Retiree Curtis McIff Volunteers His Woodworking Skills to Build Chairs for Cats at Local Animal Sanctuary in Utah
Retirement is often seen as a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of one’s labor. But for 72-year-old Curtis McIff, retirement has become a time to give back and make a difference in the lives of others, specifically the feline residents at a local animal sanctuary in Utah.
McIff, a retired carpenter and woodworker, spends his days crafting custom-made chairs for the cats at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. The sanctuary, which is the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the United States, is home to over 1,600 animals, including cats, dogs, horses, and even pigs.
It all started when McIff and his wife, who are both animal lovers, decided to volunteer at the sanctuary after retiring. While his wife helped out in the cat area, McIff found himself drawn to the woodworking shop. He noticed that the cats at the sanctuary didn’t have proper chairs to sit on and decided to put his skills to use.
“I saw that the cats were sitting on old, worn-out chairs or just on the floor,” McIff said. “I thought, why not make them some comfortable chairs that they can call their own?”
And that’s exactly what he did. McIff started by designing and building a simple wooden chair with a soft cushion for the cats to sit on. The cats loved it, and soon enough, McIff became known as the “cat chair guy” at the sanctuary.
But McIff didn’t stop there. He continued to come up with new and creative designs for the chairs, each one tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the cats. Some chairs have multiple levels for the cats to climb and play on, while others have scratching posts attached to them. McIff even makes chairs with built-in hiding spots for shy cats.
“I try to make each chair unique and fun for the cats,” McIff said. “It’s a joy to see them using and enjoying the chairs I make for them.”
The cats at the sanctuary have definitely taken a liking to McIff’s chairs. They can often be found lounging on them, playing on them, or using them as scratching posts. The chairs not only provide comfort and entertainment for the cats, but they also help them feel more at home in the sanctuary.
“Having these chairs for the cats makes a huge difference in their quality of life,” said Elizabeth Jensen, the cat manager at the sanctuary. “It gives them a sense of ownership and helps them feel more secure in their environment.”
McIff’s dedication and passion for helping the cats at the sanctuary have not gone unnoticed. He has become a beloved volunteer among the staff and other volunteers, who appreciate his hard work and creativity.
“Curtis is an amazing volunteer,” said Jensen. “He puts so much thought and effort into each chair he makes, and the cats absolutely love them. We are so grateful to have him as part of our team.”
McIff’s generosity and kindness have also inspired others to get involved. Many people have donated materials and supplies for him to use in making the chairs, and some have even started volunteering at the sanctuary after seeing the impact of McIff’s work.
For McIff, the joy and satisfaction he gets from volunteering and making a difference in the lives of these cats are immeasurable. He plans to continue making chairs for as long as he can, and hopes to inspire others to find ways to give back in their own communities.
“I may be retired, but I still have a lot to give,” McIff said. “Volunteering at the sanctuary and making these chairs for the cats has given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s a small way for me to make a big difference in their lives.”
Thanks to the dedication and generosity of volunteers like Curtis McIff, the cats at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary have a comfortable and happy place to call home. His story serves as a reminder that retirement doesn’t have to be a time of idleness, but rather a time to use one’s skills and talents to make a positive impact in the world.
