Volunteers Making Pillows for Cats to Help Animal Rescue

People keep pets for various reasons, but cats have been said that they are the ones who choose to stay with you, not the other way round. They always have this air of superiority around them, perhaps because they remember they once were worshipped as gods and expect the same royal treatment. Whatever the case, we adore them, and they seem to have become a must-have for older women. Chares Bukowski tried explaining why older people love having cats in their homes. He said that you are likely to live longer by having more cats such that by having 10, you extend your lifespan tenfold. Well, sometimes, you may not even have the space to have as many cats as you would like, but that does not mean you cannot take care of them. Cat lovers have, therefore, become volunteers making pillows for cats to help animal rescue keep the animals as comfortable as possible. Here is the story of one woman whose love for cats cannot be hindered by her arthritis and dementia.

How Bertha Singer began making her donations

Bertha Singer is an 88-year-old woman who has loved cats and dogs all her life. She used to live in Tunkhannock, where her parents were the former owners of Weaver’s Pontiac Garage. Bertha lived in the town for 55 years, but after her husband died, she moved in with her daughter Ethel Walter in Wyalusing. Bertha developed a passion for sewing at a younger age and transferred her embroidery skills to Ethel when she was just seven. Even when living with Walter, Singer would not withhold her love for cats. Therefore she treated their cat Fisher as part of the family and also fed him from her cereal bowl. Unfortunately, Fisher died, but still, Singer wanted to continue with her kind deeds since as she tells WNEP, she likes making people happy. To Singer, cats might as well be humans, and whenever they can, Bethel and Ethel donate food and litter as well.

Bertha has early-onset dementia, and her daughter knew she would also keep her mind active by staying busy. Therefore when Ethel learned that Meshoppen Cat Rescue needed cat pillows, she thought who better to make them than her mother. Although Bertha’s arthritis limits the use of her hands so much that she can no longer knit or crochet, she still can do a straight stitch. For the last month, Bertha has been making pillows for the cats, and so far, the total is about 15 pillows. Besides the pillows, Bertha went a step farther to ensure the cats had a good time by attaching homemade toys to each pillow. The cats adore the pillows Bertha made as Sara Brown from the Cat Rescue said. As for Bertha, she is excited that the animals appreciate the work of her hands. Had she known that Cat Rescue had so many cats that needed such donations, she would have been making the pillows for years.

About Meshoppen Cat Rescue

The staff at Meshoppen Cat Rescue describe themselves as having the most thankless job anyone could ever have. Still, they love what they do since it entails taking in unwanted, sick, and homeless cats under their wing. Last year, the shelter was about to be shut down, and Judy Krafjack told WNEP that they were looking to adopt out around 40 cats or find a new home. At the time, the owner of the building they were renting began charging, yet they had previously been allowed to stay rent-free. Unfortunately, volunteers could not afford the extra expense, and the only option was to either adopt out the cats or look for a better home.

Well, the Cat Rescue did not shut down and has been operating for years. Some of the cats at the shelter have been there for more than eight years. They have taken in abandoned cats; some so neglected that their owner kept them drunk before throwing them out of the windows. The dedication of the volunteers is what keeps the facility operating, and when there are no donations, then the staff make it work from their own pockets. Sara Brown from the Cat Rescue added that they do not mind even if they cater to the expenses until the animals die since it is a no-kill shelter.

Currently, there are 100 cats, and they are looking for more volunteers as well as donations; not just monetary but food and litter too. Volunteers are instrumental in helping the cats get adopted by spreading the word. With the 100 cats, the rescue has reached maximum capacity and is not taking in more cats or kittens. With their no-kill policy, any cat that does not get adopted remains there until it passes away. For anyone looking to adopt a cat from them, they must be ready to keep the cats indoors and have it spayed or neutered.

What more you can donate to animal shelters

Bertha has already made a difference with her beautiful supplies, but that does not mean that everyone should start making pillows as well. There are many more donations that can help keep the animals comfortable. Since Meshoppen Cat Rescue also spays and neuters the cats, you can donate rice, socks, and beans. According to Odyssey, shelters that perform spay/neuter surgeries need heating pads to help the animals recover quickly. By filling up the socks with rice or beans and heating them in a microwave, they become warming pads to fasten recovery.

Old newspapers also come in handy, especially with cats, since they love making a mess as they scratch surfaces. After all, it is better to clean papers than have your furniture destroyed. Volunteers can also donate blankets and towels; we know how much cats prefer falling asleep in a warm spot. Electric blankets are also ideal for kittens or sick cats that need extra warmth.

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