8 Years

As I begin my 8th year as a volunteer photographer at Humane Colorado (animal shelter), I’m reflecting on what I have experienced, what I have learned and what I cherish.

Eight years ago, I walked into a situation as an introvert where I knew no one. That was scary enough; but add to that my sometimes crippling affinity for perfectionism and I was just a tad nervous. It was my love for animals, cats in particular, that gave me the courage to take that leap. 

I was happy to meet my supervisor, Emily, who could not have been more welcoming and kind. She trusted me and set me up for success. For that I am forever grateful.

Although I haven’t kept count I think I have probably met thousands of cats. And I have fallen in love a thousand times. I have saved the image of every cat and the occasional dog I have ever photographed; so yes, my hard drive is full. 

Blur the Manx cat (stubby tail) was the first shelter cat I photographed.

I have learned about FIV+ cats (and fallen in love with them countless times!). I will always remember the first FIV+ cat I met, Hans. He went home to join another FIV+ brother. 

I have learned about FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) cats like Buckie.

I have learned about CH (Cerebellar Hypoplasia) cats like Cassie.

I have learned about deaf cats like Sylvester.

I have learned about blind cats like Sassafras.

I have learned about little tripod cats (missing a limb) like Lovey.

I have learned about the working cats like Violet who came from outdoor environments and feel more comfortable living outdoors in a safe environment like a barn or a garden nursery.

I will always have a soft spot for the Seniors. They are settled and loving and oh so grateful just to have a sunny window or a warm lap to curl up in. They are my favorites, like Buddy, 18 years old. 

I have met exotic cats like Maine Coons and Persians and Lola the Bengal

I have met too many kittens to count. Omysweetgoodness, kittens. When they come, they come in droves! 

I’ve learned to communicate with cats by doing “soft eyes” and when I receive them in return I know they feel safe with me.

I have learned to go slow when I meet a frightened or timid cat. I know how to read an overly affectionate cat who, when venturing into overstimulated territory, it’s time for a break. 

I have grown as a photographer (practice, practice, practice). I have grown as a human. I always say the bonus I didn’t see coming was the like-minded, life-long human friends I would make. What a gift. They have educated me, held my hand, with hugs along the way, cheered me on and given me the confidence to do what I do. 

In closing, here is the most recent cat I photographed. This afternoon I met little 8 month old Scar and he was a purrfect model. 

I feel honored and blessed to do what I do; and grateful to have found my calling... my passion. 

What a journey. 

And I'm just getting started.

 

52 Notes

At the end of 2024 when I was (and many of us were) still reeling from what had just happened in our United States of America (the November election) I read somewhere on social media about an idea that gave me hope.

Write one note a week about something positive and/or happy that happened to you that week, fold the note and put it in a jar. At the end of the year read the weekly notes – all 52 of them; you might be surprised what you learn.

I’m big on projects and little on follow thru. But I did it. I wrote a note about something positive that I experienced every week. Some weeks it was a stretch to find something; some weeks I noted more than one thing.

Today I opened all the notes and read them. Some were surprising. Some were touching. Some made me laugh. They all brought back memories.

I broke them down into categories.

#1 Not surprisingly over 52 weeks I enjoyed time with friends and family (some from afar) 26 times. Lunches and brunches and many art shows and concerts and holidays. And laughter – lots of laughter.

#2 Again, not surprisingly was time spent with and devoted to my “Many Paws” – Sugar, Teddi, Kobie, Kona, Kazz, Hana, Hilo and Kukki. There were many Vet visits, many pharmacy runs intermingled with cuddles and laughter and the very sweetness of them just being. Of course the year ended with the devastating loss of Teddi but even in that I found gratitude for the compassion of the medical professionals and the comfort of friends and family all of whom were so supportive. 

#3 was time spent outdoors, often enjoying the beautiful weather in my beautiful Colorado. Walks listening to books. Walks with Sugar in her stroller. Walks with my camera. Walks with a friend when I was grieving. Sitting on the deck in the early hours of a summer morning reading and listening to birds, watching the squirrels, rabbit and the occasional little mouse scatter about.

#4 centered around my volunteer days as a shelter photographer and the time spent with the cats there who became so dear to me and gave me purpose. And time spent with colleagues there who have become dear to me as well.

#5 was the health issues I encountered and being ever so grateful for good doctors who guided me back to health. The health I do not take for granted and am extremely grateful for. As I age I am aware of the things I need to do and things I need not to do.

#6 was my home life ~ simple things like cooking a warm soup on a chilly night, making a fresh salad on a summer day, baking cookies for friends (and for me). Organizing my home and feeling good about slowly but surely purging and decluttering. Nesting as the winter approached.

#7 coming in as a last positive note was writing again. I started a new blog which, in retrospect, I didn’t need to do. I had a pretty good one going here so I’ll probably merge them at some point this year.

It was a really good exercise and one that I will continue in 2026. I am also adding that, me the photographer who forgets to take pictures of anything other than flowers and cats, am going to up my game on photographing more memories, more people in my life and the things we share.

What this experience has shown me is what a blessed life I am living and the importance of gratitude.

Life is a series of thousands of tiny miracles. Take notice of them. 

Waves

 Those waves are back. Those damn waves.

 They aren’t always gut punch I’m-going-to die-sobbing waves.  Sometimes something will remind me of a time with Teddi that I had forgotten. A happier wave if you will.

Truth be told I had a hard time bonding with Teddi. At times she tested my boundaries and certainly my patience ~ for which I am notoriously not good at.

But we did have moments. Moments when she would sit close to me on the couch and help me write or snuggle down into my blanket. 

She even stayed in bed with me when I had COVID one Christmas.

Times when we were in the car, she in her comfy car bed strapped in, buckled in the front seat next to me. She would shake and pant and look to me for reassurance. I would talk to her and she would calm down. A couple of times she almost fell asleep.

But it was Vet visits (of which there were many) when I could see that she loved me, that she trusted me. Although she was often poked and prodded, they all loved her there and she them. She trusted them and she trusted me to put her in their hands. 

And when she returned to me in the lobby and recognized me the little tail would wag and she couldn’t wait to be back in my arms.

One particular Vet visit memory came to me last night and gave me some comfort. Maybe you sent that memory, Ted? The Doctor had a concern about Teddi’s gall bladder and needed to do an ultrasound.

“Will she feel more comfortable sitting on your lap during the procedure? Are you comfortable with that?”

“Yes and yes.” 

So the procedure began. Teddi had high blood pressure (she was on medication for that) and certain situations could stress her out and raise her BP. As a human with a similar malady I could relate…

At one point the Doctor said, “Her blood pressure is rising. Talk to her.”

So I offered some words of love, some words of encouragement.

Doctor – “Her blood pressure has dropped ten points, within normal range now. Good job!” 

That was the moment I knew Teddi and I had a bond.

Thank you, Teddi ~ wherever you are ~ for bringing me that memory. You were not just any dog. You were, indeed, incredibly special.

We did have a bond. Thank you for reminding me that in between hello and goodbye there was love. So much love.