Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Tough Tuesday

Today was picture taking day at the shelter. At first, when I walked the cages I thought I had missed a ton of cats last time I was there. But that wasn't the case. These cats were ALL new arrivals. Shit, people must've been lined up out the door yesterday to dump their cats.

One little girl was left there because "the roommate was allergic." Seriously?

I think she knows she was discarded like garbage and obviously less important than a roommate:There was a note from the prior owner saying what kind of food she likes. Her name is "Petrie". I wonder if ANYBODY from the shelter bothered to tell this idiot that NOBODY CARES what kind of food she eats. She's starting her "last meals" for the next 3 days unless somebody rescues her. She's already spayed and seems so sweet.
Taking the pictures at the shelter makes me feel extra bitter sometimes because I have to deal with each cat. I have to read each cage card. Sometimes the cat is ill or feral and I don't take their picture because there's no chance they will make it out. It leaves me feeling terribly guilty that I didn't give them a chance like the others.


On a happier note, I managed to rescue two REALLY cute kittens today. If you follow the shelter website, they're known as Turtle and Marshmallow. I put them in a cage together yesterday since they seemed lonely in a cage by themselves:


Once again, I'm sorry for the downer blog post. I realize I'm preaching to the choir, but who else can I share this stuff with?

Do you think the woman that dumped her cat because her roommate was allergic cares?

16 comments:

Caroline said...

Here's hoping that someone comes through for the tortie and her neighbours. I wish the media outside of Hamilton would get ahold of this issue. The kittens are blessed.

Kea said...

In truth, I could only watch half the first video, Beth, I was so upset and sick at heart and sick to my stomach. You truly are an amazing woman and the cats/kittens are indeed blessed to have you (and all the foster moms).

I'm glad the two little ones, at least, were saved. And I just keep remembering that you were able to save 13 on Monday.

Anonymous said...

I'm physically ill after having watched the first vid. I really wanted to turn it off but seeing that you don't get that luxury either every time you go into the shelter, I sat through it. Awful, just awful...when will something be done about this hideous place...

I always thought you were awesome but you know what, you should get a sainthood for saving all those lives.

The kittens made me smile :-)

cindy

Cat said...

Poor babies...I don't even know what else to say :-(

Hopefully the person who dumped the lovely tortie will get her karmic comeuppance one day!

Kim said...

Oh my, so many tiny little souls....how could you sleep at night if you were the one with the needle to end their innocent lives? I just don't get how they go through with it cat after cat...I would probably kill myself first, because if I was that heartless I wouldn't want to live. Depressing, I know.

Anonymous said...

Oh man. I *really* hope that silver tabby girl makes it out.

Why won't people spay and neuter their animals? Why isn't low cost (or no cost) spay and neuter available?! GAH!!!!!

Brandon said...

The first video just made me so sick. I only wish there was a way to get this information out the the general public.

Knock some damn sense into people.

Anonymous said...

Beth, I must stand up for the cat lovers among us who are allergic to cats. I am sick of those who use this as an excuse for disliking cats, which makes it so much difficult for those of us who try to live ethically with the issue. I am allergic to cats. I love cats and can't imagine life without them. What I need is for someone other than me to comb any cat with whom I reside, wipe them once a week or so with kittie/baby wipes, vacuum, and dispose of the residue. Plus I wash bedding/anything else the cats like in hot water. That's it. I figured this out after I was told to get rid of my cats -- unthinkable -- and had to research and invent solutions to deal with the issue.

I would hope that in future rescues won't automatically refuse those with allergies, without going behind the reasons that they are refusing.

nicole said...

I am sending you good vibes Beth because I do not want you to get completely overwhelmed more than you already have been. Having to meet and greet EACh and every life in there is going to make your "job" a million times harder but I know if there is anyone out there in the world that can do it it's YOU! Sending much needed hugs and love and tonight Turtle and Marshmallow and alive because of YOU!!

House of the Discarded said...

Anonymous: Thank you so much for saying that and thank you for caring enough about your cats to go through the effort despite your allergies and discomfort!

-B

Anonymous said...

I'm also a cat lover with allergies. But I'm lazy - I know there are a bunch of things I could do to lessen the impact on me, but I'd rather not bother.

But I also don't give away my cats. I live with four and am about to foster one more. I'm lucky that my allergies are only a nuisance, not crippling. But if they ever become crippling, I'd get off my ass and do the work to keep the cats. There is no other conceivable option. Period.

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

I probably can't say anything that would help with the sadness. You shouldn't feel guilt, you did not abandon them. As for the "alergic" woman's room-mate, that's a piss poor excuse for having your cat killed. I used to volunteer for Second Hand Paws, a small private shelter at the time, and we had a card made up for those who would turn their cat in for the usual (and shitty) reasons. I don't remember the exact words but the gist of it was "you may just have sentenced your cat to death because your to lazy, selfish, uncaring and/or stupid to do the right thing". We can't save them all but we can save a lot of them one at a time.

Anonymous said...

No word of the silver tabby on your blog. Guess she got euthanized,huh? Is it October yet?! :(

Caroline said...

If someone can foster the tortie until October I can foster her after that.

Anonymous said...

Oh Beth, I have cried at this video many times. I can't get it out of my mind when I'm on this page. I can only imagine what it is like as a cat (animal) "lover" to see the marked euthanasia week after week. Your strength is inspiring. I know in the future I will be in your place. In the present I love my four cats and I am glad they are safe.

Julia said...

I just discovered this blog, and although it is incredibly emotional to read the posts and watch the videos: I appreciate how honest you are. It is refreshing and it truly reflects the severity that is the *unwanted pet* life. You are their voice.

You have a heart of gold. Keep up the good work.