For Arlene Avery, 74, working with animals after her retirement was a natural step. “I wanted somewhere I felt like I was contributing to something worthwhile… I alway had a love for animals.”

After her career as a federal employee, Avery wanted to find meaningful volunteer work. After meeting Carol Cain, Hobo Hotel Spankey Halfway House for Cats and Kittens Founder, she found her calling. “I was interested and said I would think about it,” she explained. “Carol didn’t let me think too long… 16 years later I am still involved.”

Hobo Hotel is a No Kill cat rescue shelter that has been in operation for 24 years. The shelter focuses on five principles: prevention, rescue, healing, adoption and education.

Plenty of joy has followed Avery’s involvement with Hobo Hotel. “It is a pleasure to see a tiny little kitten who comes to us very ill, and gets through the bad times and survives,” she explained. “We can say ‘We did that,’ and ‘If it weren’t for us, this little buddy wouldn’t be going to his forever home.’”

There is a bit of strategy that goes into pairing cats with potential owners. “It is so rewarding when you have adopted a kitten/cat to a forever home, because, like us, we all have different personalities and so do cats.”

“Some prefer an active cat, while others want a laid back cat.”

Avery’s time at the shelter has brought about a positive impact in her personal life. “This volunteer experience has enabled me to get through three bouts of cancer,” she said.

The greatest benefit of all, however, is the people that she has met along the way. “I have gotten to see the joy on people’s faces when they have adopted the perfect cat and met so many beautiful people, all of whom have the same love of animals as I do, who give so much to Hobo Hotel with their donations, time and help.”

Things aren’t always so joyful, however. The hardest lesson Avery has learned is that not every rescue can be helped. “The hardest part of volunteering is telling people we cannot rescue their homeless kitten/cat because we are at full capacity,” she said. “Ms. Carol always said, ‘We can’t save them all, but be grateful for the ones we do save.’”

During her 16 year commitment to Hobo Hotel, Avery has fostered 253 kittens and cats, and adopted 2.

In 2022, Hobo Hotel found “forever homes” for 401 cats and kittens and spayed and neutered 791. Since the shelter’s opening in 1999, 5081 cats have been adopted and 8396 have been spayed and neutered.

Hobo Hotel’s adoption fee is $120. This covers the cost of spaying or neutering, shots and a microchip. The shelter stays involved in the care of the cat even after adoption. “We are available to answer any questions you have or help with any problems you may have with your new family member.”

As a non-profit organization, Hobo Hotel relies on fundraisers, donations and community support. There are two upcoming fundraisers, Avery said; the Sweet Art Silent Auction on February 11 and a Cats and Aliens show at Mellow Mushroom on March 17.

For information on adoption, fostering or volunteer opportunities, call 337.439.2428 or visit www.hobohotelforcats.com.