From pool to paws, Maddie finds joy caring for rescue cats

Maddie volunteers at Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ), where she spends her spare time caring for cats and helping behind the scenes at the shelter

“I love animals, and I had time on my hands outside of swimming,” Maddie says. “I was already volunteering at Arundel Park Riding for Disabled, so I thought—why not spend more time doing something I love?”

Maddie’s day at the shelter is a busy one.

“When I arrive, I put my backpack in the cat kitchen and head up to the laundry, where I clean the litter trays, the food and water bowls, and the carriers—which can take up to nearly an hour depending on how much there is,” she explains. “I take the furniture outside to clean the cat fur off, then clean the rooms or pods. When things slow down, I spend some time with the cats and feed them.”

Spending time with the animals has been an emotional outlet for Maddie.

“I enjoy working with animals because they don’t judge you and can tell if you’re not having a good day,” she says. “I remember having a rough day at the end of last year, and being able to sit with the cats and pat them made me feel better.

“Volunteering has helped me because I can get away from things that may be affecting me at home or in the pool. Just being with the cats puts a smile on my face. Also, I am not the most social person, but to meet people who I volunteer with that have basically become my best friends is a really good reward for me.”

Maddie says animals have a lot to teach us.

“We as humans definitely should learn from animals because they teach us a lot of things that go on in life, and definitely about care and compassion. Because if you treat animals right, you should be able to treat other humans right as well,” she says.