Getting Siamese Cats Home, One Trip at a Time
In 2011, I lost both of my cats to cancer. Tipton, the lilac point Siamese that I rescued from the shelter at which I volunteered, was just eight years old and had only been in my life for a year and a half. I vowed that after so much heartbreak in such a short time, I would never have another pet even though I was a life-long animal lover. It wasn’t long before I realized, though, that coming home to an empty house felt lonely and cold.
I began my search online to find another Siamese because I loved Tippy’s personality. My search brought me to the Siamese Cat Rescue Center (www.siameserescue.org). In addition to a center in Locust Dale, Va., the organization houses rescued cats at foster homes located across the southeast.
Within a month, I had found the perfect pair of Siamese siblings to add to my family. I not only adored these two wonderful furry beings that quickly took over my home and my life, but I was amazed at the people within the organization that I met along the way. As it is with many reputable animal rescue groups, it wasn’t a simple process to adopt, but it was well worth it. Each person I encountered during the adoption process – from the intake evaluators to the interviewers and the fosters– cared so deeply about placing every cat under their care with the right family.
Not long after the adoption, I began to think about how best to express my gratitude to the center. The way that best fit my schedule was to become a Siamese Cat Rescue Center transport driver. Known as the “Meezer Express,” I am now part of a team of volunteers that drive cats from foster homes to their new forever homes all over the southeastern part of the United States. Trips like these take place nearly every weekend and volunteers can participate as often or as little as they like. It’s an important job. If there aren’t enough available volunteers in each area, the cats don’t get to go home that weekend.
Some days the trip is as simple as just three legs to get the cats home and others take a huge team of people to get the job done. Some trips I meet only the drivers of the next leg of the trip to transfer my precious cargo and on special days, I am able to be the person who hands over the new family member(s) to the adopters. Those are pretty amazing days.
Since I joined the Meezer Express, I have been a part of 34 trips, have logged over 10,000 miles and have helped more than 50 cats find new forever homes.
I am honored to be a part of this organization. And though, admittedly, we aren’t out there saving the world, we are out there saving the lives of every cat that we transport, more often than not, more than one at a time. And just as importantly, we bring love to people who need it and often help to heal hearts that have once been broken, just like mine was.
Review from #MyGivingStory
I have been following the Siamese Cat Rescue Center since 2005. I have adopted from, donated to, and volunteered for this organization. From every experience I've had with this organization, I have found that is run by the most committed, dedicated, professional, efficient, hard working, competent, compassionate group of volunteers I have ever met! I highly recommend anyone to experience any facet of what this organization has to offer. No one is considered a "number." No matter what level my involvement has been, and is, with Siamese Cat Rescue, I have always been individualized and my experiences personalized to my situations. From each adoption, donation, and time I have volunteered, the organization has responded with remarkable gratitude and graciousness!
I have been involved with Siamese Rescue ever since we adopted from them in 2000. I have done many things including serving on the board for 6 years. Right now I do intake, foster and transport. This is the best organization to be involved in. Very organized and well run. Many volunteers have been a part of Siamese Rescue for many many years and that tells you right there what a great organization it is.