DAVID WHEELER
Name:
David Wheeler
Occupation:
Student trying to become a teacher. I am currently looking for a job after a major reorganization at my previous employer left me with a little free time on my hands.
Birthplace:
Zwiebrucken, Germany. I was a baby when we came to California.
About my family:
I've been married for over two years to fellow FFR volunteer, Sharon. Last year, I became a daddy when my daughter, Megan, was born. Megan just turned 1 in October and is keeping us on our toes with her new walking skills and unlimited curiosity. She is also amazing us with new skills and new words each day. Megan's first word was "Kitty Cat," but more recently we've heard "shoes" and the ever-classic "Uh-Oh!"
Companion animals I share my home with:
I actually think our animals share their home with us. We have four cats: Fireball, an 8-year-old orange tabby; Ting, a 7-year-old black-and-white tuxedo that was brought here from Thailand by my sister-in-law; and our 3-year-old "kittens," Bruiser and TJ (aka the Nibbler).
Fireball and Ting were Sharon's cats that accepted me into their life, though Ting did put me through the test to make sure I was committed by peeing on my shoes during one of my first few visits. Fireball is our somewhat aloof kitty, and for many years would leave the room whenever I entered. However, in the last year, I seem to be gaining her trust with pets and brushing and now she will even sleep with me. Ting is our very social kitty. She plays momma cat to the kittens and to me, grooming us and keeping us in line. She practically licked a bald spot into the side of my head from constant grooming a few months ago.
Bruiser and TJ were part of a litter of kittens born to a feral cat about to be spayed at Blue Ravine Animal Hospital. With Sharon's sister and some BRAH staffers, we collectively worked together to bottle-feed and raise them. Unfortunately, their three litter mates were not healthy enough to survive and the experience of losing the siblings made us reluctant to give up Bruiser and TJ for adoption. Now, they are in middle of everything we do and their sweet temperament makes them wonderful playmates for Megan. She waves the feather toy for them and they tolerate her hugs, even when she offers her sometimes over-exuberant love, which Mommy and Daddy try to keep in check.
Favorite hobby:
Working on computers. My garage is filled with all sorts of computer parts and for some strange reason, my wife won't let me bring them in the house.
Favorite foods:
Pizza and ice cream
Favorite movie:
I would have said the Matrix, but the sequels ruined it for me, so I'll say Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Favorite TV shows:
Battlestar Galactica, Daily Show, Two and Half Men, The Office.
Favorite way to relax:
Playing video games, sleeping.
Book I'm currently reading:
Jarhead: A Marine's Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles by Anthony Swofford
My first job was:
Mowing lawns for neighbors.
I play the following musical instrument:
None, except for the "Annoy-dian" (according to my wife -- I think she loves it).
(Editor's note: As you can see from the photo above, he also knows how to play a tiny guitar.)
Most-extreme sport or activity I've tried:
Skydiving
Country in the world I'd most like to visit, and why:
Germany, because I'm from there and I have family there. I have been there, but not in a long time. Really, any country except Canada. (There is a story behind this, that involves being stopped at the border and being accused of being a terrorist that was possibly smuggling paraphernalia into the country while carrying a list of code names for accomplices that were going to help me attack ATMs along I5.)
My idea of a perfect vacation:
A month in the Caribbean or summer backpacking Europe.
Most surprising fact about me:
This weirdness has nothing to do with drinking.
Secret skill or ability that few people know about me:
I can walk and bounce on the top of my toes (not the ends, the actual tops curled under). It is how I wooed my wife.
Causes or issues that matter most to me:
I just wish more people cared about the world around them and the effect they have on others in society. People are so absorbed in themselves and focused on materialistic pursuits, thinking they can impress their friends with what they acquire. I'm much more impressed when people show basic consideration for others.
Current volunteer role with FFR:
Mongo. In addition to adoption events, I do heavy lifting for Janet when she has a special event. We used to foster kitties, but with a young child and four kitties of our own, the house is a little full for the next few years.
Why I decided to volunteer with FFR:
My wife made me. Seriously, I did initially get involved when my wife and I were dating as something we could do together, but I really grew to care for the kitties and the other volunteers and ended up continuing to volunteer because I wanted to, not just because Sharon encouraged it.
What I like best about volunteering with FFR:
Stealing kisses from John.
A favorite story about my volunteer experience:
It's hard to pick just one story because there are so many good stories to tell. However, whenever an adult cat who has been with us for a long time, constantly being looked over in favor of a kitten, finds their perfect family, it always makes you feel good.
Advice I have for other people wanting to volunteer:
Talk is cheap; follow-through is what matters. I know it sounds a bit harsh, but it doesn't take much to be able to contribute and make a difference. If you decide to volunteer because you think you "should," you won't get as much out of it as if you really WANT to volunteer. You'll look at it as an obligation and not as something fun that happens to be for a good cause. There are often so many things that need to be done, it is easy to find a task you enjoy doing, so just pick something you like and jump in. You'll find it can be so fulfilling to know that by just spending a couple hours a month doing something you enjoy, you are offering something of huge value to your community. One thing I've done to help myself plan my schedule is I offered to commit to a specific event each month. It's easier for me to remember I do the Petco Adoption event on the 1st Sunday of every month than it is to remember to look at the schedule at the beginning of the month, pick a day and then remember what day I've picked, but I'm a guy, so I like to keep it all as simple as possible. 