Save Our Strays

Kitties Updated:
June 18, 2007
Find A Kitty

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Grant Writers Needed! Commission Paid!
Please call (205)967-6711 for more information.

Caretakers Needed!
Save Our Stays is in need of a caretaker(s) for their shelter near Wilsonville in Shelby County. They are looking for a responsible person(s) or couple(s) to accept the *mission* of caretaker(s). This is a volunteer position with free housing. During the last search, they ended up "hiring" two couples for the job so set up a second mobile home for housing. Unfortunately, S.O.S. board members have had to constantly supplement the cats' care--with four young, healthy people living there, rent free. Both couples eventually abandoned the cats; one has been evicted and the other is in the process of moving.

If you know of anyone who loves cats, loves spending time with them, really cares about their welfare and takes their responsibilities seriously, please let me know. S.O.S. prefers having two individuals/couples because they can share responsibilities, coordinate vacations and backup each other during illness.

THE JOB
Compensation: Volunteer position with mobile home housing provided rent free, located in a large, quiet, natural setting.

Overview of Duties (specifics will be supplied during interview):

(1) One-acre, zoo-standard, fenced-in area where feral cats in their TNR program in danger at their original locations are relocated - keep the feeding areas clean and swept and put out fresh water and food each day. During cold months, maintain fresh straw in the shelter areas, keeping them swept, mopped and clean.

(2) Mobile homes where domesticated cats, both adoptable and life cats, are housed - keep the housing clean, sweep/mop, scoop/clean litterboxes daily, and put out fresh water and food each day.

(3) Provide companionship for the cats. Enjoy spending time with the cats, know them individually and know their habits well enough that you will know when something is wrong. If you are suspicious of health or other problems you are to immediately notify a board member.

(4) Take the initiative for keeping up with the supply of cat food and litter, being willing to purchase it themselves if necessary. Naturally, all purchases of food and litter with receipts will be reimbursed.

(5) Minor maintenance of the property, water plants/trees planted for the cats' shelter/entertainment, keep the grounds mowed and clean, with used litter taken to the trash receptacles for pickup.

(6) Immediately notify a board member if the electricity to the cats' housing is interrupted.

(7) Be willing to accept other tasks and/or training necessary for the cats' care, as needed.

Ideally, this person(s) has a source of income or either works near the area or from their home. In the case of a couple, it is preferred that one person is home most of the time.

**If this person or couple does NOT love cats and spending time with them and is NOT dedicated to their well being, there is no need to apply because it will become evident and they will be relieved of their duties and evicted.**

S.O.S. prefers that the caretaker(s) is referred by someone who knows this person's character very well and can attest to their dependability and that their heart is in the right place for animals.

AVAILABLE HOUSING
Free rent; caretakers are responsible for their own utilities and upkeep.

There is a large mobile home on the sanctuary property, approximately 12 or 14'x70' in size, attractive with a living room/kitchen combination separated by a bar, three bedrooms, two baths, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and electric heat and air. The master bath is very large with a garden tub.

A second mobile home has been properly set up to standard for housing for a caretaker(s). I do not have many details on it, except it is nice, newer than the one above, is smaller, and has two bedrooms.

RULES
From past experience, a few rules must now apply. More information about the rules will be disseminated at the interview.

(1) This is a job, not a hobby, and care for the cats must be taken seriously.

(2) A $600 deposit is required.

(3) No children. There are two reasons for this (a) there are creeks, woods, and a swampy area nearby and S.O.S. cannot take responsibility for accidents; and (b) parents tend to delegate duties to their children, and S.O.S. cats are to be managed by responsible, caring adults.

(4) Dogs are not allowed to roam free on the property.

(5) No drugs, drunken or illegal behavior, loud parties, or non-animal-friendly hobbies are allowed. You will be living on S.O.S. property and your actions must be responsible and positive so as not to negatively impact the organization or the animals in your care.

(6) You must notify a board member if you plan to be away overnight. Failure to do so may result in termination.

If you know the purrfect someone who has always dreamed of "getting away from it all" and living in nature, this might be the time for them to fulfill their dream and help homeless, forgotten animals at the same time.

Anyone interested can contact me.

Thanks for your help.