Pets bring joy to people of all ages but also daunting responsibility. cielokatie, Flickr
Depending on the situation, that can mean sending volunteers into people's homes to help provide pet food, walk dogs, or clean litter boxes, which often makes the difference between a senior being able to keep a pet or having to give it up. Binder also boards cats for people who have to go to a hospital or nursing home, and takes the cats to visit their owners.
Binder came to her current vocation after moving to Chicago from her California convent in 1976 and soon realized that she could make a difference helping people in need with their pets.
At one point, the convent called her back to service and she considering returning, but ultimately she had to say no. "I wanted to go back [to the convent] but too many elderly people were relying on me," Binder told the Chicago Sun Times. "I simply felt in my heart that God wanted me to continue taking care of these people and animals." She went on to say, "These pets are their family. They're desperate to find someone who will love and care for their pet after they are gone. So what we do is provide them with peace of mind."
Her passion for caring for this community does add a particular challenge to her life -- Binder cares for about 70 cats in her Chicago home, which has a screened-in backyard so the kitties can play outside. If the cat won't be returning to its owner for some reason, sometimes the cats are put up for adoption and Binder helps facilitate the process.
So just what is it like to live with 70 cats? Binder told Paw Nation, "Living with cats is a full-time job. As the saying goes, 'dogs have masters; cats have servants.' That's us."
The organizations are kept going by donations and volunteers. Says Binder, "Every day, I pray for volunteers and donations. Sometimes we're really low on money, but I trust in God and people to pull us out."
To participate in any way -- including adopting a cat -- call (773) 728-6336 or visit www.touchedbyananimal.org.
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I think that is great!!
AFTER READING THIS STORY AND FINDING IT SAD AND HAPPY AT THE SAME TIME, YES I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT DOES HAPPEN TO OUR PETS AND I HATE SAYING THIS BUT I THINK I HAVE TO. WE ALL NEED WILLS AND A WILL THAT STATES WHO GETS OUR PETS IS EXTREMLY IMPORTANT IN CASE SOME THING DOES HAPPEN TO US. OUR PETS NEED A FOREVER HOME. I WOULD NOT WANT MINE GOING TO A POUND. I FIND THIS STORY TO BE SAD FOR THE PEOPLE WHO DO HAVE TO GIVE UP THERE PETS, THAT IS ALL THEY HAVE TO LIVE FOR ALOT OF THEM. THIS ORGANIZATION IS VERY SPECIAL, I AM GLAD TO NO THERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE THIS AROUND, WE NEED MORE!
This is just wonderful, and the big yard cage is great for keeping the kitties safe and the neighbors happy, too. I hope they are all spayed and neutered; cats are very clever and they can fool you! My devoted cat follows me around the house, snuggles, purrs and cuddles beside me at night. "Purr-rurr, purr-rurr, " she says. I cannot imagine what it might be like with SEVENTY of them doing the very same thing! By the way, I usd to laugh at Leona Helmsley, that hotel magnate, who left her billions of dollars to care for her little dogs. I don't laugh anymore; she did the right thing.