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#1
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Umbrage
Everyone at work knows I am the one who feeds the cats on the grounds.
It's practically a joke. I spend about $300/month on food and supplies for these animals. I have, with the help of others NOT in my workplace, spent close to $2000 trapping, testing, vaccinating, altering and releasing these ferals back to their environment. Only one of my coworkers has ever offered any assistance at all, which was okay with me until yesterday. Yesterday (my day off), I got a call at home from a coworker who informed me that she had met and handled a small kitten in the parking lot. I went and rescued the kitten, which was concealed in some landscaping bushes. Found no other cats in the area; the kitten is now being fostered at my home. While searching for the kitten, I found a well-established, exposed feeding center, complete with two plastic picnic dishes piled high with kibble and a cut gallon jug of water. Without going into tiresome detail, this setup is the same exact one I found almost two years ago in another area on the same grounds. At that time, whoever it was caused a HUGE upset at work (because of their poor planning and execution, and the resulting unhygienic conditions, I almost lost management's endorsement to feed the cats at my feeding station). This new station is somewhat better, but it is still placed for the convenience of the feeder, not for the safety of the cats. It is still in a place that could cause trouble. While I am ecstatic that someone at work seems to care about these animals, I am nettled and vexed that they don't see fit to collaborate or consult with me, or even simply inform me about it. I have been caring for the cats in this area for more than ten years. Recently, at least five of my regulars haven't shown up for more than a week. I'm cranky about that to begin with. Now I find that someone else has been feeding. Could that be why I haven't seen my guys? Could this new feeding station be the reason for the sudden influx of newcomers? How the heck can I keep track of the ferals in this area if someone is feeding them on the sly? How can I budget for them? It just irritates me no end that they wouldn't contact me about this. I know that there are others feeding ferals at nearby facilities. There are probably 4 or 5 within a 1 mile radius. We all know each other; I'm in touch with them. But not with the mystery feeder at my own workplace. Just a rant, I guess. Has anyone else run into a situation like this? How did you handle it? |
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#3
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wrote in message ... Everyone at work knows I am the one who feeds the cats on the grounds. Only one of my coworkers has ever offered any assistance at all, which was okay with me until yesterday. While searching for the kitten, I found a well-established, exposed feeding center, complete with two plastic picnic dishes piled high with kibble and a cut gallon jug of water. Without going into tiresome detail, this setup is the same exact one I found almost two years ago in another area on the same grounds. At that time, whoever it was caused a HUGE upset at work (because of their poor planning and execution, and the resulting unhygienic conditions, I almost lost management's endorsement to feed the cats at my feeding station). This new station is somewhat better, but it is still placed for the convenience of the feeder, not for the safety of the cats. It is still in a place that could cause trouble. While I am ecstatic that someone at work seems to care about these animals, I am nettled and vexed that they don't see fit to collaborate or consult with me, or even simply inform me about it. I have been caring for the cats in this area for more than ten years. How the heck can I keep track of the ferals in this area if someone is feeding them on the sly? How can I budget for them? It just irritates me no end that they wouldn't contact me about this. I know that there are others feeding ferals at nearby facilities. There are probably 4 or 5 within a 1 mile radius. We all know each other; I'm in touch with them. But not with the mystery feeder at my own workplace. How large is the company/organization where you work? If feasible, why not send e-mail to co-workers, or possibly post a message on bulletin boards (or even circulate notices by placing them in mail boxes). THANK the person who established the feeding station for their interest in the welfare of ferals but express your concern about sanitation and location. Invite the person responsible to contact you so that you can possibly "join forces" providing for the welfare of these cats. MaryL (take out the litter to reply) Photos of Duffy and Holly (pictorial history of my blind cat Duffy's integration into our household): Duffy, Part I: The Introduction -- http://tinyurl.com/8y54 Duffy, Part II: Life at Home -- http://tinyurl.com/8y56 |
#4
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Just a rant, I guess. Has anyone else run into a situation like this?
How did you handle it? Put a note on the feeding station. Ask whoever is feeding to contact you to coordinate efforts in order to better help the animals and protect them from any adverse actions from others. |
#5
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"Mary" wrote in message ... Just a rant, I guess. Has anyone else run into a situation like this? How did you handle it? Put a note on the feeding station. Ask whoever is feeding to contact you to coordinate efforts in order to better help the animals and protect them from any adverse actions from others. Oh, good idea. So sensible ... much better than my suggestion, which involved sending e-mail, flyers, etc. Instead, you went right to the "source." Great! MaryL (take out the litter to reply) |
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#8
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Then it
occurred to me that I could consider this a "donation" and just use it at my old feeding station. I could sweep it up every day and really save substantial money. Of course, that wouldn't be very honest, now would it? Hmm, if you take it, she will think kitties are eating it and feel good and bring more. You will then be giving it to kitties who will be eating it in a safer place. You will feel good. I'd do it. It's not like you're taking it and eating it yourself ;-) |
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#10
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