Why do I do it????

[Randi]

When you love cats it's difficult to go and look if you can't take one of them, so I understand your frustration. It's so sad that so many kitties need homes.

I guess the only thing we can do when we can't take in any more animals in our homes, are to try to convince our friends and family how wonderful they are, and hope they'll take some. And to keep spreading the word of how important it is to get them fixed etc. It would be nice also if people didn't get cats/dogs from breeders.

It might help a bit if TV stations and newspapers/magazines had some programmes and articles about the situation.

Sending positive thoughts that they will all be adopted.

[catnapper]

I too get caught up in their stories. Its hard NOT to!

I just want to strangle people sometimes. How can people do anything to cause harm to a pet? I've heard so many stories, and when you think you've heard it all, someone tells you a new one.

[Taz_Zoee]

For the longest time when I first started volunteering at the shelter I couldn't even go look at the dogs without getting tears in my eyes. The cat section was more difficult to avoid since I had to walk right through it to the volunteer room. But over the months I just tell myself "all of these animals WILL find homes". And that really helps. Sometimes I'll see one that really tugs at my heart, but I know they are forever safe.

[Medusa]

I can't go to the Humane Society or even pet supply stores on adoption day because I'm a marked woman. My heart can't take the ache any more. Unfortunately, the story that you told of buckshot kitty is an all too common occurrence around here. I live in a semi-rural community and people (I'd say "men" but that would be a compliment) brag about using cats for target practice. They say that they're doing people a favor by ridding the community of ferals and pests. They make me sick. So don't feel too bad, Ellie. You're not alone in how you feel.

[catmandu]

I just cant go in that room , as I have the maximum number of Cats allowed and I couldnt adopt if I wanted to.
But they dont know that and its
Hey Mister over here
I would be a great Cat
Hey Look me over
I would love you furrever
And be your Friend and make you happy
Pleeease dont go away
Hey Mister COME BACK!!!
pleease

[Medusa]

I just cant go in that room , as I have the maximum number of Cats allowed and I couldnt adopt if I wanted to.
But they dont know that and its
Hey Mister over here
I would be a great Cat
Hey Look me over
I would love you furrever
And be your Friend and make you happy
Pleeease dont go away
Hey Mister COME BACK!!!
pleease

That's precisely why I can't do it either, Gary. We humanize them and it makes it that much more painful.

[Pinot's Mom]

I'm with all of you...my husband can NOT figure out why I can't avoid that section of PetSmart (it's the only place I can buy Pinot's food, by the way). It breaks my heart, but I can't take any pets home with Pinot's disease carrier status. As far as the TV stations; they do have a dog on a week, no cats, but it does bring attention to the need here. Cats are mentioned, but the emphasis is on dogs, oh well....if it gets people to the shelters, it's good!

One thing about my husband I find interesting in this regard...he does all the shopping in our house, EXCEPT PetSmart. If we stop there together, I'll run in and he stays in the car. I think HE has more of a problem saying no to those kitties than me - he won't even go in the STORE!

[pomtzu]

I can't go to the Humane Society or even pet supply stores on adoption day because I'm a marked woman. My heart can't take the ache any more. Unfortunately, the story that you told of buckshot kitty is an all too common occurrence around here. I live in a semi-rural community and people (I'd say "men" but that would be a compliment) brag about using cats for target practice. They say that they're doing people a favor by ridding the community of ferals and pests. They make me sick. So don't feel too bad, Ellie. You're not alone in how you feel.

I live in the same type of area with the same goings-on. Too darn many people with guns and Redneck mentality. I had just never met a survivor "up close and personal".

I need to think more like Taz when she says that now "they are forever safe and they will find homes". I'll have to remember to think like that the next time I look thru the adoption center.

I did have to go and talk to Gypsy when I went back in this morning too. Gosh - she is so beautiful - and yup - it's a girl. Of course she had to perform for me again. At least she could have ignored me!

[cassiesmom]

Only my PT friends understand this. I just left Petsmart. I don't buy cat food there very often, even though it's less expensive there than it is at the supermarket. They had a puppy class going on in the center aisle, so I had to go by the adoptable cats to get to the cash register. There are 6 cats there right now and I could easily have signed up to bring one (or more) home. they're in those cages with glass on one side and bars on the other- no privacy ever. It just breaks my heart. Fortunately, the shelter that has space there is no-kill, so the cats will be safe either at Petsmart or at the shelter till they are adopted. Serendipitous that there should be a thread on the subject today and I was just there.

[Bella_Sadie_Hailey]

I too get caught up in their stories. Its hard NOT to!

I just want to strangle people sometimes. How can people do anything to cause harm to a pet? I've heard so many stories, and when you think you've heard it all, someone tells you a new one.
----
Thats so true!!!!!! I think you should take the poor guy home....It won't hurt having three cats and two dogs...??? Poor baby I'd take it if I could. I have no clue it makes me SO MAD when people are mean to animals makes me want to show them how it feels. Animals can't talk we talk for them, so it's up to us to stop it....