700 Times

This past summer I fell in love. I fell in love with many kitties….some of them didn’t feel the love I felt for them, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I knew they needed me, but I also quickly discovered how much I needed every single one of them.

I try live every day to try to make a difference in the world. I think we all do when we are younger. In high school, we all at some point think we can do something better. Change the world, or at minimum make a difference somewhere along the line. But I still feel this way, many years later down the line. I think that is what the field of veterinary medicine can offer, every single day. Some may think my statement is too bold, or just something I typed up in one moment in one day. But to those who know me well, they know this is true…and my actions are bolder than my words. I will always fight for an animal, with all I have, within medical reason as hard as I can.

Am I crazy? Maybe. If my classmates had to select the “crazy cat lady” in our class, I’m sure I’d be the obvious choice. I cannot deny the passion that runs through me every day, the love and compassion I have for feline medicine. This summer I volunteered with the Haven Acres cat rescue with HSUS. I was lucky enough to have 4 weeks of vacation during my clinical rotations this summer. I didn’t get paid, I didn’t receive college credit. I just went. I have spent over 225 hours with these cats and continue to help today. I have no regrets, and I have made an investment in my educational future, and to the cats that were rescued. They deserved that, and so much more than I can ever give.

This summer, I have met cat lovers and animal lovers from all over the nation in the last few months. Some were with local animal response teams, some were from the local community, and other were volunteers with the Humane Society of the United States. They all have my utmost respect. They share my passion: be the voice for them when no one else wants to listen. This summer, as a collective team, we were the voice for these cats.

Of the 700 cats seized, 258 were adopted during the massive “Feline 550 Adopt-A-Thon”. Many cats had to be euthanized due to medical reasons. Others were pulled by rescue groups from many different areas. As of October 1^st, there are STILL ~ 170 cats that are looking for their forever homes. Sweet, beautiful kitties…and I wonder what runs through their minds. These cats have stayed so sweet, so loyal, so trusting, after all of the horrible things they have been through.

I know what I want to do upon graduation. Be a voice for those that can’t speak for themselves. Be the friend for all the felines out there who need one. Work in disaster relief efforts, hoarding cases, and in shelter medicine. Just like the man who was asked why he was throwing a starfish back into the water… I know I can’t save them all. But the ones I do save, it makes a difference to them. Sometimes, I may be their only shot at a second chance.

This past summer I fell in love. Not once, not twice, but 700 times. They will always have a piece of my heart, even if they can’t give it back.