Volunteer of the Month: Justin Saint

Volunteers make possible everything we do!

So many go above and beyond. But even among the stars of volunteer constellations, Justin Saint stands out as stellar!

Meet Justin …

What is your role at RAPS?

I am a volunteer at the Cat Sanctuary. I started as a feeder for the Back Pens. I’ve done a variety of shifts since, and right now my regular shift involves scooping in the Doublewide.

How long have you been volunteering and/or working with RAPS?

Almost four years! Since the summer of 2021.

What makes you committed to RAPS?

The cats, the people, and the space. I feel bonded to many of the Sanctuary cats at this point, especially the ones who come running up with their tails raised the moment they see me. It also makes my heart full to be around other people who willingly donate so much of their time to provide a happy, comfortable life for our cats.

In many ways, the Sanctuary is a haven for people too. Despite the airplane and traffic noises, there is a tranquility to being in the space. I’ve spent many hours sitting in the front courtyard or the back pens surrounded by purring cats, just looking up at a clear sky and hearing nothing but the wind through the trees.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of being volunteer is easily the lap and shoulder cats. I have a few who I make sure to visit and spend some time with on every visit.

Roe jumped in my lap and proceeded to take a nap for two hours when I was still attending as a visitor. I ended up becoming a volunteer a few weeks later. I often find her waiting by the gate, so she can get first dibs on my lap upon my arrival. She loves being held like a baby and having her tummy rubbed … sometimes for hours.

I call Tyson my “shift supervisor” because he would follow me around the back pens when I was a feeder, helping himself to the variety of wet food and kibble bowls along the way. And, even now, he usually jumps onto my lap once I’m done my shift.

Alfie is another one of my OG lap cats. He started out as quite the grumpy cat, prone to hissing at humans and cats alike and getting into fights. He’s since calmed down a lot and has really grown to love lap time, sometimes jumping on multiple times in one day. 

Tell us about yourself (where you grew up, family, pets, etc.)

I grew up in Manila, Philippines. I’ve always had an affinity for animals and would be excited to visit family and friends who had dogs.

After a visit to the zoo when I was three, lions became my favorite childhood animal and I became even more obsessed when The Lion King movie came out a few years later.

I used to be allergic to cats, and actually didn’t know about my strong connection to them until Christmas Eve 2017. I was celebrating with friends and ended up sleeping in their guest room… in the morning I found myself surrounded by their three cats, but with no allergic reactions! The rest is history. 

What do you do in your spare time?

I try to stay active by going to the gym, playing fitness videogames, or going for runs in Central Park. To unwind, I watch episodes of Drag Race or whatever fantasy, sci-fi, or comedy series I’m hooked on at the moment.

I draw pastel portraits for fun and have drawn portraits of a few of my Sanctuary favorites. I’ve found it to be a very healing way to spend time with a beloved cat after they’ve passed on.

I also love to sing and definitely love a good karaoke party!

Do you have pets?

I’m not currently able to have pets at home, but thankfully, volunteering at the Cat Sanctuary more than makes up for it—I get to cuddle cats to my heart’s content! I also recently discovered the comfort of weighted animal plushies. For anyone who loves cuddles but can’t have a pet, I highly recommend them.