By Carol Britton Meyer

The newly renovated Hull Seaside Animal Rescue shelter in Kenberma business district offers a modern, open feel and a more comfortable and efficient space for the dozen or so cats that shelter there, as well as the organization’s many volunteers.

**GIMMIE SHELTER.** Hull Seaside Animal Rescue’s cat shelter in Kenberma recently reopened to the public after a months-long renovation project that upgraded the building’s systems and improved the rooms that house its cats. At left, Shelter Operations Manager Carly Becker holds Sasha, who is currently available for adoption. [Courtesy photos]

“One of the benefits is that the cats don’t feel secluded, with everyone out and about,” new shelter operations manager Carly Becker told The Hull Times. “There’s now a lighter and brighter space for them to socialize.”

HSAR is a non-profit, no-kill organization that rescues and finds homes for needy cats and kittens, many of whom are brought to the shelter after being abandoned and left homeless in South Shore towns or the surrounding area.

“Some strays just need a second chance,” Becker said.

The adoption rate is high, with the average stay for most cats lasting about a week.

“We operate on a smaller scale because we want to keep the environment cage-free,” she said. “If a cat needs to be separated for some reason, there are condos available. Otherwise, they are kept together in the community room.”

More comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere

Renovations – paid for largely from generous donations and a fundraiser – involved replacing the electrical system, upgrading the insulation, opening up a wall to create a larger reception/office area, painting, creating new storage areas, and updating the heating and cooling systems.

The shelter limited its hours during the renovation period, and now has reopened for visits by potential adopters twice a week.

Becker, who has a veterinary technician background, joined the HSAR in August, giving her time to become familiar with the current operation and also to help with renovation planning that included the special care rooms for cats in need of medical care or those with behavioral issues.

Ready for a change of pace, Becker accepted the job in large part because she was drawn to HSAR’s unique approach to the emotional welfare of cats in their care and its free-roaming environment.

Her goals include providing the best care possible to the cats that find shelter there, increasing the volunteer base, and initiating new community events in order to expand support for HSAR. In her free time, Becker is studying for a degree in zoology and spending time with her own pets.

‘Making sure everyone is happy’

Becker’s role involves overseeing cat care and treatment, “helping manage any volunteer concerns, and making sure everyone is happy and healthy on the volunteer and cat side of things,” Becker said. “We are completely volunteer-based, and our 50 volunteers are really the backbone of HSAR. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.”

That said, there’s always a need for more volunteers, especially on the weekends. Duties include feeding the cats, cleanup, and helping to socialize them to ensure they have a sense of well-being and satisfaction.

“We welcome new volunteers to help out at the shelter and to offer suggestions and ideas,” Becker said.

HSAR was founded in December 1999 in response to the large number of homeless cats in Hull. It began as an active trap/neuter/release program to address the large homeless cat colonies in the community. As a result, Hull has far fewer feral cats today.

In May 2015, the shelter moved from temporary rental space to its current location at 487 Nantasket Ave. with the help of many volunteers. There, the cats enjoy the cage-free environment while waiting for placement in their forever homes.

For more information about HSAR, adoption hours, the recyclables program that raises funds for the shelter, to volunteer or to make a donation, visit www.hsar.org, email info@hsar.org, or call 781-925-3121.

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