A helping hand for cats

Sue Heyes was a nurse prior to working for the adoption centre in Torbay as an animal welfare assistant (AWA). “My work involves caring
for cats and kittens, cleaning, vaccinating, microchipping, hand rearing kittens and undertaking home visits to potential adopters’ homes. I also help with events at the centre,” says Sue.

Sue has moved home away from Torbay, but carries on her role as an AWA on a part-time basis, as well as spending some of her spare time volunteering at the adoption centre.

“I first became interested in volunteering after attending an open day here at the centre. I realised I missed my interaction with the cats and kittens from my time as an AWA and was keen to get involved again with Torbay’s work. As a volunteer I do anything that helps, from socialising cats and kittens to mowing grass and representing The Blue Cross at store collections or local agricultural shows. I gain so much satisfaction from helping staff and the animals.”

It was during August 2007 that Sue met a little kitten who would later become a loved member of her family.

“This little scrap of a kitten arrived. She had been abandoned and I helped to hand feed her at the centre. We named her Minnie on account of her being so small.”

Sue developed a close bond with Minnie, nursing her through recovery from an eye infection and a difficult start. She then decided she’d like to rehome Minnie, and after successfully going through the adoption processes, Sue and the cheeky cat have never looked back. “She has become quite a little character, ruling the house, and keeping my two other Blue Cross rescue cats, Ginny and Gina, entertained. It’s very rewarding to have seen Minnie grow and develop over the past year after a shaky start.”

Sue enjoys everything she does as a volunteer for The Blue Cross. “One of the best things about volunteering is that you are doing something that benefits the pets and their current or potential owners. It’s also satisfying to know that I have helped care for a cat and helped it find a loving new home.

“If anyone is interested in becoming a Blue Cross volunteer, help – no matter how great or small – is always welcome, appreciated and valued. It’s also a good way of socialising and using your untapped skills.”