It’s been many a year since I posted a Thursday at the Shelter. In fact, it’s been so long I no longer go to the Shelter on Thursdays – now it’s Tuesday AND Saturday at the Shelter, and has been for quite some time. When I stopped working once and for all it made sense to add a few more hours with the kitties, so that’s what I’m doing.

A lot has changed at my beloved Shelter in the meantime, including the name. Gone is the down-homey Paws and Claws Care Center; now we are Apache Junction Animal Control, which is very grown-up but not nearly as much fun. Because of the name change we have new tee-shirts with an official badge on the front; the back is still printed with an enormous “Volunteer.” You’d be surprised how many people stop me to ask about a) the shelter and b) volunteering. So that’s good.

Here is Benny helping me show off just a peek at the shirt.

Benny is a love. I hope as I type this he has already gone to his forever home – he deserves it. Another volunteer, Terri, gave me this delightful mask. To my relief it does not terrify the cats.

Kitten season was slower than usual for us this year, I’m not entirely sure why. Here’s a short gallery of some of the wee ones that have passed through our doors:

These three are still in residence. When they have gained enough weight for their surgeries they’ll be ready to go to new homes. One is outgoing and friendly; the other two are still skittish and shy. Oh darn, I have to cuddle kittens, hard duty.

Take me home! Some one will, as soon as possible.

This baby had an eye infection. A surprising number of the animals that end up at the Shelter have some kind of health issue. Things like colds (upper respiratory infections) and goopy eyes usually clear up quickly with Shelter care.

Ringworm, that scourge of pet owners and shelters alike. These three kittens were in foster care. Fortunately the caretaker noticed what looked like possible ringworm – off to the vet we went, and yes, it’s ringworm. These bumptious babies are still being treated; they are full of beans and really playful.

My ears are big! My whiskers are world class!

Above you see Teddy being a big silly. Teddy is such an affectionate boy. Sadly he has some kind of lung infection. He’s been tested up and down and seen a couple of vets. We hope he will respond to treatment soon because he is more than ready to go home. Below you see him in his less silly mode.

Oh Tuxie that was. Below is the divine Tuxie who came to us with quite the eye infection. He turned out to be a she, and as Trixie, all healed up with two good eyes, she has gone to a wonderful new life.

There have been many other changes at the Shelter in recent years. We have been refurbished both inside and out, we have a new director, staff has left and new staff has arrived. It’s never dull, and it’s always a joy to be there.

If you are interested in adopting an animal, no matter where you live, check out 24 Pet Connect/Pet Place. Simply by putting in your zip code you can find animals in your area that are waiting for you. And stay tuned for more Thursdays at the Shelter!