I was able to finally get the four cats signed over to me today. The family is once again in upheaval. The son and mother are going to be splitting up and living with two different families. The son did not want to sign the owner surrender forms. I finally just told him that if the forms aren’t signed, he needs to remove the cats today from my care. He told me that they have no place to put the cats and I got tough and told him that isn’t my problem. They are HIS cats not mine right now. If he wants me to continue to take care of them for an indefinite period of time, I needed the forms signed.
He had the audacity to tell me that he thought in Oregon no one can own a cat. In his words “It’s not like they are like dogs!” I told him I didn’t know where he was getting his information, but since I am a non-profit, I am bound by the law and the law says I can’t legally have these cats seen by a vet unless they belong to me. I told him I am not planning on adopting these older cats out but he was still a bit of stinker about signing the papers. Do I really want four more cats? Not at all- but I can’t have my hands tied when it comes to their healthcare.
He kept telling me about their situation and asked me to just hold on to the cats without the forms being signed. I held fast to what I needed to happen- so now the cats belong to me. I am not doing a happy dance here. I am sorry they are in such dire straits but my fear is Buddy who is trying to get outside might just make it outside and get hurt. Then what do I do?
I let one-eyed back outside today and watched him and within 5 minutes he was fully engaged in pursuing Bentley across the yard. I scooped him up before the war could start and put him back in the enclosure. That’s where he is going to have to stay until I can find the right home for him. I put fliers up in the nearby town trying to locate the purrfect home for this black beauty.
I can understand them not wanting to give up their cats, but you can’t be responsible for them yet not have the power to take care of them. That isn’t fair to you or the cats. The situation stinks all around, unfortunately.
I find it appalling at how many people presume that their misfortune is someone elses responsibility. Bad things happen to good people and when that happens decent people try to make the best of it, and do what they have to. That doesn’t sound like this guy though… He sounds like the type who falls into the category of individuals who contribute to their own misfortune and then are angry when they have to suffer the consequences of bad decisions.
You did the exact right thing!
I would be devastated if something happened and I had to give up my babies even if for a short period of time. I think if it were to happen tome I would be sure to do everything to make it easier for the rescue, take a case of food a month, I know not much but at least it is something. maybe donate a day to help out around the shelter. mow the yard, clean cat boxes anything to show appreciation for them caring for my babies. Then I would hope if my status were to change and my babies were still there that I could get them to come back home with me. Sorry that you had to feel bad for making them do the right thing.