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#1
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Class trip to the local shelter (TW!!)
As a new part of my school's RVT program, my professor has worked out
that us senior students will volunteer a certain amount of hours at the local shelter. Today was our orientation. It started at ten in the morning and we spent almost FOUR HOURS going over the orientation packet. (I hate it when a teacher hands out a packet and then reads over it word for word. We can read you know. I can understand it to a certain point, but after the fifth page it's quite tedious) Then it came time for the tour. We walked past the dog runs. Some of them had three or four dogs crammed into a single run. Some of them were strays that were being held to see if someone claims them, others were up for adoption, and others were the ones that would soon be euthanized. It was quite bittersweet, walking through and listening to all the barking dogs. Some of them were quite cute. But everyone knew that most of those dogs would never find a loving family. Then we moved into the main receiving area where we talked about procedures and more rules. Then the manager pointed out the Euthanasia Room, which volunteers are not allowed to enter. We briefly talked about it. The animals are put down either for illness, but most of the time it's because no one has claimed them and they shelter needs the space. While we were talking about it, a few Animal Control people came by with nets on poles. When they came back, each net held a feral cat, and they were carried into the Euthanasia room. We saw four cats get carried into that room in a span of ten minutes. A bunch of my fellow students began crying. It was so horrible for me to see and imagine, and I was trying really hard not to cry. Then we moved into the cattery, where there were a bunch of cats up for adoption, There were a bunch of ADORABLE kittens, and there were a few cats that got up and started rubbing against the bars. Most of them had cage cards. The ones that didn't have cards were either being looked at, or getting euthanized. So it was really hard for me to see an animal without a cage card, because it meant there was a good chance that the animal was going to be put down that afternoon. Argh.... Then I saw this one female. She's 6 months, old, and kind of a tortie with gray, white and orange. Awwwww....... She mewed at me, and then let out a sneeze. I couldn't help but laugh. But then she sneezed again. And again. And again. Uh-oh, possible respiratory infection. I pointed it out to the manager and she said they were aware of it and the cat was going to be taken care of. I wish I knew exactly what she meant by that. I took down the cat's number. Why? Because I'm a sucker. I don't know if I'm going to follow up and try to get this cat, because I really can't afford another cat. My landlord doesn't allow pets in the building, but has made an exception for me for ONE cat. I have two. A third cat would really be pushing it. Also, I would have to get this respiratory infection cleared up first. I don't have the money and the apartment would get kinda crowded with three cats. I don't know what to do. I'm such a sucker. We moved into another cat area, and saw more cats. Some of them held mothers with their litters of kittens. We saw two cats removed from their cages, and we knew where they were going. Again, I'm trying not to cry, but I started feeling nauseous. We went to the infirmary and there was this three month old white kitten with a horrible wound on its neck. I asked about it, and apparently the kitten was suffering from necrotic tissue on its neck; caused by either a too tight collar or a string around its neck. And its cage card was missing, and the manager told me that there was a chance the kitten was going to be put down. That did it. I had to excuse myself and go outside for some air. I thought I was going to be sick, but i wasn't. I know my fellow students felt the same way. And we haven't talked, but a lot of us do NOT want to work at that shelter. I know I don't think I'll be able to. I'll get too attached and I know I'll be a wreck after a while. argh..........this would have been the shelter Mischief would have gone to had I decided to not keep her. I didn't take her there because I couldn't bear the thought of her in one of those places, and after seeing all those animals I can't see myself working there. We all went home very depressed. It's very sad and unfortunately has to be done because there are too many animals that don't get fixed and this is what happens. I came straight home, picked up Mischief and held her tight. I told her that I loved her very much and I was so happy that I decided to not take her to such a horrible place. Mischief meowed, saying "Uh.....okay hoomin you can put me down now." Sigh.......................................what a day............... Kristi |
#2
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{{{Kristi}}} You cannot help all of them but your presence there and those
