By: Kym Etherington
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ―
H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Hello! I’m Kymberleigh, or Kym for short! I have been a Cat Care Volunteer for Tyneside adoption centre since 2019.
I’ve only been with Team Tyneside for a few months, but I can honestly say that it has been and continues to be such a wonderful experience I’m so glad i was chosen to be a volunteer; it’s an honour!
Before beginning my journey with Cats Protection, I hadn’t done anything; I hadn’t had a job before and I was super nervous before coming in for the first time. As a sufferer of social anxiety this was massive step for me and I really wanted to make a great first impression. Despite my initial anxiety, I did it, and I’m so glad that I did, it’s a massive personal achievement for me. I’ve never volunteered anywhere before this so i was unsure what to expect ,but I knew it was going to be great; I’ve always been a lover of all animals, but cats are my favourite, so working with them is the dream!
Cats Protection Tyneside Adoption Centre, Gateshead
My initial impression on my first day was just -wow.
Upon arriving at the centre I found myself in awe of all of the cats; how gentle, how well cared for they were… it even brought me to tears when I get home. I just felt like i wanted to take them all home; all the cats that I’ve met are just wonderful! I’ve seen kittens, adolescent cats, elderly cats, poorly cats and fully healthy cats come through the Adoption Centre! Although of all the cats that I’ve met, definitely have two favourites! All the cats we care for leave paw prints on our hearts, but in particular a playful little chap named Popsy and Shandy the beautiful Maine Coon will always have a special place in my heart.
Volunteering has enabled me in so many ways.
In addition to getting over my anxiety, volunteering has allowed me to gain a greater knowledge of cats, learn about their welfare needs and how to read their behaviours. All of this extra knowledge has helped me to be able to understand my own beautiful cats so much more!
As a young mum, volunteering has also provided an escape, a part of my life that I can have just for myself, and which adds to my identity as a person. Most of all, however, volunteering has allowed me to make some amazing friends with the ladies and gents at the adoption centre; not even just co-workers, friends! Our Volunteer Team Leader, Helen, has been a huge huge help and I really can not thank her enough for what she’s done for me! It’s so refreshing to work with like minded people who love cats just as much as me! Every single person in the adoption centre holds a place in my heart and I will be forever grateful to each one of you for your role in my volunteering journey!
I will continue to volunteer as long as i’m physically able to; I suppose you could call it the most rewarding job there is!
Kym has been a member of our team at the Tyneside Adoption Centre since 2019 as a Cat Care Volunteer. When Kym is not helping out at the centre, she’s kept plenty busy caring for her young son, as well as her two beautiful cats Luna and Prince.
Cats Protection Tyneside Adoption Centre 