By Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know, vacations are defined as “an extended period of leisure, recreation, or travel. It involves taking a temporary break from regular work, school, or daily responsibilities to rest, pursue personal interests, or travel away from home” according to Merriam Webster.
For me that break from regular work or in my case, volunteer work with daily responsibilities means giving my brain a rest from all the decision making, problem fixing, lack of time to accomplish time sensitive reports and other organizational demands. Of course the week before such vacation is doubly mentally exhausting making sure all is in order during my absence i.e. supplies, medications, staffing, fosters, finances etc.
Vacations are meant to benefit the mind and body which they certainly do but for me, my heart remains behind. It is lovely to sleep in, undisturbed, rather than be woken up earlier than need be, but I do miss those tiny licks to my face from my little Leo followed by a big sloppy tongue lashing from my Yuki welcoming me to a new day!
And my heart lingers behind for the shelter’s pets left in the more than competent care of the staff. Especially those currently with special needs. I cannot help but think of Tiana recovering from spine surgery. Is she walking better? Are the eyes of the trio of little kittens improving yet? Is the kitten, Dancer, recently diagnosed with megacolon, pooping as she needs to? Are the crooked legs of tiny kitten, Phoenix, straightening out? Is the Chihuahua Bubba’s skin issue clearing up? I can go on but I’m sure you get the point. I could call and find out but we, the staff and I, are on a need to know basis whenever I’m away. They know that I leave my cell phone on 24/7 and am always available for questions, concerns and emergencies. Whether in Cape Cod or Alaska, I am only a phone call away. Its okay if they call and it’s okay if they don’t. Its their job to take care of the shelter animals and fulfill our contractual responsibilities which they are fully capable of doing. Therefore, I can take full advantage of a much needed vacation for which I am most grateful to be able to do. Even if I do miss my own pets and those at the shelter. Being an animal person I cannot help but get the itch to touch the fur of a dog or cat or even a rabbit. Without doing so is like withdrawal for me during time away. I will, however, cope with not touching those of the pocket pet or reptile persuasion. Rodents and reptiles are not my thing but when in shelter care I will make sure that their needs are met.
Vacations are meant to end. For me going home to wagging tails and head butts from our furry companions is the best vacation conclusion. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Pet of the Week:
Adoption applications are available at wvhumane.org or call 845-986-2473 for more information.