of your colleagues may make some small but significant difference, even if it means that some of these animals got attention and care that they would not otherwise have had. You have to think that every bit is worth something. This shelter situation sounds sad but when we go to the local humane association I know I can't save them all but I can at least try and give them what I can while I'm there. I wish I could do more, too, Kristi. Christine (teary) "Mischief" wrote in message om... As a new part of my school's RVT program, my professor has worked out that us senior students will volunteer a certain amount of hours at the local shelter. Today was our orientation. It started at ten in the morning and we spent almost FOUR HOURS going over the orientation packet. (I hate it when a teacher hands out a packet and then reads over it word for word. We can read you know. I can understand it to a certain point, but after the fifth page it's quite tedious) Then it came time for the tour. We walked past the dog runs. Some of them had three or four dogs crammed into a single run. Some of them were strays that were being held to see if someone claims them, others were up for adoption, and others were the ones that would soon be euthanized. It was quite bittersweet, walking through and listening to all the barking dogs. Some of them were quite cute. But everyone knew that most of those dogs would never find a loving family. Then we moved into the main receiving area where we talked about procedures and more rules. Then the manager pointed out the Euthanasia Room, which volunteers are not allowed to enter. We briefly talked about it. The animals are put down either for illness, but most of the time it's because no one has claimed them and they shelter needs the space. While we were talking about it, a few Animal Control people came by with nets on poles. When they came back, each net held a feral cat, and they were carried into the Euthanasia room. We saw four cats get carried into that room in a span of ten minutes. A bunch of my fellow students began crying. It was so horrible for me to see and imagine, and I was trying really hard not to cry. Then we moved into the cattery, where there were a bunch of cats up for adoption, There were a bunch of ADORABLE kittens, and there were a few cats that got up and started rubbing against the bars. Most of them had cage cards. The ones that didn't have cards were either being looked at, or getting euthanized. So it was really hard for me to see an animal without a cage card, because it meant there was a good chance that the animal was going to be put down that afternoon. Argh.... Then I saw this one female. She's 6 months, old, and kind of a tortie with gray, white and orange. Awwwww....... She mewed at me, and then let out a sneeze. I couldn't help but laugh. But then she sneezed again. And again. And again. Uh-oh, possible respiratory infection. I pointed it out to the manager and she said they were aware of it and the cat was going to be taken care of. I wish I knew exactly what she meant by that. I took down the cat's number. Why? Because I'm a sucker. I don't know if I'm going to follow up and try to get this cat, because I really can't afford another cat. My landlord doesn't allow pets in the building, but has made an exception for me for ONE cat. I have two. A third cat would really be pushing it. Also, I would have to get this respiratory infection cleared up first. I don't have the money and the apartment would get kinda crowded with three cats. I don't know what to do. I'm such a sucker. We moved into another cat area, and saw more cats. Some of them held mothers with their litters of kittens. We saw two cats removed from their cages, and we knew where they were going. Again, I'm trying not to cry, but I started feeling nauseous. We went to the infirmary and there was this three month old white kitten with a horrible wound on its neck. I asked about it, and apparently the kitten was suffering from necrotic tissue on its neck; caused by either a too tight collar or a string around its neck. And its cage card was missing, and the manager told me that there was a chance the kitten was going to be put down. That did it. I had to excuse myself and go outside for some air. I thought I was going to be sick, but i wasn't. I know my fellow students felt the same way. And we haven't talked, but a lot of us do NOT want to work at that shelter. I know I don't think I'll be able to. I'll get too attached and I know I'll be a wreck after a while. argh..........this would have been the shelter Mischief would have gone to had I decided to not keep her. I didn't take her there because I couldn't bear the thought of her in one of those places, and after seeing all those animals I can't see myself working there. We all went home very depressed. It's very sad and unfortunately has to be done because there are too many animals that don't get fixed and this is what happens. I came straight home, picked up Mischief and held her tight. I told her that I loved her very much and I was so happy that I decided to not take her to such a horrible place. Mischief meowed, saying "Uh.....okay hoomin you can put me down now." Sigh.......................................what a day............... Kristi |
#3
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{{{Kristi}}} You cannot help all of them but your presence there and those
of your colleagues may make some small but significant difference, even if it means that some of these animals got attention and care that they would not otherwise have had. You have to think that every bit is worth something. This shelter situation sounds sad but when we go to the local humane association I know I can't save them all but I can at least try and give them what I can while I'm there. I wish I could do more, too, Kristi. Christine (teary) "Mischief" wrote in message om... As a new part of my school's RVT program, my professor has worked out that us senior students will volunteer a certain amount of hours at the local shelter. Today was our orientation. It started at ten in the morning and we spent almost FOUR HOURS going over the orientation packet. (I hate it when a teacher hands out a packet and then reads over it word for word. We can read you know. I can understand it to a certain point, but after the fifth