
    Gee, I wonder what's wrong with him?
    
    Lori B.

    He was a dog of course. Silly question. ;-)
    
    Tjp

    
    Most likely the dog is not "cute"....
    
    

    re: .32
    
    Of course, how dumb of me. :-)
    
    Lori B.