AWWW Gemini's 1st pic

[barncat]

At the clear risk of getting my head bitten off....

I think the point has been made that this person has made mistakes in judgement, but she DID come seeking advice and education. Perhaps THAT could be the focus?

She has limited funds and kittens on the way and it is not clear how involved or aware of sensitive pet care her parents are. Maybe helping her LEARN would be good?

If it is a matter of proving I'm on the lines helping cats, well I live with ten cats...all with hard luck stories attached. Both of my dogs are rescues. Only the birds and the bunny were purchased as "premium" pets...and even two of the birds had health issues that were part of the reason the came to me.

I too have kittens that came from nightmares of neglect...Jack who was left behind in an apartment with two other cats and four pit bulls when his owners moved, was rescued by one of my students (who thought he was a she) and turned over to me when the landlord found out about him. Belladonna who was taken too young from her mother by a student and then given to me because she was not able to eat or eliminate. Her siblings were taken by the student's aunt and all died...Bella is going on three now. I often too go without so my animals have what they need. I spent hundreds of dollars to save the life of a stray I saw run over. I can not count the sick ones and the dying I have comforted and tried to bring to any easier life.

These are choices as adults we are free to make.

As a child I used to steal food from the pantry for our animals and vetted them as best I could with the help of my mom and gram. We did not go to thje doctor either but took care of what we could ourselves. Vets and doctors were for accidents. That was the reality for us. It would be wonderful if everyone has the wisdom and funds to make every cat life perfect...It would be wonderful if that were possible for humans too.

With education and guidance maybe someday it might be. It is hard not to blame when you are on the front lines with the victims, but please consider if blaming is going to do anything here except shut the door on learning how to become a responsible pet mom. Is continuing blaming going to accomplish anything except venting frustration at a problem that is way bigger that this young person? I'm not suggesting patting her back for mistakes, but how about helping her learn not to make those mistakes? Isn't that what adults are supposed to do? Or is our compassion for mistakes only for cats?

[Lisamb]

Thank you.......well said.

[carole]

Lisamb since you posted your comments after my post I think you probably were referring to some of my comments, fair enough that is your right, however I wish to point out to you that usually I am the one to stand up for people and say not to be too hard on them etc etc, but you know what the shoe has been on the other foot in this instance, I am personally experiencing the end result of people not spaying their animals, and believe me it has caused nothing but a big headache and much not needed stress in my life, I have decided to be the responsible person in my neighbourhood because the owner won't and neither will anyone else, because I am an animal lover and cannot stand by and just witness terrible things happening, all of which is due to irresponsible people who refuse to spay their animals, the problems caused are far more than you think or even realise, I find it impossible to be sympathetic in this situation where normally I would, but hey I am now in amongst it all myself and truely understanding what Kim and other foster and rescuers really go through , and believe me if anyone has the right to speak up they do.

Having said that I do agree we can try and educate her, but being all sweet and nice as pie does not teach her or her parents anything, as kim would put it sugar coating it, I certainly will not defend anyone who choose to be an irresponsible pet owner regardless of their age, Kim is right youth is not an excuse, My own child is 13 and she is true animal lover who would take her responsibilities seriously.

Yes she said she gave the cat away, or should i word it as she did, she got rid of it, it was up to her to ensure the kitty was given to a good home and throughly investigate the prospective home IMO.

I certainly have no apologies to make to anyone . Just one more thing I do hold her parents responsible, but she can also do her bit, maybe educating her own parents, worth a try. Barncat you raised some good points and I am not entirley disagreeable with you at all, and yes what is done is done I suppose, but still it is not easy just to let comments like we got rid of him slide by, not for me anyhow.