page it's quite tedious) Then it came time for the tour. We walked past the dog runs. Some of them had three or four dogs crammed into a single run. Some of them were strays that were being held to see if someone claims them, others were up for adoption, and others were the ones that would soon be euthanized. It was quite bittersweet, walking through and listening to all the barking dogs. Some of them were quite cute. But everyone knew that most of those dogs would never find a loving family. Then we moved into the main receiving area where we talked about procedures and more rules. Then the manager pointed out the Euthanasia Room, which volunteers are not allowed to enter. We briefly talked about it. The animals are put down either for illness, but most of the time it's because no one has claimed them and they shelter needs the space. While we were talking about it, a few Animal Control people came by with nets on poles. When they came back, each net held a feral cat, and they were carried into the Euthanasia room. We saw four cats get carried into that room in a span of ten minutes. A bunch of my fellow students began crying. It was so horrible for me to see and imagine, and I was trying really hard not to cry. Then we moved into the cattery, where there were a bunch of cats up for adoption, There were a bunch of ADORABLE kittens, and there were a few cats that got up and started rubbing against the bars. Most of them had cage cards. The ones that didn't have cards were either being looked at, or getting euthanized. So it was really hard for me to see an animal without a cage card, because it meant there was a good chance that the animal was going to be put down that afternoon. Argh.... Then I saw this one female. She's 6 months, old, and kind of a tortie with gray, white and orange. Awwwww....... She mewed at me, and then let out a sneeze. I couldn't help but laugh. But then she sneezed again. And again. And again. Uh-oh, possible respiratory infection. I pointed it out to the manager and she said they were aware of it and the cat was going to be taken care of. I wish I knew exactly what she meant by that. I took down the cat's number. Why? Because I'm a sucker. I don't know if I'm going to follow up and try to get this cat, because I really can't afford another cat. My landlord doesn't allow pets in the building, but has made an exception for me for ONE cat. I have two. A third cat would really be pushing it. Also, I would have to get this respiratory infection cleared up first. I don't have the money and the apartment would get kinda crowded with three cats. I don't know what to do. I'm such a sucker. We moved into another cat area, and saw more cats. Some of them held mothers with their litters of kittens. We saw two cats removed from their cages, and we knew where they were going. Again, I'm trying not to cry, but I started feeling nauseous. We went to the infirmary and there was this three month old white kitten with a horrible wound on its neck. I asked about it, and apparently the kitten was suffering from necrotic tissue on its neck; caused by either a too tight collar or a string around its neck. And its cage card was missing, and the manager told me that there was a chance the kitten was going to be put down. That did it. I had to excuse myself and go outside for some air. I thought I was going to be sick, but i wasn't. I know my fellow students felt the same way. And we haven't talked, but a lot of us do NOT want to work at that shelter. I know I don't think I'll be able to. I'll get too attached and I know I'll be a wreck after a while. argh..........this would have been the shelter Mischief would have gone to had I decided to not keep her. I didn't take her there because I couldn't bear the thought of her in one of those places, and after seeing all those animals I can't see myself working there. We all went home very depressed. It's very sad and unfortunately has to be done because there are too many animals that don't get fixed and this is what happens. I came straight home, picked up Mischief and held her tight. I told her that I loved her very much and I was so happy that I decided to not take her to such a horrible place. Mischief meowed, saying "Uh.....okay hoomin you can put me down now." Sigh.......................................what a day............... Kristi |
#4
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{{{Kristi}}} You cannot help all of them but your presence there and those
of your colleagues may make some small but significant difference, even if it means that some of these animals got attention and care that they would not otherwise have had. You have to think that every bit is worth something. This shelter situation sounds sad but when we go to the local humane association I know I can't save them all but I can at least try and give them what I can while I'm there. I wish I could do more, too, Kristi. Christine (teary) "Mischief" wrote in message om... As a new part of my school's RVT program, my professor has worked out that us senior students will volunteer a certain amount of hours at the local shelter. Today was our orientation. It started at ten in the morning and we spent almost FOUR HOURS going over the orientation packet. (I hate it when a teacher hands out a packet and then reads over it word for word. We can read you know. I can understand it to a certain point, but after the fifth page it's quite tedious) Then it came time for the tour. We walked past the dog runs. Some of them had three or four dogs crammed into a single run. Some of them were strays that were being held to see if someone claims them, others were up for adoption, and others were the ones that would soon