By: Karen Hobbs
“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” –
Aristotle
Hi, my name is Karen. I have been a volunteer with Cats protection since August 2018. As I work full time for Newcastle City Council, I volunteer as often as my roster allows me, which is usually a few days a month. My role here at the centre is a Cat Care Volunteer.
Since being a small child, and an only child at that, I always had a cat and a dog for comfort and companionship. This has translated to a deep love for all animals in my adult years; especially cats!
In my youth, had always wanted to be a vet, and I was probably very capable of doing that, but as the teenage years went on, life took me down a different path.
I love to volunteer for anything that presents an opportunity.
Before coming to Cats Protection, I had been involved with CB radios and groups, (now I’m showing my age!) at one point was appointed Vice Chairperson.
After my children came along so did further volunteering opportunities. For many years I was involved with a Children’s football club as a parent rep and club treasurer. I later moved on to be involved with the rugby union world cup in 2014, and to support a variety of charities with different volunteering roles.
After many years of volunteering in various sectors, it was time to return to my one true passion: animals.
That’s how I came to join Team Tyneside in 2018 as a Cat Care Volunteer.
I love being at the Adoption Centre; I get to meet other wonderful volunteers and staff; it’s truly refreshing to work alongside like-minded individuals who have the same passion and love for the cats that I do myself. I have learnt so much, and developed so many more skills which we are given the opportunity to do.
Giving a little time can make a big difference.
When I’m not busy helping out with the cats at the centre, my time is consumed with my own two cats; Fudge who is a black and white male came to me from a broken relationship when he was about 18-months old. He has now spent many good years living in luxury and is now knocking 14! As soon as I sit down, he is on my knee, snuggling in.
My Handsome Smudge
I thought I was immune to the charms of the cats at the centre after getting my cat fix weekly… turns out I was not.
Sir Francis Bacon (or Bacon, as he was then known) was one of the first litter of kittens to be brought in to the Adoption Centre. Frank, as he is affectionately known, is a ginger tabby, and has recently celebrated his first birthday. A live wire of a kitten, he is totally spoilt. He loves his food, toys and treats, and has even learned to give a paw on command.
Volunteering with Cats Protection has given me a community to be a part of, as well as enabling my own furry family to grow!
I would definitely recommend volunteering with this fantastic charity to anybody with a few spare hours on their hands!
Karen has been a dedicated Cat Care Volunteer at the Tyneside Adoption Centre since August 2018. In her spare time Karen enjoys travelling, cruises and hanging out with her two best furry pals, Frank and Smudge.
Cats Protection Tyneside Adoption Centre 