Neal is a valued volunteer at Cats
Cradle Shelter. He spends time cleaning,
doing maintenance work, socializing, and serving as a part-time climbing tree.
He currently has his 3 "li'l buddies" at
home.
 |
| Max |
 |
| Jaka |
 |
| Pearl |
Neal grew up in the country, and has always had
stray cats show up and become friends.
He does what he can in honor of them, particularly his very first cat,
Frank. "You were a fine and noble cat, Frank. Hope your great-great-great-grandchildren are
still out there chasing mice somewhere.”
Since 1997 Neal has worked for NavTeq (now a part of
Nokia), creating maps and 3D city models for vehicle navigation systems. “It’s
been a great opportunity to get in a little world travel and actually get paid
for it. As my job might indicate, I'm a hardcore traveler,
and get antsy if I don't get out of town every few months. Lately, I've been visiting a few science
fiction/comic book conventions around the country. It's a great way to meet some of my favorite
actors/actresses as well as to show off one of my other hobbies, creating
special effect masks and costumes.”
Here is Neal’s story about his favorite ongoing cat
experience.
“My
newest li'l buddy, Pearl, came from Cats Cradle. She was a shy little girl who had been
constantly passed over while all of her more outgoing brothers and sisters had
been adopted. After five years at the shelter,
she was still intimidated by both people and other cats and spent most of her
time huddled alone on the highest shelf in the room. Somewhere along the line, though, she decided
that I was okay and always happily greeted me when I came to the shelter.
I was really not looking for a third cat, but after a lot of convincing I finally brought her home. It's amazing to see her starting to bond with my other cats, enjoying herself, and gaining confidence every day. Knowing that I was able to give her a happy home at last is a great feeling.”
I was really not looking for a third cat, but after a lot of convincing I finally brought her home. It's amazing to see her starting to bond with my other cats, enjoying herself, and gaining confidence every day. Knowing that I was able to give her a happy home at last is a great feeling.”
As with all of the volunteers at CCS, Neal’s hard work and
dedication are the reasons they are able to advocate for our furry friends and
find forever homes for so many lovely souls.
Thank you to every CCS volunteer!
