The Unexpected Retirement Career

At age 80, Terry Lauerman found his dream job - as a professional catnapper. The retired Spanish teacher from Wisconsin now spends up to four hours every day volunteering at Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary in Green Bay, where he's earned the affectionate nickname "Cat Grandpa Terry."

From Brushing to Napping: A Natural Transition

Terry didn't set out to become the sanctuary's official catnapper. When he first walked into Safe Haven, he simply wanted to spend his retirement doing something enjoyable - brushing rescue cats seemed perfect. The staff welcomed him with open arms, happy to have a dedicated volunteer.

But something funny kept happening. While brushing the cats, Terry would often fall asleep on the couch, surrounded by his feline friends. This accidental napping turned out to be beneficial for everyone involved.

A Win-Win Arrangement

The sanctuary quickly realized Terry's cat naps served a purpose. Cuddling provides important stress relief for rescue cats, many of whom have experienced trauma. Now, Terry's daily napping sessions are an official part of his volunteer duties.

Becoming Part of the Family

The owner of Safe Haven says Terry has become an essential part of their cat-loving family. His dedication runs deep - he shows up so consistently that if he misses a day, the staff calls to make sure he's okay.

Spreading Joy Through Simple Acts

Terry describes himself simply as "a person who loves taking naps with cats." His hope is to inspire others through his example. As Terry wisely notes, life is too short not to do something fun with cats.

His story reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful contributions come in unexpected forms. For the cats at Safe Haven, Terry's peaceful presence and warm lap provide comfort that goes beyond words.

Every day, Terry demonstrates that retirement can be a time to follow your passion, even if that passion involves sleeping on the job.