I think we can all agree that volunteer work never goes as expected; you have to be flexible and make spur of the moment decisions to keep even the most simple tasks in motion. This weeks visit to the shelter was a prime example of how true that could be.

Each week our Gatalunya group chats incessantly about the shelter. We make plans for the animals, we organize vet visits, we decide who is next in line for what, the list goes on. This week we had plans to bring 3 cats to the vet: Marley, Nina, and Penny. These 3 girls are notoriously difficult to catch and while spirits were high and vibes positive, we feared the worst. And we weren’t wrong.

Upon arriving, Elin started on her usual route through the shelter to say hello to all the dogs that are let out on Saturday mornings to play with one another and socialize. One of the dogs got a little too excited and nipped Elin’s hand. Of course things like this happen all the time, but with the long list of to do’s this week, this should have been red flag number one that things wouldn’t go in our favor.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Gatalunya team were preparing the transport cases for the cats that were heading to the vet and getting treats ready. Marley miraculously went in without a problem. Penny on the other hand, gave up a huge fight and ended up nicking Anne in the process. With two cats in and one to go, Nina was the only cat left and of course she put up a good fight! And won by escaping the carrier right as the door was closing.

So off to the vet Elin and Jordi went with the 2 girls! Both of which ended up having to be tranquillized in order for the vet to even be able to get close to them. Each had their first round of vaccinations, a general check up (all healthy!) , and their FeLV and AIDS tests (all negative!!!!). But when it came time to bring them back, Elin just couldn’t bring herself to do it. So we all got on our phones and spammed the internet with requests for an urgent foster.

In the end it was our partner in crime and rescue Gaby (of Gato Garden) who came to our aid! Her mom, who lives in Sitges, said we had the okay to bring a Marley to her house for a few days to adjust to life as a house cat and calm down. We are forever grateful for this family and their big hearts! Without them, Marley would have had to go back to the shelter while she was sedated and wake up to find herself back in prison. We are excited for the adventure Marley will have as she learns what it is like to have a regular caregiver and a human to love her. We continue to look for a permanent home, so if you are interested in adopting Marley, please contact us for more information!

As for Penny, sweet Anne decided that there’s always room for one more at her house and scooped her up to head back to her home in Barcelona! There she will adjust to life outside the shelter where she will learn to be loved and trust humans again. Thank you, Anne, for being so incredibly kind hearted and seizing this opportunity to do little Penny some good in life.

You’d think that the story ends here, but it doesn’t! While the business at the vet was happening, one of the people who had contacted us through Facebook, ended up deciding to take our energetic Dana into foster! This comes as wonderful news because Dana is one of the dogs whose cages are very far in the back and are often overlooked. She’s got a A LOT of love to give, though, and excitedly looks forward to learning how to live life as a normal house pup! Thank you for taking the time to come meet our dogs and opening your heart to Dana. Her life is changed forever because of you, Kate.

All in all, through blood, sweat, and many, many tears, this weeks shelter visit wasn’t all that terrible! Gatalunya doesn’t give up. And for that, I’m proud to be part of this team. -Morgan

Shelter Visit 5/1/2019