If you're looking for an uplifting post today this might not be the one. With the heat and humidity of the summer also brings the public who (for some reason) think it's acceptable to leave their beloved pets at the shelter - or as they mistakenly call it "The Humane Society".
Maybe that makes them feel like they're being humane. But they aren't dropping their cats off at "the humane society."
They are leaving their pet at a kill shelter where their pet probably doesn't stand much of a chance of getting out alive this time of year.
We're rescuing a darling little guy tomorrow. He's one of the fortunate ones:
I can *feel* it in the air. Adoptions have come to a grinding halt, or they trickle in quietly. The phone rings with people desperate to "rehome" their cat. Volunteers are hesitant to take in new foster cats because of pending holidays. Our adorable kittens get bigger and bigger as adopters seek out the "baby kittens".
So for two months, we wait as the line is out the door at Animal Services with people carrying unwanted, abandoned and discarded pets:
As a rescuer who goes into the shelter often, my visits become unbearable. Bravery turns into gut wrenching pain as I can't help the helpless. The once empty cages line the hallways of the shelter. There are too many and I become someone I don't like - rescuing the most adoptable so that more can be saved.
For the next several months, my visits to the shelter will end with tears and defeat. The tears will turn into anger at some unsuspecting soul who calls our rescue to "rehome" their cat because they're moving.
I was at the shelter when Linus' owner left him there on Monday:
My heart breaks seeing this picture. His owner said he couldn't take care of him because he had trouble bending over to scoop out the litterbox. How do you argue with that? I walked away from them in the parking lot. I had hoped they changed their minds. Silly me.
I feel like I'm spitting in the wind. Looking forward to September and October already.
15 comments:
Poor Linus, his owner could have put the litter box on top of a stool to elevate it or possibly paid a neighbourhood kid to clean it. Or bought a self cleaning box.
So frustrating to read your post about all the irresponsible ppl. You're very brave for going in.
I'll buy a self-cleaning electric litter box for anyone who is going to give a cat up for that reason. That is so sad. Linus didn't do anything wrong, and now his last days are going to be filled with confusion and fear.
oh how my heart breaks... I know the feeling all too well and I am pretty sure I couldn't do the wonderful things you do, I am not strong enough. So I do what I can for the small souls that need me in my area, donate what I can, and do my best to keep going.
I hope you are able to find some bright spots in this summer of "abundance"
Were any of the ones pictured today rescued? Like the cute little kittens?
This is sad. I didn't heed your warning about it not being an uplifting post, but I didn't expect to get teary-eyed. It's the personal details that tug at my heartstrings, like when the cat's name is given "Linus" and the story of why he was dropped off..
I wish I had an encouraging word, but I see it all too often. And the excuses people use to make themselves feel better just make me crazy. Just once I would like to take some of these people and show them the true end results. But no, that might be too much for them to handle...whatever. Sorry - it makes me just as crazy as it makes you. All I can say is do what you can....
Anonymous: To my knowledge, none have been rescued and tomorrow is a euthanasia day.
B
We will keep our pawsies crossed for some last minute rescues. God bless them xx
Awww... this SUCKS! Your self control always truly amazes me. I don't react well to idiots, espcially the "abandon their pet types".
In Peterborough they are trying to pass a 3 year bill to catch and kill homeless and feral cats, to "clean up the stray cat population"! so disgusting.
Sometimes I just hate people.
Poor Linus. And I never understand why people want the "baby" kittens. They are only "babies" like that for such a short time. The last time I had a baby kitten was when I was 4 yrs old. Ever since then, I've adopted all adults, not one I've known the true ages. Who cares? My oldest is about 15-ish as far as I can guess and he is by far the nuttiest, most playful cat I have! Well, I digress...God bless you Beth...and those sweet cats.
I say it all the time, I really hate some people. Poor Linus, what a douchebag he had for an owner.
Thanks for doing what you do. So many thoughtless, foolish, blinders-firmly planted people. "Take the cat to the shelter, they'll help him live happily (n)ever after".
:(
I agee with everyone else, thank you for being there, it breaks my heart.
Shame on you people, discarding these creatures because ... (fill in the blank.) Just a little box of love, and when you're done, toss it out.
I've been captured by a "feral" cat, looks just like Linus, he's now living with my dad. Declawed and neutered feral. Such a nice cat.
You can only do what you can.
That you witness what so many cannot bear is remarkable. Your heart breaks in order to save little souls. Thank you for doing what you do.
A wise person once wrote: No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. You do something valuable everyday to make the world a better place. Everyday I look at my own cats that you saved from the executioner and I am thankful that you continue despite the frustrations and heartbreak to save as many as you can.
Humans are mostly selfish and disgusting. Some days, it's just too much to bear.
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