Going to the Dogs (and Cats!)

Today was my first day back as a volunteer at Barcs. While I didn't walk any dogs, I did go visit a couple. I won't say it was enough to get a real dog fix, but it was better than no dogs at all.

My real job for the day was socializing cats. My friend Asta was there because if something happened, like a cat escapimg its cage, I wanted backup. But in reality that wasn't necessary. I focused on Level 2 cats, who are more socialized than the sometimes fractious Level 3 cats.

Of course, I fell in love with a couple of them. One year old tabby really wanted out, but I managed to give her lots of love (and treats) without letting her escape. She is goimg to make someone a fantastic companion.

I spent some time with a beautiful girl who was really shut dowm. I sat and talked to her for quite a while. I didn't try to touch her, though I did put my hand in her cage. I hope she gets a foster home where I am sure she will blossom.

My time at the shelter was not without its challenges. The white boards where notes are made and visits recorded are too high for me to reach, but in reality, the cats I saw are not the ones to get overstimulated, so the more visits, the better.

The biggest challenge was all the doors. Some open in; some open out. Occasionally someone would be around to open one but most of the time I was on my own. And I did it. My left leg is pretty darn strong, so between that, and getting more nimble in my wheelchair, I opened every door I needed to go through, with only one bruised knuckle to show for it.

Anyone who knows me at all must realize what today meant to me. Barcs has been a huge part of my life. When we moved back to Baltimore one of the first things I did was sign up to volunteer.

If I can be realistic for a moment, I will say it is doubtful I will get back to walking dogs. And no question I miss them. My life is not the same life it was even six months ago, vut in some ways that is true for many of us. We age, we get less agile, our balance gets a little wonky.

My life going forward is perhaps not what I thought it would be. But just because it is different, doesn't mean it can't be valuable, fulfilling and worthwhile. I just need to remind myself of that on those days when I'm stuck or I don't live up to my self-imposed expectations.