Sad Update

[Cataholic]

I am sorry to hear this. AND, only since you posted, I will tell you MY opinion. I wouldn't do it. I am familiar with therapists/counselors/LSW, etc. I have never known one that dictates a course of action for the patient to follow. And, even if one did, I would never let someone else's course of action rule mine, especially when it goes against my heart.

One time I made a decision to rehome a cat. I had all the 'right' reasons. I regret it to this day, and this was almost 20 years ago. I will never do it again. Never.

I would encourage you to come to some other conclusion.

[Medusa]

[QUOTE=Cataholic;2091834]I am sorry to hear this. AND, only since you posted, I will tell you MY opinion. I wouldn't do it. I am familiar with therapists/counselors/LSW, etc. I have never known one that dictates a course of action for the patient to follow. And, even if one did, I would never let someone else's course of action rule mine, especially when it goes against my heart. QUOTE]

Y'know, after reading this I feel that I have to agree. I know that I posted that you're doing what you feel you must and I don't want to appear wishy-washy. However, this thread haunted me because I've often wondered if I would have the strength to rehome my cats if I had to. I'm not telling you what to do, however, I support your decision to do what's best for your family and your cats. I do agree w/Cataholic, though, that a therapist doesn't or shouldn't tell you what course of action to take. If you feel in your heart that you were coerced in any way, take a little more time to rethink the situation. This is a big decision and an irreversible one at that.

[Cataholic]

To further address Medusa's comments, I would never make a monumental permanent decision based on a temporary or projected situation. And, I do feel comfortable using the word 'never'.

I don't say these comments to judge you, but, I do say them to make sure you are really thinking through your decision. Again, I would not have posted/meddled, had you not made a public thread about it.

[Catty1]

There are other factors here - not the least of them being that a person on a limited income likely has limited choices in housing...and that few of those will accept 3 dogs and 2 cats.

Add to that the care of 3 children...I think it could get overwhelming expense and housing-wise.

JMO

[pomtzu]

I really think everyone needs to chill out, and probably back out too. I know Nicole was looking for direction when she posted here, but it seems with all the difference of opinion, finger pointing, and bickering that is going on, that this is making a bad situation even worse, and making a fragile person even more fragile. It's just adding fuel to the fire. I'd hate to think that something that was said here, could possibly lead to a tragic outcome.

[Catty1]

As they say in the airlines: "Please secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others."

Hugs, all.

[shepgirl]

I am sorry to hear this. AND, only since you posted, I will tell you MY opinion. I wouldn't do it. I am familiar with therapists/counselors/LSW, etc. I have never known one that dictates a course of action for the patient to follow. And, even if one did, I would never let someone else's course of action rule mine, especially when it goes against my heart.

One time I made a decision to rehome a cat. I had all the 'right' reasons. I regret it to this day, and this was almost 20 years ago. I will never do it again. Never.

I would encourage you to come to some other conclusion.

You're absolutely right Cataholic - no therapist, psychologist or counsellor would ever consider telling someone that. On the contrary, they would encourage you to keep their animals when they brought comfort and stability in someone's life. If I ever took this action I would be as sleepless as you for the rest of my life.

[Catty1]

So yours never told you this, shepgirl?

[shepgirl]

I wouldn't need anyone to tell me not to take in more animals than I could give a forever home to - simple math my dear Watson.

But meanwhile, no one in a medical profession tells a patient this unless for physical ailments such as rashes , allergies, which a person would be smart enough to know if owning the first animal.

[Catty1]

Well, none of us were there - so we don't know if this was a discussion, or what.

I think low income and trouble getting future rentals with the # of animals might be factors as well. Feeding 5 pets, 3 kids and one adult can take a bite out of things financially. So I would suspect it was an examination of the factors, and a strong recommendation, rather than an "order".

I don't know about other areas, but in Alberta a single person on AISH gets $1,050.00 per month. With kids, I think it is $100 per, or something. Medical is covered, rent may be subsidized...it could still add up.

So we shall see.

[jennielynn1970]

Candace, no offense, but why don't you let Nicole speak for herself. We can project all we want, but it won't be her answer.



I would never "get rid" of any of my animals based on a therapist or doctor recommendation. And it was recommended. Not happening. I've got a limited income at this point, but I'll deal. But, that being said, is my choice. My choice wouldn't necessarily be your choice or Nicole's choice, or anyone else's choice. Everyone's position is different.