Volunteer Spotlight Shines on the McGruders!
Craig and Cheryl McGruder love the 150 cats and kittens who reside at Caring for Creatures. They have been enthusiastic volunteers for 10 years. In the beginning, they volunteered the first Monday of each month, cleaning one of the rooms at the Scratching Post. They helped the staff as they got to know and love the cats. Eventually once a month was not enough and they started coming every Monday.
It is almost impossible to name the number and variety of tasks and projects that Craig and Cheryl have undertaken for CFC. They do laundry (and put up a clothes line to help with this task) and dishes (no small task with 150 felines). They have replaced the countertop surfaces in each cat room. They built cat steps and benches and patio tables. They had a Memory Garden constructed in honor of their parents, which provides a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy the peaceful Sanctuary that is Caring for Creatures.
The McGruders clean the leukemia positive room, which contains, in their words, “some of the most awesome cats at CFC. Watching them play and zip around the room is so rewarding and even if we have them for only a short time we know they are safe, warm, well fed, and loved without limits.”
Craig McGruder was born in Richmond and grew up in Henrico County. Cheryl moved to Henrico County when she was very young. They met in high school and married in 1969. They have lived in Goochland County since 1977. They got to know Caring for Creatures initially when they were volunteering with a small cat rescue group in Richmond. They had a FIV+ kitty named Mr. T and CFC agreed to accept him. They were so impressed with the Sanctuary and its mission that they promised themselves that they would volunteer at CFC when they retired (a promised they kept!).
When asked about their favorite part of volunteering at Caring for Creatures, Cheryl responds, “The feeling I have at the end of the day that we have helped in some small way. Mary is such an amazing woman that you just want to help in any way you can.” Craig adds, “Interacting with all the different kitty personalities. We mourn when one passes and we celebrate when they go to their forever loving homes.” They both love watching a shy, scared and sometimes terrified cat realize that everything is going to be OK. Seeing that stark fear leave their eyes to be replaced by trust and love is so rewarding. They also have met some very special humans at CFC.
When they are not at the Sanctuary, Craig and Cheryl live with 9 very spoiled kitties ranging in age from 4 to 15. They also foster a very petite 4 year old FIV+ kitty from CFC named Porsche as she recovers from dental surgery. Five of their cats were adopted from CFC and four were rescues from Richmond. Sitting in their sun room reading the Sunday paper surrounded by these wonderful creatures is one of their favorite activities.
