Marnie B.

Several years ago, we had our first event where cats were no charge. We struggled with it because we didn't want people to think our cats had no value. But it was precisely because of the value of our cats that we initiated this program. We did not rel… Read more

Several years ago, we had our first event where cats were no charge. We struggled with it because we didn't want people to think our cats had no value. But it was precisely because of the value of our cats that we initiated this program. We did not relax our adoption procedures or requirements in the slightest...we continued to check vet references and landlords...and adopters still had to wait 24 hours to give them time to think over their decision. Many adopters gave us a sizeable donation anyway. That year, we adopted out 284 cats in a month and a half, and only one was returned to us approx. 1 year later.
Humane Societies and animal shelters did not cause the horrendous overpopulation of cats in this country. Yet they are the ones left to clean up society's mess. They are criticized and belittled when they have to euthanize for space...because there is not one cage left. And they are often criticized and belittled when they try everything humanly possible to avoid euthanasia...such as programs like this.
Thank God our shelter isn't faced with euthanizing for space...but the people who work in shelters that do love animals just as much as we do, and are faced with the unthinkable. Instead of judging these unsung heroes, let's try supporting them. All of us can help...we can spay and neuter our own cats...and educate others who haven't yet done so. We can help organize and start low-cost spay/neuter clinics so that people don't allow their outdoor cats to continue to reproduce at such alarming rates. We can encourage local veterinarians to support and assist the animal shelter in their area...rather than maligned them to their customers.
Our shelter has just started a "Barn Buddies" program where outdoor cats are altered for a very low cost. We probably won't see a noticeable result from our efforts for several years. But at least we are trying. One day at a time...one cat at a time. For those of us who love cats, it's not fast enough...but it's a start.
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