The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA Volunteer of the Month is Dana Shifflet!

Why did you decide to volunteer at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA?

My black cat, Hannah, who I adopted from the SPCA in 2004, became sick and died in a matter of a few weeks. I missed her so much and I wanted a cat to fill the void she left in our family. I  figured I would volunteer to get to know the wonderful cats at the SPCA and possibly adopt another cat to keep my other two company. I didn’t adopt another SPCA cat but I’ve fallen in love and had to say goodbye to many wonderful cats over the years.

What is your most memorable volunteer experience?

I have two favorites but I think the one I like the most happened a few years ago. A lady came in looking to adopt a cat because her senior cat had died a few days previous and the woman couldn’t handle being alone. The information sheet on a cat she was interested in said that the cat did not like to be held and to go slow with her, etc. As soon as the cage door opened, the cat crawled in her lap and started purring. The woman was all smiles and quickly decided to adopted the beautiful orange cat. When the lady was trying to put the cat back in the cage to go fill out adoption paperwork, the cat started hugging the woman and wouldn’t let go. Needless to say, the woman filled out the paperwork sitting on the floor holding HER cat. I have told that story quite a few times over the years and I still get a smile on my face everytime I tell it.

Of course you love all of the animals at the SPCA but which have you been become attached to lately?

I think my favorite right now is Demetria. Demi is an orange and white cat that has a chubby face and a big belly. She is a very loving cat that desperately needs a good home. She follows me around until I sit down so she can climb in my lap. You would think for her size that she doesn’t like to play but she is so much fun to watch her play with the laser lights and stuffed mice. I had one lady tell me recently that I should adopt her because Demi and I have an attachment to each other but I’ve reached my limit (actually my husband’s limit) at home of three cats. I hate leaving her everytime I volunteer but I know that the right family for her is out there and one day they will come and take her home.

Staff Comments:

“Dana is always positive and is willing to do any and everything that’s asked of her.”

“Dana is a great help with the cats at Petsmart. She is always friendly and has a positive attitude when I see her. She has helped with a lot of events in the past and we cannot thank her enough for this. She is an avid animal lover and it shows everytime I see her!”

“Dana is awesome!  She is always willing to help out in every area, whether it be PetSmart, adoption events, transport or fostering.  She has a huge heart and is so very generous with her time.  I love her.”

“Dana always has an upbeat attitude, she’s funny, kind, willing to do any and every thing. She’s great with animals. She’s my favorite volunteer!”