Quote Originally Posted by tokolosh View Post
If she hadn't happened to die just before he did it, I could be one of the people you're being so unthinkingly contemptuous of here.

...... Fact is, modern city life isn't really geared anymore to let people make room in their lives for their pets. Cats in particular here, for some reason. I've encountered landlords who were prepared to allow some kind of dog, but not a cat.
I wasn't being contemptuous. It was a statement. I don't get it. I didn't treat the lady mean when I took Emily and Bob and I don't think ill of her. She explained her reasons. She was being sort of responsible up to the point she threw an indoor cat outside. She did ask for help at least from me afterward. Her rationale is something I do not understand. I didn't argue with her, because she had made a decision that her life would be better this way.

I wouldn't abandon my pets. I have given some away when circumstances weren't good and I tried my best to make sure it was a good fit.

I think it is about choices and responsibility. I've never had to make the choice between a child and an animal, so I can't speak to that, but I can speak to being unemployed and bad times. Back then I switched to a store brand food and Spunky was sick with kidney stones 3 weeks later. Eating popular food makes him throw up now. He won't eat it unless I give it to him now. Back to the kidney stones. I found a way to stretch my money so he could get some good food. It was either that or give him up. And I couldn't be sure the new people or shelter could or would spend the money to keep him healthy.

I think people decide what is important. And pets take a low priority position. Sometimes children do too. I know a lady that bought accessories for her cell phone that I gave her but she couldn't buy the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal.

I think emotions run high here because most of us are on the receiving end of throw-away pets. I am at my personal limit and so are my two "oldest" kitties. Others will adopt more. I donate food and money.

As for apartments and kitties versus dogs: I've always found that cats and small dogs are allowed. They create less mess. And dogs require and impressive amount of time.

I think some of this is that times are hard and people (bosses, landlords, etc.) don't feel the need to be nice anymore. Are there some landlords that won't allow pets at all. Yes. I just don't think it's that prevalent. However, pet deposits for rentals have gone through the roof. And that can be a factor for some people.

Again it's about choices. You make the choice to keep the pet, develop a relationship, etc. At least surrendering the animals saves the animal from suffering on the streets.