<p>SHERWOOD, Ore. (
Every cat has a story and a name. Reatha Larson knows them all.
“I manage the kitties that live here. Most of them are unadoptable. That’s what we were built for because most rescues take in the adoptable ones,” Larson said.
Running a sanctuary with 140 cats is a lot of work. To keep it running smoothly, Larson relies on her team of volunteers.
Elizabeth Lindemann has been volunteering for about two years.
“I will help with the water and the food, and if the staff needs help with litter boxes, I will do that,” Lindemann said. “I consider myself another set of eyes for the kitties.”
As much as Lindemann does to help the cats and the shelter, she said what she’s gotten back is more.
“For me personally, it has helped me be calm and has helped me with a sense of accomplishment and build a community. It has helped me step out of my comfort zone,” Lindemann said.
Volunteering has been shown to reduce stress, improve self-esteem and offer a sense of purpose. Lindemann said this opportunity to serve has provided all of that, and it came at the right time in her life.
“I think sometimes for an older person, for whatever their background, their mental health in a way that there is stability, there’s a connection outside of myself,” Lindemann said.
That connection propels the cycle of the volunteers helping the shelter, the shelter helping the cats, and the cats helping the volunteers.
“Volunteering reinforces that I’m needed here and I’m contributing to the world,” Lindemann said.
The sanctuary is always looking for more volunteers. Larson said it’s a great activity for parents and kids to come in together.
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