BEATA

Please tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Beata; I have always had a passion for caring for animals of all shapes and sizes. Throughout my life I have always had a deep connection with animals, some might say better than with other people:) My grandparents had a small farm, it was my Garden of Eden. It was there that I learned about my passion for animals, and that I could never be a farmer:)

How do you volunteer with KLAWS?

I am a cat and kitten fosterer.

Why did you decide to become a volunteer with an animal rescue charity?

As much as I love animals, I also wanted to teach my children about caring for them but also being able to let them go when they are ready. It gives me great pleasure to see them blossom into confident and friendly companions.

What have you learnt from volunteering?

I learned a lot of behavioural tendencies in cats towards people and other cats. Having a lot of cats taught me how to better deal with crises.

I also have a dog and a resident cat, who the foster cats can learn from, especially about sharing a space with other animals.

Is there anything about volunteering that you didn’t expect?

The hardest thing is to deal with sicknesses, and in some situations I can feel helpless as there is nothing more I can do, even though I know I did everything in my power.

We know that working with rescue animals can be challenging — it can be stressful and heart-breaking at times. How do you cope with difficulties?

Having a constant full house can be challenging especially when you have a busy household and it doesn't leave me much time to dwell. I have commitments outside my town, and it takes a lot of organisation to accommodate everything. All of this can be stressful and challenging, but at the end of the day, when you see the little fluffballs curling up in your lap, you know it is all worth it.

What have been the high and low points of your time as a volunteer? Maybe you have some standout foster stories to tell?

My highest point of being a volunteer was definitely my first batch of kittens with their mother, it was my first time taking care of them exclusively by myself. I had great pleasure watching them grow and mature, learn skills passed down by their mom. It was an extremely heart-warming experience filled with joy, laughter and silly little meows.

On the other hand, my lowest point was my two recent rescues, brother and sister, called Simba and Luna.

They both came to me extremely sick. Watching the life slowly disappear from Simba's eyes, was the most heart-breaking experience as a volunteer. After numerous tests and medications, I finally received the diagnosis: FIV. For me, it sounded like a death sentence, but to my surprise he found a loving home that accepted him knowing that his lifespan is unknown. Luna had digestive issues of which I was trying to find the source for nearly 6 months. Watching her suffering during that time was unbearable. Washing blankets, half of my house and her long coat multiple times had become my daily routine as she could not control herself. I managed to eventually get it under control to the point where she could be adopted. Due to her being the longest staying foster, my family and I had deeply bonded with her, and it was very hard to let her go.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering? Would you recommend it?

I would certainly recommend volunteering, especially if you are an animal lover with a lot of free time. It is an experience which words cannot describe! No matter how hard it may be, it is worth it every little bit.