Jaden Hanken Volunteer Spotlight

“I began volunteering with Furry Friends on May 30, 2024,” says Jaden. “I come in weekly on Tuesdays and Sundays to sweep out the catios, help organize and stock the kitties’ dry and wet food, clean the cat trees, mop and sweep the hallways, and do and fold the laundry. I also help with medicals whenever needed.

“I currently volunteer as well at the Southwest Humane Society helping cats there, cleaning their litter boxes and food bowls, providing them with fresh water and clean toys and, best of all, giving then all pets. And since I very much wanted to help more animal rescues in the area, I researched rescues, found Furry Friends, and started helping here.

“My favorite part about volunteering here is socializing with the cats and keeping their environment clean, giving them fresh blankets and toys and ensuring that they’re kept comfortable, healthy and happy. My biggest challenge is remembering that some cats can be very fearful of people and that it takes time for them to warm up to us.

“I give back because there simply aren’t enough resources or help for animals in need. I also give back because I love cats, have adopted two of my own, named Miso and Greenie, and I want to have a positive impact, however small, on the people and cats in my area. I’m a firm believer, as well, in spaying and neutering. Not only does it prevent so many litters of kittens, it decreases the stray cat population.

“As for hobbies: one of them is posting stories about my two kitties’ lives on Instagram: miso_and_greenie.”

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Furry Friends Volunteer Spotlights are compiled and written by Nomi Berger who is the bestselling author of seven novels, one work of non-fiction, two volumes of poetry, and hundreds of articles. She is a volunteer writer for Furry Friends in Vancouver, WA and also volunteers her writing skills to animal rescue groups in Canada and the USA.