Few things are more calming than brushing a cat. Smooth fur, a warm kitty in your lap, and a symphony of purrs to reward you for a job well done. Nobody knows how zen a kitty combing session can be better than Terry Lauerman, a volunteer at Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary in Wisconsin.
Terry, now 76 years old, walked into Safe Haven one day and volunteered to give the cats a little love and a little brush. He was so enthusiastic about the job that he was soon at the rescue daily, dedicating his time to the kitties there.
“Terry just came along one day and introduced himself. He said he’d like to brush cats. Eventually it became everyday.”
Terry, also known as the “Cat Grandpa” treasures the time that he spends with the kitties at Safe Haven. He gets to know them personally, and can tell you what they like and dislike. He takes the time to brush every cat there, and most days, he accidentally falls asleep on their couch!
And wouldn’t you know it? The cats love it!
There are the cutest pics of Cat Grandpa Terry and the kitties asleep at Safe Haven, curled up together on the little brown couch! Safe Haven doesn’t mind Terry sleeping on the job at all, in fact, they encourage him!
“We are so lucky to have a human like Terry. We don’t mind – Cats need this! Terry is a wonderful volunteer.”
For cats who don’t yet have humans of their own, Terry is providing an invaluable service!
Some of the kitties who may not be comfortable snuggling up with an active volunteer seem to have no problem at all cuddling up for a nap with Terry!
The super-cute photos have really helped get the word out about his snuggle-buddies, and more than a few have found their forever homes after a good nap with the Cat Grandpa.
According to Safe Haven, Terry is GREAT at his Cat Grandpa job. He spends time with cats who are recovering from illness, who are long-stay shelter cats, or who are nervous and stressed in the busy shelter environment. And they say he can sleep through anything – like a pro!
The photos of their Cat Grandpa have been such a hit with their Facebook followers! Since they first shared Terry’s nap-habits, he has been in high-demand!
He’s been noticed by Jackson Galaxy, he’s had a coffee created in his honor, and, if you want to see Terry every day, you can get a Cat Grandpa calendar! (We hope there’ll be a new one for next year!) Of course, it’s all for the benefit of the kitties!
More than just napping with kitties, Terry encourages others to do what they can for the cats,
“Now if only all of those people who saw my photos would donate a few dollars, that would make a huge difference!”
Follow Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary on Facebook to see more cat naps with the Cat Grandpa, and donate to help care for the kitties in between naps!
Featured Photo: @safehavengb/Facebook
H/T: Yahoo.com
