It’s a great feeling when you can put your professional skills and talent to use to help others.
I volunteer with Pounce de Leon Cat Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue in Atlanta. It’s a good way to put my nearly 14 years of cat litter scooping experience to use! Every cat available at Pounce has a small biography that tells potential adopters a little bit about the cat and its background. I noticed two of the cats available at the store where I volunteer didn’t have biographies, so I offered to write a little story for the cats.
Here’s what I came up with.
OSCAR
Unlike the Oscar you’ve probably seen on TV, I’m no grouch! How can you tell? Just take a look at my eyes! You’ll see a cat that wants to show you all the love in the world. As I look back at you, I hope I see someone who loves me so much, they want to take me to my new forever home where I can play and relax. I’ll get along with any other cats you have, and I won’t take up too much room either…except in your heart.
BANDIT
Some people look at me and ask, “Is something wrong with Bandit? His face looks weird.” I’m just a happy and healthy boy who chose the optional wider nose feature! Do you know what would make me even happier? A forever home! I’m full of energy and I love to play, especially with other cats. I might even be pawing at the window as you read this! I’m also full of affection and I love to be held, so I hope you’re ready to fall in love with me as much as I’ll fall in love with you.
Some people might just upload a cat photo to ChatGPT or another AI service and include a prompt that says, “Write me a biography about this cat.” Sure, you’d get…something. But I, as someone who cared for these cats every week, knew something that AI didn’t. I saw how Oscar and Bandit interacted with people. I heard the questions people asked about Bandit and his unique-looking face. I used that information, along with my creativity, to write something that I hoped would catch someone’s attention and make them feel a real emotion about these two.
Perhaps it worked. Oscar and Bandit went home! I’m not sure if my writing helped, but it certainly helped tell a story for two creatures who couldn’t tell their own.