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| Photo by Mark Rogers |
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| 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.”
