If you've been reading my blog over the years, you'll know that this kind of urgency usually puts me in high gear. My adrenalin gets pumping, and I start posting sad pictures of cats that need help. My rescue's foster space was full, but I could squeeze in a little brown tabby kitten at my house if he was in danger of being euthanized the next day. I don't know why I even said "Brown tabby"....I don't really care about colour. But I truly felt frozen and unable to react.
Is it possible that I'm just burned out with this bullshit? I'm tired of rewarding this city's lack of care and compassion for the animals with our rescue's hard earned money and donations. I watched the Facebook page spring into action with other rescue's coming forward to help cats that they didn't have room for or money to take - but they did it anyway.
So where was I? Why did I feel so immobile? I have no idea. I thought about it all weekend, and I still have no idea why I didn't do anything. I just felt pissed. Hurt. Yes...very, very, hurt.
The rescue's phone line was ringing off the hook for people who had found cats...kittens...feral trapping help....injured cats. We had a big weekend adoption event last weekend that I was preparing for and couldn't risk taking in sick cats that would possibly prohibit the healthy ones from attending the event.
Or is that just an excuse?
Whatever the reason, innocent cats and kittens died on Friday at that shelter because there weren't enough homes. Or compassion. Or Love. Or space in Foster Care. And this City keeps saying, "Nah, we're not going to let cats or dogs get adopted...either they're claimed by their owner, rescued or they die."
Those of you who read this blog know this isn't my first, second, third or fourth rant about what happens to these innocent beings at this shelter. But this IS the first time I wasn't able to rally to even take one when they needed me. Maybe it's because I'm still paying the vet bill on the poor "tortie' Mom cat that this shelter "sent out" to our local vet to die - along with her FOUR healthy kittens - with an enormous, infected wound in her belly....
This blog post has more profanity than I usually like, but this kind of crap brings out the worst in me. I'd better get my shit together. Kitten Season isn't over yet.
10 comments:
I think if rescues keep bailing them out , things will never change.
But saying that, we all want to help the helpless cats and kittens that had no say in ending up there.
Not sure if there is a answer to this on going battle
there is no good answer.... unfortunately. And we have all been there - when that one last message pushes us over the edge into "I can't take anymore". It is terrible that animals have to suffer for the stupidity of people - not you or your rescue, but those who refuse to keep their own cats, refuse to spay/neuter and refuse to take a stand against a place that refuses to adopt out healthy animals.
This rescue business is an emotional roller coaster. Some days the load is just too much to bear. On those days I put my head in my hands and cry. But then my husband reminds me of all the little faces I've helped recover from illness, learn to trust humans and find great homes. Just remember you are making a difference Beth. It's an uphill battle but they're worth every step. Don't beat yourself up for having a "full" rescue. I talk about your rescue all the time here in Arkansas to try and inspire others as much as you've inspired me. I still can't believe you adopted out 121 cats in one month. Keep up the great work and know you have lots of supporters out here :-) Tina
I feel your pain. Low to no cost spay neuter programs take a bite out of the problem, but often, cat wranglers (which I used to be until my funding ended) are still needing to round up the unfixed cats, since so many people just won't even get it done when it's free or almost free. Shelters that just do nothing but keep on with the same worn out not useful useless ways, are full of shit (my own swear words for your post). I know what you go through. I've been there. Kind hearts coupled with action heroes are in short supply and never have any money.
A quote from your post explaining why innocent cats had to die on Friday "there weren't enough homes. Or compassion. Or Love. Or space in Foster Care". But really the thing that we're lacking is responsibility. All the compassion and love and foster homes will never be enough to make up for the people who don't spay and neuter, who intentionally breed an animal without knowing what to do with the animal afterward, who don't keep their 'beloved' cats indoors, who don't put enough thought into getting a cat and give up (and give the pet up) when the going gets rough, who don't expect, save and plan for 'unforeseen' bills or a sudden inability to care for your animals on your own, who think it's ok to move into a place that doesn't allow animals at the cost of having to ditch their pets. And to me all those things have to do with the pet owner (or guardian or parent) not taking responsibility for the life they promised to take care of until it was over.
I found out only moments ago, there is a bill in the Oregon Senate, that would, among good things, regulate rescues. Not the big humane societies, the little people like me, like your rescue, require purchase of a license and inspections, supposedly to protect animals while the Humane Society pushing support of this bill tonight on their FB page, is one of the highest kill shelters in the state. How fricking wrong is that? For the protection of the animals, they'll make rescues get licensed, while big shelters can kill at will and nobody says a thing or protects the animals in their care. I am steaming tonight over this.
you have a very hard task, but you are doing fine. Sometimes we just need a break, don't be too harsh on yourself. Thanks for being there.
To all these comments I have to say AMEN.... The biggest problem in all of this is IRRESPONSIBLE PEOPLE on all counts. I think you are doing an amazing job Beth, and like you say ,I wish you were able do more, but know the terrible conditions you're forced to work with and how impossible that particular rescue makes the job ....please hang in there and keep up the good work. We're so proud of you ! ( for what it's worth ) and just think of all the kitties that are now being loved in a wonderful home ( and not euthanized ) because of you and your volunteers. Kudos to all of you AND to all those out there who are also doing a tough but great job at helping those who cannot help themselves..I am so grateful for all of you ! Gail
Don't really know what else to say except I've been up every night this week worrying about the cats at THAT euthansia centre. According to the rescue I volunteer at, there were 70 cats and kittens killed last Friday. Nothing more to really say except I realize that instead of taking a big vacation next year I am going to start saving for a 2 bedroom condo so I have a place for at least one foster cat.
Beth, I wanted to say a big thank you to you and your volunteers for what you do for all the unwanted cats/kittens. I hate THAT shelter also. We found our Chester from that shelter and it was one on the best things to happen to us, as we love him very much. I know you must get disillusioned and it difficult, but I am sure glad you do what you do. Thanks. Cheers.
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