Cats being returned. :(

[Freckles]

Alergies was the reason Freckles was at the Oregon Humane Society when I was looking for a kitty in 1988! She was about three years old, and she's still with me.

[catnapper]

Karen, I am well aware people DO have REAL allergies to cats. My own mom has BAD allergies to the cats. She can visit me, but she has to take a Benedryl as soon as sghe enters the house and she cannot touch them. If she does, her face starts swelling, and then her throat starts to close. Very scary, very real.

BUT.... do you realize how many times a month we hear the "my kids are allergic" story? It seems EVERY cat returned has that excuse. It is convenient and easy to say, without having to admit another, more accurate reason. Truth is, I myself am allergic to my cats. So is hubby and my oldest daughter. Though my allergic reaction is tolerable, and I simply take allergy pills every day to combat the problems my allergies give me.

Research has been done and provcen that people who have cats and children, actually have a LOWER rate of bad allergies and asthma than those that do not. That is NOT to say bad allergies don't develop. Anyone can develop severe allergies at any given time. We had a cat all growing up, and mom developed her alergy when I was in my freshman year of college.

I geuss when you work in rescue and hear the excuse over and over again, you start to question the validity of it.

[momcat]

Cats are wonderful pets, they ask so little of us but give so very much in return. Even so, there is a responsibility that comes with being a pet owner. At times I wonder if some people understand this when they adopt. While I'm sure there are legitimate reasons for returning a pet, it's disturbing that Jen says the numbers are on the rise. I'm sure that most people who adopt a pet are doing it for all the right reasons and willingly assume the responsibility that goes with it. But how many fail to understand a pet is a living being that depends on their owner to meet their needs? The love and companionship of a pet is something special, a gift to be cherished and nurtured. Maybe potential owners shoud be told of the responsibility of ownership and should adopt ONLY after careful thought and consideration of what's involved. No pet should be adopted on a whim.

[catmandu]

They see a Cute Kitten in a cage,and fall in love.
Then after they actually have to spend money on thier Pet,or the pet soryas after not being fixed,its goodbye Cat.
Iwas sitting recently with a Creepette on the bus,whose Cats had Ten Kittens,in the last two years.
Why dony you spay her.Where do the Kittens go.
Oh I just give them away,whatever.
Buddy,they are just animals.
She smiled,and left.
Whatever,the prime word,of the Loser.Rights without Responsibilities.
Welfare Idiot Number One.Kids with different Fathers,Beer and Cigarettes come first with her.
I hope theres a HELL,to make these people pay.

[Don Juan's mom]

Unfortunately, I'm proof that one CAN develop allergies as an adult. I have a spring pollen allergy that started only when I was in college (in the area where my family had lived for five years). And even with modern medication, I can be pretty miserable for those days in the spring.

And family circumstances can change. A lost job or medical expenses could mean that the family can't handle the expense of a pet. At least they returned the cats to a responsible agency where they will be cared for and helped to new homes.

Liz

[jenluckenbach]

Well, the babies are here. Scared and hiding under the dresser. Wondering what they did that made their people leave them in a strange place. They came with NO carriers and in need of their booster shots. (a month over due, I might add). No remorse on the part of the father and young son who delivered them. only a $50 donation to the rescue, which I guess is better than nothing.

And Yes, it is better that they returned them to us willingly. Other adopters have been know to dump their babies on farms only for us to find out later and go retrieve them. How many have been dumped that we do not know about??

I can't help but wonder what kind of lesson they are teaching their children when their animal companions are so easily dismissed.

[moosmom]

Whatever,the prime word,of the Loser.Rights without Responsibilities.
Welfare Idiot Number One.Kids with different Fathers,Beer and Cigarettes come first with her

I'm sorry, but I had to laugh at that, because it's SO true!!!

Jen,

I can't help but wonder what kind of lesson they are teaching their children when their animal companions are so easily dismissed.

They are teaching them that cats are disposable.

I'm so glad you've got them back, Jen. Although they don't understand it now, they'll come around and realize that they are in a good place where someone loves them and cares for them. You're a great person, Jen. One I respect and admire.

((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))

Donna

[tricollie4me]

Poor little dears! Hopefully a bit of time and lots of comfort from each other and from you will help them get through this transition.

I have always wondered about pet allergies --- I have never had them and though my nephew does have mild cat allergies (he can live with them, just gets a typical mild allergic reaction), I honestly don't know much about how allergies reveal themselves, when, etc. I can say that as I review the Petfinder listings, it seems a very, very large number of available pets have become available/been surrendered due to allergies -- I admit I've wondered if these are true allergies as some of you have experienced or if they are the current "acceptable excuse of the day" (e.g., no actual allergies at all) for returning pets with as little guilt as possible... Seems like a lose/lose situation either way

Hope your two new fur-fosters have a restful night! Keep us posted on how they're doing.

[jenluckenbach]

Squirrel has come out and let me pet her. She has luscious thick fur. She even rolled over for belly rubs.

Neither cat will know their 1by1 names as they had been renamed, but I prefer their "given" names, and so they shall be called.

[buttercup132]

aww wat poor babies thats awsful they ahd to give them back but way better then dumping them squirrle ahs grown up alot scince that picture u showed

[rkidsrcats]

How hard for them to lose their home and all they are familiar with.
The Tribe sends them lots of whisker kisses and have paws crossed for being adopted again by a real forever home.

When I worked at the shelter on Long Island, the volunteers always said allergies was a big excuse for giving up a cat. And also moving to Florida...for a while we wondered if the state patrol was stopping cars with cats at the state line!

We agree with Gary... hopefully there is justice somewhere down the road for those who throw away such wonderful animals.
And reward for those who take them in again... thank you for being there for these kitties Jen.

[jenluckenbach]

They have been declawed. (against their contract I might add.)

[jenluckenbach]

Does the contract have any penalties if they do that?

Usually the cats are taken away. What good would that do now? I am not sure if anything can be done now.

[lizbud]

Do you think greater scrutiny of prospective adopters would help?
I know some people resent all the pre adoption questions & policies,
but if it would help better the chances for a successful, lifetime home
for the cats, I definately see the need to be stricter.

[jenluckenbach]

Do you think greater scrutiny of prospective adopters would help?

We really do have a pretty good screening policy, but people LIE and sometimes they LIE very well.