Hello! My name is Janice Dunlea, and I’ve been volunteering with the CDPA for over three years, beginning my journey with them in 2022.
I first joined the social media team, where I carried out weekly check-ins with fosters and their kitties on our private Facebook group. It only took a few hours each week, but it was incredibly rewarding to read about our fosters’ weekly adventures, often accompanied by adorable photos for that extra dose of cuteness!
After some time, I was offered the opportunity to become a Foster Supporter with CDPA, a more hands-on and direct role working with kitties and their fosters. I jumped at the chance! As a Foster Supporter, I’m assigned new cases, introducing myself to fosters and guiding them through the first few weeks of caring for their new cat. I help answer any questions or concerns they might have, remind them about vet visits or medications, and record everything in our online system so the rest of the team can stay up to date.
Communication is key in helping our kitties progress toward finding their forever homes. And if I ever come across a question I can’t answer, I know I can reach out to our group chats, each dedicated to a specific issue, and someone from the CDPA team will always reply quickly and with kindness. There are no “silly questions” in CDPA, and that supportive environment makes all the difference.
I truly believe my work as a Foster Supporter has had a positive impact on the organisation. I’ve helped many fosters and kitties find their forever homes, which is not only an incredible achievement for them but also deeply fulfilling for me. There’s no better feeling than reading the words, “I’ve found a forever home”, for one of your foster kitties.
In Ireland, the stray cat population is a serious issue, leading to overpopulation and overcrowding. Knowing that I’m part of an organisation that not only rehabilitates and rehomes cats but also participates in TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) for those who can’t be rehomed fills me with pride. It’s rewarding to know that, in some small way, I’m helping improve the welfare of cats across the Dublin and Wicklow areas.
Volunteering with CDPA has also given my life a renewed sense of purpose. As someone who struggles with mental health and often finds it difficult to leave the house, being able to carry out my Foster Supporter role online has been a huge help. It keeps me connected with others and helps combat feelings of isolation. Even on darker days, receiving heartwarming updates about our kitties or seeing fosters’ excitement when they welcome a new cat into their home always brightens my day.
The CDPA team has been nothing short of amazing and they are always supportive, understanding, and compassionate. When I once felt overwhelmed, they encouraged me to take the time I needed to rest and welcomed me back with open arms when I was ready to return. The emphasis on teamwork and kindness within the group is truly special. In a world that can sometimes feel negative, working alongside people who dedicate their free time to helping others restores your faith in humanity.
I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone to volunteer, whether with CDPA or within their local community. Helping others is deeply fulfilling, and there’s something so humbling about doing it not for financial gain, but simply to make a difference. For anyone who struggles with their mental health, volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding experience that gives you something positive to focus on and knowing that your efforts are helping others, both human and animal, is a wonderful gift.