PetSmart Socialization Program
We’re excited to share an update on the ongoing socialization sessions for our cats, led by Connor Brittain, a kind-hearted, animal loving young man with autism. This successful launch of our new cat socializing program at the adoption center not only benefits the cats but also provides a meaningful volunteer opportunity for Connor and we’re thrilled to see the progress made over the past few weeks. This initiative is already making a positive impact on both our feline friends and our wonderful volunteers.
The First Session
I had the pleasure of meeting with Connor and his dedicated teachers, Ali and Julia, at the adoption center during their first session. During this session, we focused on several key aspects of cat socialization, including:
Understanding how to access and interpret information about each cat
Using treats and toys to engage with the cats
Observing cat behavior and ensuring their safety and health
Properly signing in, maintaining a locked door, and following best practices for the safety of all involved
Throughout the session, I monitored interactions to ensure everyone was comfortable. Connor is a calm and patient young man who thoroughly enjoys watching the cats play with toys. While he was a little hesitant to pet them initially, that’s completely fine, and with time, we’re sure he’ll feel more comfortable.
Progress & Follow-up
I dropped by the adoption center to check in and provide an instruction sheet that outlined everything discussed the previous week with Ali and Julia. It was great to see Connor and Ali having a fantastic time with several of the cats. Ali, who has her own cat at home, is a natural with the animals. She brings a calm and kind energy that benefits both Connor and the cats.
Ali shared an important observation: she noticed a cat with a pink, weeping eye. She took immediate action and made sure the cat’s health was a priority. We truly appreciate Ali’s attention to detail and compassion!
A Smooth Check-in
Though I was unable to visit the adoption center on their next visit, I stayed in close contact with Ali and Julia via text and phone. All went smoothly, and I’m now confident that Connor, Ali, and Julia are ready to carry on these sessions every Tuesday, unsupervised. This is a huge step forward in allowing them to continue their wonderful work with our cats.
We received a touching message from Connor’s mom, Camille, about how much Connor is enjoying these sessions. Here’s a glimpse of her text and video she shared with us:
"Connor is LOVING this! His teacher told me he was practically running across the parking lot because he was so excited! It's wonderful to find ways for him to volunteer that also meet a need. Thank you for giving him this opportunity!"
It warms our hearts to see how these sessions are benefiting both Connor and our cats. This is exactly the kind of connection we strive to foster between volunteers and the animals we care for.
Next Steps & Communication
As we move forward, we’d like to ensure that we keep everyone informed and engaged in these valuable socializing sessions. Please take a moment to review the instruction sheet below and let us know if there’s anything we should add or revise. We also want to know your preferences for communicating these updates to our foster homes.
As we continue to build this program, we want to remind all our PetSmart North Wales volunteers to review our new instruction sheet, which includes updated guidelines for interacting with the cats. Your commitment to their well-being is what makes our rescue center so special. Together, we’re creating a purr-fect environment where our cats can thrive — and hopefully, find their forever homes soon!
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this pawsitive journey with our incredible volunteers, dedicated staff, and, of course, our sweet feline friends! Thank you all for your ongoing support, and for helping make these special connections possible. We look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of both our cats and the dedicated volunteers like Connor who bring so much joy to our rescue community.