be euthanized. It was quite bittersweet, walking through and listening to all the barking dogs. Some of them were quite cute. But everyone knew that most of those dogs would never find a loving family. Then we moved into the main receiving area where we talked about procedures and more rules. Then the manager pointed out the Euthanasia Room, which volunteers are not allowed to enter. We briefly talked about it. The animals are put down either for illness, but most of the time it's because no one has claimed them and they shelter needs the space. While we were talking about it, a few Animal Control people came by with nets on poles. When they came back, each net held a feral cat, and they were carried into the Euthanasia room. We saw four cats get carried into that room in a span of ten minutes. A bunch of my fellow students began crying. It was so horrible for me to see and imagine, and I was trying really hard not to cry. Then we moved into the cattery, where there were a bunch of cats up for adoption, There were a bunch of ADORABLE kittens, and there were a few cats that got up and started rubbing against the bars. Most of them had cage cards. The ones that didn't have cards were either being looked at, or getting euthanized. So it was really hard for me to see an animal without a cage card, because it meant there was a good chance that the animal was going to be put down that afternoon. Argh.... Then I saw this one female. She's 6 months, old, and kind of a tortie with gray, white and orange. Awwwww....... She mewed at me, and then let out a sneeze. I couldn't help but laugh. But then she sneezed again. And again. And again. Uh-oh, possible respiratory infection. I pointed it out to the manager and she said they were aware of it and the cat was going to be taken care of. I wish I knew exactly what she meant by that. I took down the cat's number. Why? Because I'm a sucker. I don't know if I'm going to follow up and try to get this cat, because I really can't afford another cat. My landlord doesn't allow pets in the building, but has made an exception for me for ONE cat. I have two. A third cat would really be pushing it. Also, I would have to get this respiratory infection cleared up first. I don't have the money and the apartment would get kinda crowded with three cats. I don't know what to do. I'm such a sucker. We moved into another cat area, and saw more cats. Some of them held mothers with their litters of kittens. We saw two cats removed from their cages, and we knew where they were going. Again, I'm trying not to cry, but I started feeling nauseous. We went to the infirmary and there was this three month old white kitten with a horrible wound on its neck. I asked about it, and apparently the kitten was suffering from necrotic tissue on its neck; caused by either a too tight collar or a string around its neck. And its cage card was missing, and the manager told me that there was a chance the kitten was going to be put down. That did it. I had to excuse myself and go outside for some air. I thought I was going to be sick, but i wasn't. I know my fellow students felt the same way. And we haven't talked, but a lot of us do NOT want to work at that shelter. I know I don't think I'll be able to. I'll get too attached and I know I'll be a wreck after a while. argh..........this would have been the shelter Mischief would have gone to had I decided to not keep her. I didn't take her there because I couldn't bear the thought of her in one of those places, and after seeing all those animals I can't see myself working there. We all went home very depressed. It's very sad and unfortunately has to be done because there are too many animals that don't get fixed and this is what happens. I came straight home, picked up Mischief and held her tight. I told her that I loved her very much and I was so happy that I decided to not take her to such a horrible place. Mischief meowed, saying "Uh.....okay hoomin you can put me down now." Sigh.......................................what a day............... Kristi |
#5
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Uh-oh, possible respiratory
infection. I pointed it out to the manager and she said they were aware of it and the cat was going to be taken care of. I wish I knew exactly what she meant by that. If a cat sneezes, they euth it to prevent the spread of URI. I volunteer at a shelter in LA. If a cat sneezes, we sneeze so the manager doesn't hear the cat. We never let anyone know if a cat is sneezing. Killing all cats that sneeze doesn't really help stop the spread of URI. They will all get URI anyway. I know my fellow students felt the same way. And we haven't talked, but a lot of us do NOT want to work at that shelter. I know I don't think I'll be able to. I'll get too attached and I know I'll be a wreck after a while. I was a wreck my first day at the LA City shelter. I felt like crying. I too was worried that I'd want to adopt them all. I didn't think I could take volunteering there but...that shelter obviously needed me the most. If it makes you cry, they really need your help. After a few days I could handle it better. I also learned how to help people adopt the right pet so they don't dump it back at the shelter. I told them about training and what they will need. I think I've helped a lot of pets and people. |
#6
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Uh-oh, possible respiratory
