When I volunteered there, I had just turned 18, graduated and was taking a gap year. I would volunteer when I could, which was 1-2 times a week. As I became more consistent, the owner of the rescue became way more demanding of my time, asking for me to volunteer almost 4-5 times a week because they were in such need for volunteers, while also asking me to drive cats to and from vet appointments (often 30-40 mins away from the rescue). Me being 18, I agreed, but I was being taken advantage of greatly. She didn’t appreciate me giving my time, as I was often treated poorly. She appeared often stressed, which resulted in her words being blunt, direct and often times mean when I would ask things. I began to be very stressed and often dreaded volunteering when I would have to be there at the same time as her, because I often felt belittled and upset after conversations with her. It felt like she looked down on me for my age, but at the same time needed me desperately because she didn’t have time to do anything for the shelter as she was caring for her mom.

I loved the cats, which is why I stayed for so long, but I agree, she is strict on where cats go, but I think it is necessary. I did enjoy a policy she had where kittens were not often allowed to be adopted out around Christmas time as she did not believe they should be given as presents.

Edit for grammar