Sandy Barstow

Laramie Animal Welfare Society

​I want to help, and since I'm retired I have time to do it. I believe that charity begins at home, and I prefer to use my skills in the local community rather than contributing money to faraway causes.

How would I encourage others to serve in the Laramie community? I would encourage others to consider ways they can help locally because you can see the tangible results of your work. Your material donations stay in the community, and your interactions with community members are noticed and appreciated.

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I volunteer with the Laramie Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) as the Adoption Office kennel manager, a position that grew out of my work as a kennel shift volunteer since 2017. I saw a need to ensure that the cats in the office always had food and water, clean kennels, and socialization opportunities. The kennel manager's role provides oversight so we don't run out of supplies and so we are aware of individual cats' needs that require veterinary visits and medications administered according to vet's instructions. Since the kennel workers do not see the cats every day, they may not be aware of changes in the cats' physical and mental condition, and they may be reluctant to try to medicate the kitties. By covering several kennel shifts each week and consulting with the office manager, I help keep the office stocked with supplies, and I medicate cats that have short-term or chronic conditions requiring veterinary intervention. 

My efforts have had a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the feline residents. Since LAWS is a no-kill rescue, some of the cats have been in the office for many months, or even years. Maintaining a positive environment and encouraging residents to visit the office when the cats are out of their kennels has enabled us to get many adult cats into permanent homes. I'm able to reassure potential adopters about dealing with the medical needs of some of our kitties, and am always willing to provide assistance to new owners if requested. Currently I've been the main caretaker for Haudi, a 15-year-old diabetic Blue Russian cat who has been in the LAWS office since August 2022. When first diagnosed last September, her glucose level was high and uncontrolled. Over the next several months I learned how to perform glucose tests and insulin injections, carefully monitoring her food intake and her glucose levels. By May 2023 her glucose level was stable and in a normal range. Haudi is now adoptable and waiting for the right person to take her home and give her some happy, healthy years. By sharing my stories about Haudi and other LAWS cats, I'm increasing awareness of LAWS and the variety of volunteer opportunities for local residents to consider.

Sandy has been a volunteer kennel worker for over 5 years, and she is more recently the LAWS office kennel manager. She is currently the main caretaker for Haudi, a diabetic kitty at our office. Sandy comes in every single day, rain or shine to make sure that Haudi gets the life saving insulin that she needs. Sandy has gone above and beyond, especially when we are in desperate need for more volunteers. She takes and covers extra kennel shifts, administers medication to the office cats and gives them extra love and attention on the daily. Sandy’s love for cats is palpable and shows with every person who meets her (likely wearing a funny cat shirt). We love and appreciate Sandy greatly here at LAWS!

​Bob is the August Volunteer of the Month for the Laramie Animal Welfare Society by Laramie Regional Airport.