infection. I pointed it out to the manager and she said they were aware of it and the cat was going to be taken care of. I wish I knew exactly what she meant by that. If a cat sneezes, they euth it to prevent the spread of URI. I volunteer at a shelter in LA. If a cat sneezes, we sneeze so the manager doesn't hear the cat. We never let anyone know if a cat is sneezing. Killing all cats that sneeze doesn't really help stop the spread of URI. They will all get URI anyway. I know my fellow students felt the same way. And we haven't talked, but a lot of us do NOT want to work at that shelter. I know I don't think I'll be able to. I'll get too attached and I know I'll be a wreck after a while. I was a wreck my first day at the LA City shelter. I felt like crying. I too was worried that I'd want to adopt them all. I didn't think I could take volunteering there but...that shelter obviously needed me the most. If it makes you cry, they really need your help. After a few days I could handle it better. I also learned how to help people adopt the right pet so they don't dump it back at the shelter. I told them about training and what they will need. I think I've helped a lot of pets and people. |
#7
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Uh-oh, possible respiratory
infection. I pointed it out to the manager and she said they were aware of it and the cat was going to be taken care of. I wish I knew exactly what she meant by that. If a cat sneezes, they euth it to prevent the spread of URI. I volunteer at a shelter in LA. If a cat sneezes, we sneeze so the manager doesn't hear the cat. We never let anyone know if a cat is sneezing. Killing all cats that sneeze doesn't really help stop the spread of URI. They will all get URI anyway. I know my fellow students felt the same way. And we haven't talked, but a lot of us do NOT want to work at that shelter. I know I don't think I'll be able to. I'll get too attached and I know I'll be a wreck after a while. I was a wreck my first day at the LA City shelter. I felt like crying. I too was worried that I'd want to adopt them all. I didn't think I could take volunteering there but...that shelter obviously needed me the most. If it makes you cry, they really need your help. After a few days I could handle it better. I also learned how to help people adopt the right pet so they don't dump it back at the shelter. I told them about training and what they will need. I think I've helped a lot of pets and people. |
#8
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"Mischief" wrote in message
om... As a new part of my school's RVT program, my professor has worked out that us senior students will volunteer a certain amount of hours at the local shelter. Today was our orientation. It started at ten in the morning and we spent almost FOUR HOURS going over the orientation packet. (I hate it when a teacher hands out a packet and then reads over it word for word. We can read you know. I can understand it to a certain point, but after the fifth page it's quite tedious) Then it came time for the tour. We walked past the dog runs. Some of them had three or four dogs crammed into a single run. Some of them were strays that were being held to see if someone claims them, others were up for adoption, and others were the ones that would soon be euthanized. It was quite bittersweet, walking through and listening to all the barking dogs. Some of them were quite cute. But everyone knew that most of those dogs would never find a loving family. Then we moved into the main receiving area where we talked about procedures and more rules. Then the manager pointed out the Euthanasia Room, which volunteers are not allowed to enter. We briefly talked about it. The animals are put down either for illness, but most of the time it's because no one has claimed them and they shelter needs the space. While we were talking about it, a few Animal Control people came by with nets on poles. When they came back, each net held a feral cat, and they were carried into the Euthanasia room. We saw four cats get carried into that room in a span of ten minutes. A bunch of my fellow students began crying. It was so horrible for me to see and imagine, and I was trying really hard not to cry. Then we moved into the cattery, where there were a bunch of cats up for adoption, There were a bunch of ADORABLE kittens, and there were a few cats that got up and started rubbing against the bars. Most of them had cage cards. The ones that didn't have cards were either being looked at, or getting euthanized. So it was really hard for me to see an animal without a cage card, because it meant there was a good chance that the animal was going to be put down that afternoon. Argh.... Then I saw this one female. She's 6 months, old, and kind of a tortie with gray, white and orange. Awwwww....... She mewed at me, and then let out a sneeze. I couldn't help but laugh. But then she sneezed again. And again. And again. Uh-oh, possible respiratory infection. I pointed it out to the manager and she said they were aware of it and the cat was going to be taken care of. I wish I knew exactly what she meant by that. I took down the cat's number. Why? Because I'm a sucker. I don't know if I'm going to follow up and try to get this cat, because I really can't afford another cat. My landlord doesn't allow pets in the building, but has made an exception for me for ONE cat. I have two. A third cat would really be pushing it. Also, I would have to get this respiratory infection cleared up first. I don't have the money and the apartment would get kinda crowded with three cats. I don't know what to do. I'm such a sucker. We moved into another cat area, and saw more cats. Some of them held mothers with their litters of kittens. We saw two cats removed from their cages, and we knew where they were going. Again, I'm trying not to cry, but I started feeling nauseous. We went to the infirmary and there was this three month old white kitten with a horrible