We meet Jess, Cattery Care & Laundry Volunteer
Please tell us a little bit about your life outside of BCDH
I am a keen rugby player and have been a member of the Bath Ladies Trojans Mixed Ability team since March 2019. I am passionate about rugby and hope to be a coach one day.
I recently adopted two rabbits called Thumper and Shadow, they are gorgeous, and I love them very much. I have bonded with other volunteers at Bath Cats & Dogs Home over Thumper and Shadow, as they have given me some helpful advice about responsible rabbit care. Thank you to Andrea and Margaret.
I am very close with my family and am a caring person, which led me to seek out volunteer opportunities.
How long have you been volunteering at BCDH?
I have been volunteering in the cattery since December 2022 and started volunteering in the laundry in April. I was inspired to seek out other ways that I could volunteer at Bath Cats & Dogs Home after attending the Volunteer Limelight Event in March, which celebrated all the ways in which volunteers support the Home.
What do you do?
I love volunteering at Bath Cats & Dogs Home and enjoy helping however I can. On Tuesdays I volunteer in the cattery and have a ‘Jess List’ of duties which includes washing up bowls, taking out the recycling, taking the laundry to the laundry room, tidying up the enrichment cupboards and most importantly, spending time playing with the cats and kittens!
I have recently started volunteering in the laundry room on Fridays and have had lots of guidance from Del, one of our other volunteers. As well as washing, drying, and folding the laundry, I sort through towels, blankets, and bedding which have kindly been donated to the Home.
Why did you want to volunteer for BCDH?
I wanted to do something to help the cats enjoy their time in cattery whilst they are waiting to be adopted. I do find it bittersweet sometimes as I can’t help but fall in love with the cats I spend time with, but it is so rewarding to know that I have helped them on their rehoming journey and that they have found their next loving homes.
What do you most enjoy about volunteering?
I always knew that I would love spending time with the animals, but there are other things that I enjoy about volunteering that I wasn’t expecting. Getting to know different people has really helped to grow my confidence. I like taking my tea breaks with the other volunteers and catching up with them. The team feels like a big family, and they have been so welcoming to me.
What would you like to say to anyone considering volunteering for BCDH?
Please come and help, you will make a difference to the lives of the cats and dogs here. You might find it bittersweet sometimes, but it is rewarding knowing that you have helped with their rehoming journey. Bath Cats & Dogs Home is a lovely place to volunteer!
» Go see our current volunteer vacancies available