Terrible experience......

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

......at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

We took a drive today, just to visit, put feelers out, maybe get some advice from someone more experienced in placing kitties, and, well, just to get a bit of a kitty fix. PS Animal Shelter is about a 1/2 hour 45 minute drive for us, but there were several of their kitties I saw on petfinder.com that I wanted to meet. I finally convinced Terry that I would NOT be bringing a kitty home so away we go.

Almost the second we walked in the door the old bag (OB) behind the counter had an attitude - as if she was soooo busy and we were bothering her. I started to explain how we just lost Robin and we're looking for a new sister for Jackie. I then tried to explain how he's blind so we need a kitty that is friendly and won't get upset when he bumps into her. OB practically cut me off to explain, "after all, we're just a shelter." I told her I understood that, but there was a room full of cats right there that obviously got along. She hrmphed and started telling me about one kitty that might work. She was listed as a year old, had had kittens "way too young" (as if to imply it was our fault kittens were having kittens and SHE had to deal with it) and blah, blah, blah. I tried to interject that I didn't want a kitty that young but she just kept cutting me off and kept talking.

We ended up with the sweetest little girl in my lap in a room when Terry asked if she was declawed - innocent enough question - and OB practically grabbed the kitty out if my lap and told us in no uncertain terms we would NOT be adopting one of their kitties because there is NO way we would pass the initial......inspection (forgot the term she used) if we intended to declaw. We never said we would or that we even wanted to, Terry just asked a simple question! Terry got upset at her attitude and walked out and she huffed off, both leaving me standing with no kitty in my arms.

Like I say, she had a negative attitude towards us from the minute we walked in. Don't know if she was having a bad day or what, but I can assure you they'd adopt a lot more cats out if sour puss wasn't around to turn people off!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Here's the link to Brenna's petfinder page. Can't see her that well, but she was a tiny mostly black with a bit of white on her face and chest. She was already bumping on me and tring to get me to pet her more just in the two minutes she was in my lap. I don't think she's what we're looking for, but she sure was sweetly!

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/24131889

[Taz_Zoee]

Wow, that is not a way to get people to adopt! I am sorry you had that experience. Too bad you aren't closer to the bay area, you could come to ARF (www.arf.net) to get a new kitty.
There are some volunteers at ARF that can be a little like the OB you dealt with. But if any staff member ever heard it, it would not fly.

It just wasn't meant for you to adopt from that place at that time (if you do plan on going back again). You will find the perfect sister for Jack in due time.

[mon]

Eeew! Nasty piece of work, that O.B. I'd like ta chat 'er up a wee bit

[cassiesmom]

I am so sorry. And it's ultimately the kitty and you who lose out from such a negative interaction.

[Karen]

I would write an email to whoever runs the shelter, telling them what you told us. No matter what, this woman is costing them adoptions and donations, and needs an attitude adjustment. Not everyone is cut out for customer service work.

[mrspunkysmom]

I'm with the rest of the gang here. They may not know unless you tell them. Poor kitties.

[kuhio98]

She definitely sounds like she has rescue burnout. I'm with the others, send an e-mail or snail mail and let them know your experience. She needs a timeout or a break because she is definitely not a good advocate for their rescue.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Thanks for the support everyone. Since then we've had other issues we've been dealing with, like a geeky air conditioner in 100 degree heat, so I've kind of forgotten about the whole thing.......and I'm starting to think its just not meant to be right now. About a week ago I sent inquiries on 2 kitties through petfinder.com and I haven't heard a word back from either one. Two different kitties, two different rescue groups, no response.....geeky air conditioner that turns out we need a new one, need new tires on the jeep that we're getting tomorrow, first day of work back at The Living Desert on Saturday........I'm getting the feeling it's time to just hold my horses and wait a bit.....and let things happen naturally rather than try and force the situation.

Jackie relaxing on my lap right now after a day stuck in the bathroom while the air conditioner was replaced.

[Edwina's Secretary]

That's a good idea! Who knows...maybe a kitty will come to spend the weekend someday...and just never leave!

[smokey the elder]

I bet that Robin's succession plan isn't complete yet.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

That's a good idea! Who knows...maybe a kitty will come to spend the weekend someday...and just never leave!

Heehee.....Eddie and his extended stay have definitely come to mind.

Saw a stray this morning while we were walking.......

[mrspunkysmom]

That's a good idea! Who knows...maybe a kitty will come to spend the weekend someday...and just never leave!

I'm not sure I've ever read how you came to share living space with Eddie and Edwina. The cat that never left is how I acquired Jane and Calla Lily. I thought you picked Eddie to match Edwina.

[DriftyAlison0]

I would talk to the manager asap. That is not a way to run a business and the lady needs to get her act together or get fired.