Nathaniel Bouchie

After finishing school in Florida, Nathaniel returned home to Illinois, started a new job, and came across CAR’s post on a volunteer website. He wanted to learn more, so he reached out and visited the clean, quaint little shelter. Before long, he accepted a position as volunteer!

Since July 2021, Nathaniel has been enjoying 1:1 time with the cats while cleaning and freshening their temporary homes. His favorite part is appreciating the cats’ different personalities. “They’re all sweet in their own way,” he says. “They deserve the world.”

One of CAR’s kitties in particular caught his attention. Shy two-year-old ginger, Pete, didn’t appear to be interested in socializing. After lots of quiet, calm patience on Nathaniel’s part, Pete approached him! Nathaniel felt such a connection with this little guy that he adopted him. Pete now has a cozy forever home with Nathaniel, his girlfriend, Emily, and her cat, Diamond. Nathaniel reports that “Pete and Diamond mostly get along”.  Fun fact – Emily has also started volunteering with CAR!

Outside of work and volunteering, Nathaniel takes bike rides to explore the area and also enjoys prepping meals for the week.  He also gets a kick out of sending “too many pictures” of Pete to everyone he knows. We’ve included some for you to enjoy.

Nathaniel, you are known for always being willing to go the extra mile for CAR. Your fellow volunteers and the CAR kitties want you to know that you make a world of difference!

written by Stacey Field