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Commonsense, reliability and initiative are the qualities that Julie Thompson values most in the women who volunteer at her Animal Refuge in Warkworth.
“And a passion for animals, because that’s where the commitment comes from,” she adds.
While the facility mainly works with re-homing cats, it has dealt with everything from guinea pigs, rabbits and miniature ponies to goats and dogs, and it is not uncommon for the odd stray or three to end up at the home of one of the volunteers.
The genesis of the refuge started 19 years ago in Julie’s garage in Rivendell Place, where she cared for foster cats from the SPCA.
Later, when she and husband Jamie moved to Carran Road, the refuge operated from a purpose-built facility. About three years ago, she separated the shelter from her home and it is now based at 354 Kaipara Flats Road.
“Living next door to the shelter was pretty demanding,” Julie says. “I was basically on call 24/7.”
She describes her volunteers as ‘invaluable’.
“Running the refuge is a lot of work and I couldn’t do what I do without them. And I am very lucky to have volunteers who are so reliable.
“They do a myriad of jobs such vet visits, administration and, very importantly, they keep the facility spotlessly clean, which is an important part of preventing illnesses. We also have our fundraisers and those who will foster animals. It is a huge team effort.”
The refuge cares for more than 700 cats a year on average, which involves de-sexing, re-homing or, on occasions, euthanising animals when that is the kindest option.
Kerry Macdonald says although she is a volunteer three days a week, she works at the refuge as if she is a paid employee. She has loved animals all her life and one of the challenges at the refuge is not get too attached to the animals in her care.
“I can’t foster them as I can’t bear to give them back,” she says. “I have to admit, there have been tears when I’ve seen some of the cats adopted.”
Long-time volunteer Linda Maddock, who is also involved in the Marjorie Grey Animal Protection Trust, says her greatest joy is to see an animal in a safe environment.
“Volunteering at the refuge means I am able to help animals, rather than just ‘wishing’ I could help,” Linda says.
The one message Julie and her volunteers want to get across to the wider public is ‘please de-sex your cat’.
They have seen too many unwanted cats and kittens dumped and say fostering is a much better option for parents who want to give their children ‘the kitten experience’.
Can you help?
While Julie’s Animal Refuge has sufficient volunteers to meet its day-to-day needs, Julie says she does have an opening for someone who has had some form of animal experience, perhaps as a vet nurse.
Info: juliesanimalrefuge.nz
