My diary entry for February. 4, 2002 reads: “First day of volunteering at homeless cat shelter. Hard work, but satisfying”. And so it’s continued, for over 14 years. I’ve scooped at least 7,000 litter boxes and seen many changes there in that time! Richmond Homeless Cats, as we were known in 2002, evolved into Richmond Animal Protection Society. We opened a thrift store and we expanded our shelters from one (cats-only) to two (all creatures great and small) when we were awarded the contract for the Richmond City Shelter. The Cat Sanctuary, where I volunteer, already large in 2002, added several more buildings, upgraded the existing ones, and was quite transformed when paving stones replaced the muddy courtyards. Thanks to the success of the thrift store, it became possible to hire much-needed and excellent Animal Care Staff to consistently monitor and ensure the health of the cats, plus a few people essential to keep such a large operation running smoothly. Two years ago, co-founder and Executive Director Carol Reichert resigned her position but left us her legacy – RAPS’ unfailing commitment to the animals and our “no-kill” policy. That will never change. RAPS is now in the capable and experienced hands of CEO Eyal Lichtmann, whose vision and experience can only make us better.

In 14 years, I’ve formed strong friendships with many people at RAPS. After all, we have a powerful bond – our love of animals. Sadly, some of those precious people whose influence made RAPS what it is today are now gone but many other dedicated people have come on board and have become good friends.

But, it’s mostly been about the cats. On my first day of volunteering, I arrived with a keen anticipation of the joy of spending time with them. That hasn’t changed – I still can’t get there fast enough to greet my feline buddies. I have far too many “favourites” to list them all but can’t resist mentioning a few. I spotted Dekka on my first day of volunteering. She was so pretty – black and white with big green eyes – that I just had to approach her. HISSS – PHHTT!!! My introduction to feral cats! The only cats I’d ever known were the household variety, who never hissed or spit at me! Fortunately, there were also plenty of friendlies there to soothe my bruised ego – orange Andy; feisty but cuddly Noel; medical success story Franko; even moody July. None of them are there now but Dekka, who’s getting rather geriatric, is and she has finally allowed herself to be petted and loved as much as I wanted to so many years ago. You can read more about these cats and others on The Neko Files at http://neko-raps.blogspot.com/.

Many new arrivals have been added to my favourites list over the years – shy Alby, crabby Jingles, adorable wobbly Paulo, and unpredictable Puffin are just a few of them. Extra-special to me is newcomer Chimo, who was a lunging, spitting and biting little terror before he decided to become a nice guy just looking for love. Check out The Neko Files for more about these cats, too.

I can’t end my story without mentioning the many cats I’ve loved who’ve gone to the Rainbow Bridge but who will always hold a special place in my heart. There was handsome black Albert, who wasn’t always polite but gave the best and most sincere hugs; Lorne, the ugliest kitten I’ve ever seen but whose unexpected death one sunny morning broke my heart; calico Sarah, the first cat I accompanied on her final trip to the vet, where I cried over her worn-out little body after she quietly passed on; Matilda, who another volunteer and I cradled in our arms during an all-night vigil at the sanctuary until she gently passed in the wee hours; and Shayla, who, for some unknown reason, wouldn’t allow anyone but me to pick him up.

Have 14 years at the cat shelter changed me? Well, I’ve gained a lot of little scars from scratches, I’ve had 14 years’ worth of happy and sad memories and I’ve spent countless hours of joy and satisfaction there. What will the next 14 years bring? God willing, I’ll still be at the cat sanctuary every Wednesday morning, scooping litter boxes and spending time with my beloved feline friends. And I’ll always be driving there really fast because I can’t wait to see them.