I Want Out Of The Cat Rescue Business

[K & L]

I'm feeling so frustrated right now. I got home this afternoon and got a call from one of the park Rangers. Someone had dumped their pet cat off in the park and he feared something would happen to it. I drove over there and brought her home. She's an Avon look alike and very friendly. I'm so frustrated cause we have Jewel, Stormy,and now this one that needs homes. Of course we have little Mouser also. I have every space available filled, and now more money going out for this one to be spay. Also still dealing with poor Hazel and her problems. I just feel like quitting this and not answering my phone. I know to some of you this doesn't sound like a lot of cats, but with all the TNRing we do (and it's been one busy year in the park) it all gets overwhelming. We still have 2 kittens and one orange to trap in the park. Sorry for the venting, I just am stressed. Maybe more so since we're not getting a good rest with Mouser's schedule.

[kimlovescats]

Lisa.... I feel your frustration!!!! It sadly just never ends, and people seem to have our phone numbers written on the bathroom walls!!! Just do what you can, when you can ... that's all anyone can expect. I hate that I can't immediately take every cat straight to the vet and to be spayed/ neutered ... you do 10 times better than I can with this. Don't you dare feel bad if you have hold off a bit on this one!!! Anything we can do for them is a heck of a lot better than they would be getting fending for themselves! I refuse to let anyone make any of us in rescue feel guilty for anything!!!

(((BIG HUGS)))

Kim

P.S.... I sure wish we lived in the same town.... then we could pool our resources ... of course then we'd really get the 'drop offs'!

[catnapper]

{{{HUGS}}}} Just keep in mind all the cats you have saved and how many lives you have made better. I applaud everythig you do.

Just in my little fostering experience (two whole kittens) I see how bad it is. On Sunday, the rescue found homes for 12 kittens, but just in the few hours we were there Sunday, 14 more kittens came into the rescue. Thats only what walked into Petco.. its not counting what phone calls came while we were there or what came during the week. Sigh. I can see how overwhelming it can get.

[K & L]

Thanks Kim! I just have to get these cats fixed. Plus if they are already fixed and tested, I have much more luck with a no-kill shelter. I can get kittens in to them at any time, it's the adult cats they refuse. They're already crowded with so many of them. Also, if I don't take the cats at the park when they're discovered this could mean all the more kittens to deal with later. We've done in the 100's now and it just never ends there. Some people just make me sick. They think this is the perfect spot to just abandon their animals. This includes dogs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, ferrets, guinea pigs, you name it, and it's been dumped there. If I didn't have so many of my own cats, this few would be nothing. BUT...I have 20 inside and the 3 outside. The way I feel I could just go on and on, but I'll stop here. Thanks!

[K & L]

Originally posted by catnapper
{{{HUGS}}}} Just keep in mind all the cats you have saved and how many lives you have made better. I applaud everythig you do.

Just in my little fostering experience (two whole kittens) I see how bad it is. On Sunday, the rescue found homes for 12 kittens, but just in the few hours we were there Sunday, 14 more kittens came into the rescue. Thats only what walked into Petco.. its not counting what phone calls came while we were there or what came during the week. Sigh. I can see how overwhelming it can get.

It's so sad! People need to get these cats fixed! I'm glad you're fostering. At least you know you have a for sure outlet for these babies. Mine's just pure luck if I get an adult cat and can find a place for it.

[jazzcat]

Just want to offer my {{{HUGS}}} too!!!

I want you to know that I really look up to all of you here who do rescue. You put your heart and souls into it not to mention your money and time. I imagine it's extremely high stressful, so much that I couldn't handle it.

My hat's off to you!!

[jenluckenbach]

I feel the pain.......

I wish you all the luck in the world, you (and the cats), deserve it.

[K & L]

Thanks everyone! Sleep deprevation probably hasn't helped either, along with driving back and forth from work to feed little Mouser. Also keeping Porch and Hazel on their special diets! I'm beginning to feel like I have no life!

[Lucky's Maw Maw]

I can feel your pain!!! {{{{HUGS}}}}, you need them.

I volunteer at a shelter and it is so sad the way the cats just PILE in there in a day. I could literaaly just cry. I can't do a lot but I do what I can.

Those that foster and rescue......MY HATS ARE OFF TO YOU!!!!!

Don't get down because the minute you do, one of those beautiful kitties will be lost to death or worse...a miserable life alone, abandoned to fend for themselves. Remember, you do good work!!!

[nibblets]

My heart and my commendations go out to all of you who rescue, trap and foster these poor kitties. You are much stronger in character than I.
You are doing something that is completely selfless and wonderful. Who knows what the cat situation would grow into without you. You all are angels and have definitely earned some big beautiful wings.
Try not to let it get you down...look at your success stories when you start getting frustrated and remember, love is why it is you do it.

[QueenScoopalot]

I'm on the opposite side of the problem here. Almost every cat I take in has been one dumped by some deadbeat no-good coward that can't pick up a phone and call shelters until one's found. I have one local feral colony that I'm chipping away at, but even the feral mamas I have here can be touched. Still it's likely they'll be TNR and the kittens will be adopted out. It always seems to happen though when someone finds a cared for colony, there's bound to be dumpings. Ughhh. Hang in there...many a day I've threatened to have myself a 'bridge party'! That's where you take four cinder blocks, tie them to your ankles, and go over the local bridge! Sleep deprivation never helps moods either. Chin up...kitties are waiting for you!

[NoahsMommy]

I always thought angels had the hardest jobs...

Its OK to get down on yourself and just want to throw in the towel. You're human and what you're doing is super human!

Take care and go get some love from your kitties. You are their entire world.

[shais_mom]

Originally posted by K & L
I know to some of you this doesn't sound like a lot of cats, but with all the TNRing we do (and it's been one busy year in the park) it all gets overwhelming. Sorry for the venting, I just am stressed.

Don't mind the venting, I think you are doing a TREMENDOUS job! Words cannot express how awesome I think you and Hubby (and all the rescuers) are for doing what you do!!
I can't imagine. You are truly the kitties angels!

[AmberLee]

{{{hugs}}}

No advice, just a warm wish/hope that you get caught up on your sleep/refill your tank so that the stress doesn't get to you. Holding you and your hubby in my prayers.

{{{another hug, just cause it can't hurt.}}}

[aly]

You have every right to be frusterated and want to quit. It is hard work for those of us who do rescue to clean up after all of the irresponsible idiots of the world. Its very easy to get burnt out because there is so much work to be done. The best thing I can tell you is to pace yourself and take breaks when you need them. I've had to take fostering breaks and shelter breaks before when I got too emotionally overwhelmed and stressed. Having a bottle baby and getting no sleep really does make everything seem worse too. Please take some time and take care of yourself so that you can continue to help the kitties who need you. You do SO MUCH, you are a true saint.