Budgets are tight these days. At county animal shelters, that means employees are spread thin and must focus on the basics, like cleaning and feeding the animals. That leaves volunteers to help provide the love and socializing for the animals. At the Adams County Animal Shelter, there are 300 to 400 cats to care for at any given time.

"Our volunteers are the ones who come and take the dogs for walks and socialize the kittens," said Kelly Forrester, volunteer coordinator for the Adams County Animal Shelter Adoption Center.

Every Friday for the last nine years, Courtney Whitfield has come to the shelter to spend quality time with the cats. Cerebral palsy may limit her movement and ability to speak, but Whitfield is a very sharp 27-year old with a deep love for cats. She uses a motorized wheelchair to get around, and a special computer to help her communicate. Whitfield and her aide, Brian Simoni, spend a couple hours a week at the shelter tending to every cat.

"Her heart is so big and she cares so much about these animals that she is just a great example that no matter what you think your restrictions may be, you can still make a difference for the positive in the world," said Forrester.

"There are animals that have to be put to sleep and there is sadness sometimes, and to have a smiling young woman who comes in here forgetting her own problems and tries to make the cats feel better, you can't help but feel better. It is wonderful," said Roxanne Sherrill, administrative coordinator for the Adams County Shelter.

When Whitfield visits, many of the cats get time outside their cages. That is a luxury in a busy animal shelter. Simoni puts them on her whitfield's lap. Many of the cats lay their head down and snuggle with her. And that is just the beginning of what Courtney provides for the cats.

"For her birthday she opted last year not to have presents because the shelter was a little low on kitty sand and cat food. So, she asked her family and friends: 'instead of giving me presents, give me money or something for the cats,'" said Whitfield's mom, Victoria.

And during holidays Whitfield uses her own money to buy premium food for all the cats. whitfield has adopted five cats that others may not have wanted. They all have special needs. She used her computer to show off her latest addition, named "Christmas Sue."

The computer voice said: "She is a calico, very funny, playful, and full of energy."

Cats are CWhitfield's life. And the felines at the Adams County Animal Shelter are a lot better off thanks to her care.

"She is a very special person. We love her to death," said Millie Beck, a manager at the shelter.

The Adams County Animal Shelter is always looking for more volunteers.

If you're interested, visit its Web site: www.PetHarbor.com.