Monday, November 07, 2011

A Pathetic Spider and A Rescue Day

Somebody sent me a video that they thought I might think was funny.  It was a bunch of university-aged guys who see a HUGE spider on the wall.  They start to scream like girls and try to flick it with a rubber elastic band.  It became a competition on who could kill or flick the big ugly spider off the wall.  The poor thing was so frightened it ran behind a picture frame.  One of the guys flicked a rubberband at it and it snapped two of it's legs off.  The spider fell to the floor and tried to get away.  As it did, it dragged it's remaining legs - obviously in agony.  The boys were laughing hysterically.  I closed the video.

I was so angry.  I don't like spiders, really.  I wouldn't want to have one as a pet, and I have two adult children with severe spider phobias.   So why on earth was I so upset??  I wish I could just let things like this go, but I closed the video and felt so awful for this big ol' ugly spider.  I'm sure he was squished and forgotten about.

Back to the shelter this morning to meet an adopter!  It's been a while since I met somebody at the shelter, but she had adopted one cat from me already and is really a neat girl.  Nothing warms my heart more than somebody calling me and saying, "Beth, I want to adopt a declawed male cat from the shelter - he can be the ugliest cat in the shelter...I don't care..."

She came home with the first cat she looked at:  "Monty" who is now known as "Cornelius":
Monty snuggled into her arms right away.  His eyes and nose were a little runny, and he was great around the other cats.  He had a pink nose and Meagan was in love.  :)  

My plan was to rescue a HUGE Norwegian Forest Cat named "Noah" today.  Unfortunately, on Noah's cage was a note that said he had been urinating blood and for the vet to check him out tomorrow.  They had sent Noah out to the Emergency Vet over the weekend, and he came back with some antibiotics.  I think I'll wait on Noah to see how he's doing before taking him.  He's probably got crystals with a UTI thrown in for good measure.  No doubt somebody dumped the poor guy there for pee'ing inappropriately.  Assholes.

I ended up rescuing little "Valerie":
She's a VERY red little girl - certainly not orange!  She was so sweet, gentle and purr'd the moment I picked her up.  It won't take long for her to be adopted. (I hope)  She reached her little paw up and gently put it against my cheek. 

For a moment,  I forgot all about the video and the spider. 

10 comments:

Random Felines said...

We may not like spiders either, but seeing any animal tortured isn't funny.....

Miss Valerie is ADORABLE!! Mom has a soft spot for those orange/red tabbies....

And yeah for people willing to adopt those that need it most!!!

Unknown said...

I know what you mean about the spider, Beth! Anytime I see one in the house, I catch it in a cup and set it free outside ;)

Caroline said...

Spiders are like cats and kittens if you don't appreciate them then you consider them a pest. I now practice humane spider removal. The video reminds me of the new reality show American Hoggers where a bunch of nutters run around trapping and tying up hogs (who in previous generations were originally someone's farm animal) and then shooting them. I accidently came across the show and was totally disgusted and saddened. I've decided to boycott A & E in protest. It's bad enough that they shoot them but first they tie them upside down and leave them on the truck hitch, I can't imagine the horror they are feeling.

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

I agree, torture of any kind is not funny.

I sure hope Noah is OK. I had two cats pee blood due to an inappropriate diet (they were eating a "premium" dry food). They are now eating raw and doing great on it.

Anonymous said...

The spider video sounds horrifying. I have a slight spider phobia too, but I can't stand the idea of killing them so I hold my panic in check and catch and release them.

Chrissykat said...

Torture of any living creature is disgusting. I don't think I would have gotten as far as you did on the video. And you can be sure I would email the person that sent it to me and kindly ask if they know me at all and to please refrain from sending such emails in the future. Keeping good thoughts for Noah. I'm sure you'll let us know how he's doing. Loved the story of Monty's rescue. It sounds like he hit the jackpot. And Valerie is just stunning...lucky girl to be free.

Anonymous said...

RE... the spider Beth...I sure hope it's raining big time on their parade ! What small sick minds ! Don't they know we NEED spiders ..not that they are MY favourite insects..but they have their place .

Re Monty..love that sweetheart...AND the pink nose ..I am so happy for him ...thank you to the lady who rescued him ! Ah yes..Meagan..one of my favourite names...had a dear little kitty we named Meagan..many thanks Meagan !

Re NOAH. hoping that he gets the care that he needs and can be rescued...and yes ..I second the "Assholes" comment.... they probably couldn't be bothered to find out the real problem and do what is necessary to get him well again...He is one beautiful boy ! Wegies also have most delightful personalities..somebody's gonna love that boy ! I just wish we had more room !
Valerie's a little doll and sounds like she has a beautiful personality..good going Beth.....
Now praying for rescues for all the other discarded sweethearts ! Love Gail

Sparkle said...

Valerie is adorable! My human would also have been really upset about the spider video - she catches spiders and puts them outside if they are in the house. That is, unless we catch and eat them first! Uh-oh, maybe we aren't much better than those mean college boys. Well, at least we DO eat our catch - I bet those boys didn't!

Ecochica said...

I HATE spiders but no creature deserves to be treated like that not even a spider!! That makes me feel so sad. I feel very very happy about Cornelius and valerie though - they are at least warm and safe tonight. I will keep my fingers crossed for Noah! xoxo

Anonymous said...

The old adage "What goes around, comes around" certainly applies for those college boys.U of T's 1st year Psych course actually tells of an experiment see how a spider reacts and jumps when each of its legs is one by one removed,m until it has none. Then it can't jump! Duh! They probably got the same idiotic lecture.

Good luck to Noah, Monty and red Valerie!