Volunteer Spotlight - Melanie Ilsley
Melanie Ilsley began volunteering at Kingdom Animal Shelter in the Fall of 2018. She does Monday adoptions at the shelter. The main reason she wanted to do adoptions over morning duty or tuck-in is the desire to help find good homes for our wonderful cats, many of whom have been abandoned or were strays and deserve a new chance at a loving home.
Melanie’s son, Emmett, comes in with her. Emmett has a special way with cats. He understands that earning their trust is paramount. And he knows that in general, cats only judge by how they are treated... not by any preconceived notions of the humans and their personal issues. Emmett made a special bond with Feebie and Haley...both of whom were pretty shy. Feebie was especially difficult to connect with.
Of course, being an adoption counselor is not always easy. KAS is very careful about what homes the cats go to. Counselors check personal and vet references diligently. Melanie says that the hard part of adoptions is deciding to say, no. Most people want to love and help the cats, but aren’t always in a position to take good care of them. Melanie especially enjoys community folk who stop in, just to visit, spend time with the kitties. And they often ask what we need...and even donate money or items for the cats. Melanie is very impressed with the generosity of folks. One of the delights for Melanie is watching cats who come in and are reclusive or scared or shy or even grumpy, transform into interesting, trusting, affectionate, relaxed cats. She said she actually teared up when Delia allowed Melanie to pet her for the first time.
Watching the cats come to trust humans is one of the best parts of being at KAS. And sometimes, with Melanie as with many other volunteers, we get very attached to some of the cats. So, it is hard to see them go...and yet, knowing that they are going to a wonderful loving home helps with letting go. Cinco was one such cat for Melanie.
And Kermit was another that she will miss, with his sweet, old man personality, and special way of hugging humans.
Melanie is so impressed with the volunteers at KAS...who are there because they love being there, and love the kitties, and want the best for them. And we love having Melanie and Emmett as part of the KAS volunteer family.
Melanie is so impressed with the volunteers at KAS...who are there because they love being there, and love the kitties, and want the best for them. And we love having Melanie and Emmett as part of the KAS volunteer family.