An Italian Kitty+PAWS=That’s Amore!

Photo by Mark Rogers 

   

Photo by Monica May

Judi Basolo has always had animals in her life, but says that she and Guido the Italian Kitty have una connessione unica— a “unique connection.” Both are native San Franciscans, and both have a strong drive to give back. Judi says it’s in their DNA.

Guido became certified as an Animal Assisted Therapy cat at the tender age of one, and the dynamic duo have been venturing out in public as a pair ever since. Together, Judi and Guido volunteer at the Arc of San Francisco, ride the cable cars, and more. “I realized people were always enthralled by this cat in my arms,” Judi recalls. “When I took Guido to the grand opening of the PAWS building, he just excelled at interacting with the guests and people would write to me asking about him.” With the help of social media, Guido’s fan base quickly skyrocketed, and together they knew it was time to put Guido’s star-power to good use.

On the eve of Guido’s fourth birthday, in 2010, he and Judi decided to fundraise for an organization that they think is just meowvalous—Pets Are Wonderful Support, of course! Since that birthday, Guido’s fans have donated every year to support PAWS, and this year raised over $1,200 to celebrate his twelfth circle around the sun!

Judi often jokes that she considers herself Guido’s personal assistant, but five years ago she gained a deeper appreciation for the kind of assistance that Guido gives to her—and the type of support PAWS provides. Stuck homebound for five months from a knee replacement surgery, Judi reflects, “that was the closest I’ve ever been to being a shut-in and my cats became my whole life.” Judi was not able to manage the 33 stairs to her apartment alone, and she only had help getting out to her physical therapy appointments. A social butterfly by nature, Judi says, “I experienced something that I had never had happen in my life. I was feeling so disconnected from the world and looking forward to when someone could visit or call me. Thanks to PAWS, clients who live in isolation are visited by volunteers and can stay together with their pets.”

Judi supports PAWS as a donor, volunteer, ambassador, and of course, with Guido’s help as a spokes-cat. She believes that “everybody should give back…it doesn’t have to be a lot as long as you give.” The gift of the human-animal bond? Like Judi says, “it’s priceless.”