I recently rehomed my very loved and very missed 1 year old cat King Rory. It was so difficult to do, and it was done because I needed to my own health first. In making this decision, I was determined to find him a good home and I did that with the help of my vet. I wrote a bit about my experience on my Substack.
Over the last 10 years at our farm, we’ve had 14 cats that were abandoned who found us. All of them had medical issues we’ve dealt with. Mostly they have fears we have to untangle . Currently there are 8 here. I can relate to everything written here!
Louie definitely makes you wonder. It makes me think someone was absolutely desperate. They weren’t cruel on purpose, and they must have known the neighborhood well enough that leaving him out like that was the least risk thing they could do. Or someone put the cat out meaning to come right back for him, and they died. Like in a traffic accident or something. Our cats & dogs are always last in the vehicle when we move.
I hadn't thought of your last idea, however, it is sadly real. I was just reading on the local Retrievers post for lost dogs about a dog that bolted from a car after her owner was killed in the car accident. The dog is still on the loose. So sad.
It's so easy to judge other people without offering them the benefit of the doubt, that they were already doing everything they could with the situation they were dealt. Thanks for sharing this. Such a good reminder of what it means to just step up and help wherever we can.
Years ago, I adopted a 15 y/old cat, a ginger female, who was in a horrible state of neglect with a backpack of health issues plus CKD. She was a lovely mate to my old boy until at 18 y/old her kidneys finally gave up. After her came a 17-18 y/old lady, horribly neglected. She only wanted love. It soon transpired that she, too, had lots of health issues and had been abused. The fear in her eyes told tales. After 3 months her past caught up with her and we gentle had her put to sleep.
Was it worth my time and effort? Absolutely, they both gave so much in return. And now I’ve got 3 other rescues, 2 of them FIV+ like my old boy was.
I would distrust anyone who’s not kind to my cats or whom my cats don’t trust.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for caring for the seniors. We've fostered a few. The adopters were always some of my favorites as they knew the challenges ahead and rose to the occasion.
Dear Cindy, I know your heart is in the right place and I applaud your intention to bring to the forefront the seriousness of being a responsible caregiver. Thank you. Unfortunately, I cannot answer this simple question. It always depends upon the individual circumstances.
Thank you for doing what you do, Cindy. As a proud “papa” of 2 rescues (and 2 more no longer with us), I know the importance. I think in reality, Louie is lucky he was left in the carrier. He could have experienced all of the other hellish things you outlined, but in the end, short of being put on a doorstep of a shelter, this may have ended up being almost kind. At least he had his own “roof”. And, just because he could have been taken to a shelter, there are no guarantees there, either. You mentioned he was on “the list” and you saved him. No, I think some entity was looking over him. He is definitely something special.
Back at you, Ken. Thank you for adopting. It keeps us fosters in "business." One of my favorite parts about fostering is watching what unfolds in the process and who will end up connected to my life because of a pet!
Thanks so much for the work you do. I am a pet sitter (self employed) I work a lot with rescues in my community. I try to help when I can. I want to help them all of course! All of our pets are rescues. Currently we have a dog that was from a hoarding situation he is 11 and blind. We have 2 adult cats that were bonded that we adopted 2 months ago.
I hear of so many stories some really are heartless and cruel others, I don't know. I am not in their shoes. Some are in dangerous situations that they have to flee from. Thanks so much for raising awareness
I recently rehomed my very loved and very missed 1 year old cat King Rory. It was so difficult to do, and it was done because I needed to my own health first. In making this decision, I was determined to find him a good home and I did that with the help of my vet. I wrote a bit about my experience on my Substack.
Please send me the link!
Thanks Cindy, will do...
Over the last 10 years at our farm, we’ve had 14 cats that were abandoned who found us. All of them had medical issues we’ve dealt with. Mostly they have fears we have to untangle . Currently there are 8 here. I can relate to everything written here!
I thank you and I bet the abandoned cats thank you! And, I love the name of your newsletter!
Louie definitely makes you wonder. It makes me think someone was absolutely desperate. They weren’t cruel on purpose, and they must have known the neighborhood well enough that leaving him out like that was the least risk thing they could do. Or someone put the cat out meaning to come right back for him, and they died. Like in a traffic accident or something. Our cats & dogs are always last in the vehicle when we move.
I hadn't thought of your last idea, however, it is sadly real. I was just reading on the local Retrievers post for lost dogs about a dog that bolted from a car after her owner was killed in the car accident. The dog is still on the loose. So sad.
It's so easy to judge other people without offering them the benefit of the doubt, that they were already doing everything they could with the situation they were dealt. Thanks for sharing this. Such a good reminder of what it means to just step up and help wherever we can.
Thanks for the insight, Sue!
Years ago, I adopted a 15 y/old cat, a ginger female, who was in a horrible state of neglect with a backpack of health issues plus CKD. She was a lovely mate to my old boy until at 18 y/old her kidneys finally gave up. After her came a 17-18 y/old lady, horribly neglected. She only wanted love. It soon transpired that she, too, had lots of health issues and had been abused. The fear in her eyes told tales. After 3 months her past caught up with her and we gentle had her put to sleep.
Was it worth my time and effort? Absolutely, they both gave so much in return. And now I’ve got 3 other rescues, 2 of them FIV+ like my old boy was.
I would distrust anyone who’s not kind to my cats or whom my cats don’t trust.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for caring for the seniors. We've fostered a few. The adopters were always some of my favorites as they knew the challenges ahead and rose to the occasion.
The seniors are always overlooked. Makes me sad 😔
Isn't it amazing how rescuing an animal can change your life and your view of things? So glad you are there for Louie!
You are spot on!
He shure looks adorable ...🥰
Louie has a sweet personality to go with his handsome good looks!
Thank you
I appreciate the appreciation!
Dear Cindy, I know your heart is in the right place and I applaud your intention to bring to the forefront the seriousness of being a responsible caregiver. Thank you. Unfortunately, I cannot answer this simple question. It always depends upon the individual circumstances.
You are so right, Lola. Each situation is different. Each animal's response to their situation will differ. Louie was an easy read.
Thank you for doing what you do, Cindy. As a proud “papa” of 2 rescues (and 2 more no longer with us), I know the importance. I think in reality, Louie is lucky he was left in the carrier. He could have experienced all of the other hellish things you outlined, but in the end, short of being put on a doorstep of a shelter, this may have ended up being almost kind. At least he had his own “roof”. And, just because he could have been taken to a shelter, there are no guarantees there, either. You mentioned he was on “the list” and you saved him. No, I think some entity was looking over him. He is definitely something special.
Back at you, Ken. Thank you for adopting. It keeps us fosters in "business." One of my favorite parts about fostering is watching what unfolds in the process and who will end up connected to my life because of a pet!
I am just glad that Louie is safe; he is a beauty.
His gentle soul matches his sweet face!
Thanks so much for the work you do. I am a pet sitter (self employed) I work a lot with rescues in my community. I try to help when I can. I want to help them all of course! All of our pets are rescues. Currently we have a dog that was from a hoarding situation he is 11 and blind. We have 2 adult cats that were bonded that we adopted 2 months ago.
I hear of so many stories some really are heartless and cruel others, I don't know. I am not in their shoes. Some are in dangerous situations that they have to flee from. Thanks so much for raising awareness
Likewise - thank you for adopting the more difficult to place animals. They need love. It sounds like you have plenty to give!