5315 Patricia Place, Weeki Wachee, FL 34607 ~ rayshouseofhope@gmail.com ~ (352) 683-7490

Let's hear from another volunteer...

For my school volunteer hours I chose to volunteer at Ray's House of Hope, Inc in Spring Hill, Florida. I couldn't be happier with where I worked for my volunteer hours. Ray's House of Hope has everything that I think is important in life. Ray's has nice people, charity work, and kindness for animals.

Ray's House of Hope is run by Miss Joanne. She is the kindest person I have ever met. She is so patient, and her voice is soothing to me. She is supportive of me, especially since I am so shy. She explains things well. This is the first time I have had to do volunteer hours and I did not know what to expect. Miss Joanne made sure I didn't feel anxious. I appreciate that a lot.Ray's House of Hope is a retirement home for senior pets that don't have homes. It is also home for cats and dogs that have disabilities and ailments like blindness and deafness. It is also a hospice for terminally sick cats and dogs. Ray's House of Hope is named after one of my favorite cats. His name is Ray and he is blind like Ray Charles. Ray is so sweet and mellow.

All the cats I've met are either old, deaf or blind. When I am at Ray's House of Hope it makes me feel like I am doing good for my community and with a charitable organization. So far, I have helped clean the fence, cleaned screening, dusted ceiling fans, swept, mopped, and cleaned poop boxes. It made me feel important and charitable.

Each of the pets at Ray's House is well taken care of. They are clean, the house is tidy, the cat's area has everything they need to be happy. The cats can also play in the lanai. It is fully screened in so they can't get out. All the cats have their own personalities. The dogs have a large fenced in yard to play in. They all seem content with life. None of the cats or dogs are sad. I know this is because Miss Joanne is so kind to them. I think she makes sure that all her volunteers are nice too. She knows everything there is to know about each and every cat and dog.

I love working at Ray's House of Hope. I love being around such nice people. I love the feeling of being charitable. And I especially love the kindness given to these pets, some that have been unloved because they aren't pretty and young. I can't wait to work at Ray's House of Hope again.

Volunteering at Ray’s House of Hope is really a great experience. I love working here because when I’m here, I’m doing something for a reason. I never really liked animals when I was younger, especially cats. Since I’ve started working here, I’ve grown much more comfortable around cats because the cats here are really sweet and most are social. They all have unique personalities, and you get to know them all when working here. Wyatt’s really forward, and will lie down in the most inconvenient places to force you to pay attention to him, Ramsey walks up to you and climbs into your lap, Ray perks up when you pet him and makes sure you don’t leave, and Georgia sits down quietly and holds your hand as you pet her. Though there’s a lot of work to be done here, it’s anything but

laborious. Whenever you’re tired, you can take a break and pet the cats. The primary jobs to be done are simple: change the food and water, clean the litter boxes, sweep the floor (and Wyatt), and, of course, pet the animals. When there are other things to do, you can help out with whatever you’re comfortable with. The cats walk all around you while you’re busy and wait for you to stop and play with them. It’s a lot of fun to take time to socialize the animals and watch as they play around.
Abby McAuley & Wyatt

Ray's House welcomes our newest volunteers,
Abigail McAuley and her mom Kim McAuley

I really enjoy volunteering at Ray’s House of Hope. I have always been a big fan of animals and the cats here are super sweet. This was my first time being surrounded by cats and it was super fun. They are all very sweet and most are social. The people who operate Rays House of Hope are also very kind and will help out every now and then. I also like how they encourage you to pet the animals and will not get upset at you for pausing to take a break with the pets. When I am here I usually sweep or clean out the litter boxes. If I have extra time I will clean the walls and

windows or check the cat beds for any accidents. In the morning we will change out the food and water and water the plants. Once a volunteer and I got to pick the color to paint the kick plate and then we cleaned it and the fence. It is so much fun to get to work around the animals and socialize with them, especially when they act silly and jump onto something near you just to get petted. They all have very different personalities like some that come out to say “hi” and others that run and hide.

Ally Pacheco

What a wonderful afternoon as Abby and Kim jumped right in to the procedures of keeping Ray's House clean and comfortable for our furry residents - cats and dog. Abby provided lots of love and attention to our kitties which they loved. She discovered how much Wyatt (on the table) loves to be swept with the broom.

Abby and Kim did a great job in helping our fearful senior dog, Mickey come out of his shell. It was so good for him to make new friends. He cannot wait for their return!

Share your
l ove

Thank you to everyone who shared their love with our senior pets this past Valentine's Day. You've made tails wag!

MICKEY UPDATE:
As a result of our volunteers efforts Mickey continues to come out of his shell and is becoming less fearful of visitors. He is socializing with other dogs as well as the cats. All he needed was patience and love. With a little more time and love we hope he will also become less vocal!

2022
Our little Mickey is doing wonderfully after his recent dental surgery! We are so grateful to Dr. Rodriguez for the excellent care she gives our seniors along with Drs. Readdy and Collazos.
Like many of our seniors Mickey came to us with dental issues. He had to have several teeth removed and a thorough cleaning.
Medical expenses are the largest challenge we face at Ray's House. If you would like to help with keeping our seniors healthy and happy please go to our donation page.

Look at our new cuddle house.

It has a scratching floor too!

A beautiful day sunbathing.

We love our new kurandas!

Look at my new sweater!

I got caught checking

out the cookies.

They gave me Temptations instead.

I still prefer the empty box!

OUR MISSION: Providing for senior pets in need through foster care,

adoption, education, and family life planning for their pets.

Ray's House of Hope, Inc. is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to RHH are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. RHH's tax identification number is 85-0955643

Giving Senior Pets A New Leash On Life!

Ray's House of Hope, Inc.