Heartwarming Photos Leak of 75-Year-Old Man Napping with Rescue Cats, and the Internet Is Stoked
Green Bay, Wisconsin, is usually known for football and cheese, but this time the internet is talking about a very different kind of local hero. Seventy-five-year-old Terry Lauerman was caught catnapping on camera, except he was not stealing cats, he was napping with them at Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary.
The shelter's founder, Elizabeth Feldhausen, shared photos of Terry volunteering there, and the images quickly turned him into a feel-good internet favorite. Between the sleepy cats and Terry's easygoing presence, the whole scene has the kind of charm people cannot scroll past.
Now the photos are making the rounds, and Terry's quiet routine is getting a lot more attention than he probably expected.
1. Founded with LOVE!
When Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary shared their joy about their volunteer, seventy-five-year-old Terry Lauerman, founder Elizabeth Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, stated, "The bonds we create with animals can be incredibly fulfilling and therapeutic. Terry's dedication to brushing cats not only enriches their lives but also enhances his own well-being." This heartwarming connection exemplifies the profound impact that caring for animals can have on our emotional health.
2. But wait, there's more!
Terry doesn't just fall asleep with the furry felines; he comes in to brush them, and he knows each one on an individual basis, according to Elizabeth! Terry understands what each cat likes and dislikes, and he's committed to their happiness during their time at the shelter.
3. Snoozing on the job? Yes, please!
You might be inclined to think that a volunteer sleeping "on the job" is a bad thing, but the shelter staff doesn't mind. In fact, they love it! Elizabeth said:
"He also accidentally falls asleep most days... We don't mind—cats need this! Terry is a wonderful volunteer. #nappingencouraged #grateful."
That is when the photos started getting attention online.
4. Going Viral
Seeing the heartwarming photos, it's not hard to understand why people are inclined to enjoy them! At this point, the post has received over 46,000 likes, over 7,000 comments, and it has been shared over 25,000 times!
5. And what does Terry think?
Terry, apparently, is a very modest fellow.
6. Will Terry comment publicly?
Nope! Terry doesn't bother with things like social media! He's just here for the cats, not the glory.
7. Support is appreciated!
And now, thanks to Terry's unconditional love for the cats at the shelter, even more good has come from the experience! People began donating money! A brief fundraiser in honor of Terry and the viral post raised $7,641 from all over the Internet!
People were clearly charmed by the whole thing.
8. Terry and the cats!
Almost every single one of the 7,000+ comments was ecstatic about Terry and his cat naps.
9. Inspiring!
I mean, who wouldn't want to grow up to cuddle cats and go viral on the Internet for it?
10. Dreaming Big!
All the cat lovers dream of a job like Terry's.
11. Well known!
People who knew Terry in the community also commented, further testifying to what kind of swell guy he really is.
It is the kind of story that practically writes its own smile.
It also reminded me of the stray cat that snuggled with an exhausted nurse for a nap.
12. More, more, more!
The world does need more men like Terry!
13. Volunteer work comes in all shapes and sizes.
Sometimes volunteer work involves cleaning, cooking, building, and hustling. Other times, it's just about being present and loving a creature the way it deserves to be loved.
14. Brushing Cats: relaxation destination.
Are you stressed out? Have we got a solution for you! Cat brushing. It does the soul good and relaxes the body and mind.
15. Retirement goals.
Definitely #goals.
16. It's true!
The cats, according to those who have witnessed the adorableness, are just as into cuddling Terry as Terry is into cuddling them.
17. Paws-itivity.
Elizabeth told Bored Panda that usually the shelter receives $3,000 to $4,000 per month in donations, but in total, since the post went viral, they ended up taking in over $30,000! She said, "This is amazing because we do rely solely on donations!"
18. What's next for Safe Haven?
According to Elizabeth, "The proceeds will likely go to adding additional quarantine rooms so that we can save more cats more quickly, vet bills, and re-insulating the building so that we are more energy-efficient this winter. We’ll have more than enough for all of those things, so some will go to savings and be our 'rainy day fund.'"
As one commenter put it, "Even in the best shelters I've been to, I've never seen a cat that felt safe and secure enough in a shelter to sleep-cuddle like this. As a cat lover, my heart is very happy. As a mental health professional who's worked with lots of stressed and traumatized humans, I think Terry is giving these fur babies a tremendous gift."
Well, we couldn't agree more!
Terry may have gone in to help the cats, but the cats clearly helped him steal the show.
Wait until you see animals caught in nap time, because it gets even cuter.
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