Depression is easy to fall into and some people escape into a bottle. But imagine bottles opening doors to a new life, and the reason for getting up in the morning heralding it in with rewarding smiles.
Thirteen years ago, after Nan retired as a crew dispatcher for a tug boat company,
she was wondering what do to with the rest of her life, when she heard about an animal shelter looking for volunteers. Soon she was helping in their cats' quarters two days a week.
"It is rewarding," said Nan. "Any one can find a niche and make a difference in the world. We fed the cats, changed litter pans, and washed floors, etc. The shelter is their home and what you have to do to keep a home clean we did for the cats. I like the social
interaction of helping, the physical activity, and knowing that I am making a difference.
Eight years ago, while out walking, I saw some bottles and cans tossed under bushes. Knowing that each was worth five cents, I picked them up and donated the money to the animal shelter. A bottle program evolved and it became my responsibility.
When people donate recyclable bottles/cans I drive to the shelter and bring them home for
sorting. You should see my home and garage! The bottles have taken over! I work like a ‘dog' keeping on top of them!
Each morning, I make a trip to the bottle-depot station to recycle them. My car's back and front seats and trunk are filled with huge bags of bottles.
I have gained a new respect for the homeless/street people who used to ask me for money at the recycle station. Once they understood my
mission, they never asked again. Instead, they chat with me while helping unload my car. I consider them friends. They are polite and I appreciate them. What surprises me is that the ‘normal' folks, with homes, are the rude ones!
My neighbors know what I am doing and support my endeavors. They set their bottles out early, so at 5:30 a.m. I begin my work day.
The bottles are left at their curbs, in huge bags on my
driveway, or they phone revealing the bottles' secret-hiding places on the sides of their homes.Who would have thought this would evolve into a ‘fun' social life?
I have met wonderful people, some have stopped me on the street and handed me checks for the animals.
One dark morning, a young man zoomed by on his bike, waved and yelled, ‘Hi Nan'... I still have no clue who he was.
I used to sit
outside my favorite coffee shop with just my two small-elderly-rescue dogs, Fluffy and Goldie. But since the recycling program began others have joined us.
I am 78 and recently had hip replacement surgery, so we couldn't go for coffee for three months. People where concerned about my absence. When Fluffy, Goldie and I returned, it was like a big party with all the customers. It was nice to be missed!
My greatest reward for
all this ‘work' is writing checks supporting various animal organizations for their neuter/spay programs, guide dogs, orphaned ‘babies' and wildlife rescue.
Over the last eight years, it is not the $77,000 that I have raised from the bottles/cans but the feeling of doing it that is the reward. My neighbors, friends, and family have helped make this all paws-ible.
I am glad to report that the donations to the race track for
neutering/spaying their feral cats has worked wonders! Last year, there were no new kittens!
"Does Nan collect shelter cats like she does bottles?
"No!" laughs Nan. "I only have two cats! Nearly 20 ago, a relative gave me Posie because she was not getting along with their new kitten. I have no idea what they were talking about because Posie is a gentle and loving cat. Their kitten passed 15 years ago, and I never offered to give Posie
back!
Nine years ago during the Christmas holidays, while volunteering at the closed shelter, a woman arrived with a cat. I took ‘Frankie' home for the holidays, fell in love with him, and he is still here! We were each other's holiday gift!
I miss volunteering at the shelter, but as soon as my hip heals, I will be back helping."