wound on its neck. I asked about it, and apparently the kitten was suffering from necrotic tissue on its neck; caused by either a too tight collar or a string around its neck. And its cage card was missing, and the manager told me that there was a chance the kitten was going to be put down. That did it. I had to excuse myself and go outside for some air. I thought I was going to be sick, but i wasn't. I know my fellow students felt the same way. And we haven't talked, but a lot of us do NOT want to work at that shelter. I know I don't think I'll be able to. I'll get too attached and I know I'll be a wreck after a while. argh..........this would have been the shelter Mischief would have gone to had I decided to not keep her. I didn't take her there because I couldn't bear the thought of her in one of those places, and after seeing all those animals I can't see myself working there. We all went home very depressed. It's very sad and unfortunately has to be done because there are too many animals that don't get fixed and this is what happens. I came straight home, picked up Mischief and held her tight. I told her that I loved her very much and I was so happy that I decided to not take her to such a horrible place. Mischief meowed, saying "Uh.....okay hoomin you can put me down now." Sigh.......................................what a day............... Kristi {{{{{{{{{{Kristi}}}}}}}}}} That's so sad - I too wonder how those wonderful people who work and volunteer in shelters can stand it, I'm just glad that they do 'cause where would those poor lost ones be without them? Hugs, CatNipped |
#9
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"Mischief" wrote in message
om... As a new part of my school's RVT program, my professor has worked out that us senior students will volunteer a certain amount of hours at the local shelter. Today was our orientation. It started at ten in the morning and we spent almost FOUR HOURS going over the orientation packet. (I hate it when a teacher hands out a packet and then reads over it word for word. We can read you know. I can understand it to a certain point, but after the fifth page it's quite tedious) Then it came time for the tour. We walked past the dog runs. Some of them had three or four dogs crammed into a single run. Some of them were strays that were being held to see if someone claims them, others were up for adoption, and others were the ones that would soon be euthanized. It was quite bittersweet, walking through and listening to all the barking dogs. Some of them were quite cute. But everyone knew that most of those dogs would never find a loving family. Then we moved into the main receiving area where we talked about procedures and more rules. Then the manager pointed out the Euthanasia Room, which volunteers are not allowed to enter. We briefly talked about it. The animals are put down either for illness, but most of the time it's because no one has claimed them and they shelter needs the space. While we were talking about it, a few Animal Control people came by with nets on poles. When they came back, each net held a feral cat, and they were carried into the Euthanasia room. We saw four cats get carried into that room in a span of ten minutes. A bunch of my fellow students began crying. It was so horrible for me to see and imagine, and I was trying really hard not to cry. Then we moved into the cattery, where there were a bunch of cats up for adoption, There were a bunch of ADORABLE kittens, and there were a few cats that got up and started rubbing against the bars. Most of them had cage cards. The ones that didn't have cards were either being looked at, or getting euthanized. So it was really hard for me to see an animal without a cage card, because it meant there was a good chance that the animal was going to be put down that afternoon. Argh.... Then I saw this one female. She's 6 months, old, and kind of a tortie with gray, white and orange. Awwwww....... She mewed at me, and then let out a sneeze. I couldn't help but laugh. But then she sneezed again. And again. And again. Uh-oh, possible respiratory infection. I pointed it out to the manager and she said they were aware of it and the cat was going to be taken care of. I wish I knew exactly what she meant by that. I took down the cat's number. Why? Because I'm a sucker. I don't know if I'm going to follow up and try to get this cat, because I really can't afford another cat. My landlord doesn't allow pets in the building, but has made an exception for me for ONE cat. I have two. A third cat would really be pushing it. Also, I would have to get this respiratory infection cleared up first. I don't have the money and the apartment would get kinda crowded with three cats. I don't know what to do. I'm such a sucker. We moved into another cat area, and saw more cats. Some of them held mothers with their litters of kittens. We saw two cats removed from their cages, and we knew where they were going. Again, I'm trying not to cry, but I started feeling nauseous. We went to the infirmary and there was this three month old white kitten with a horrible wound on its neck. I asked about it, and apparently the kitten was suffering from necrotic tissue on its neck; caused by either a too tight collar or a string around its neck. And its cage card was missing, and the manager told me that there was a chance the kitten was going to be put down. That did it. I had to excuse myself and go outside for some air. I thought I was going to be sick, but i wasn't. I know my fellow students felt the same way. And we haven't talked, but a lot of us do NOT want to work at that shelter. I know I don't think I'll be able to. I'll get too attached and I know I'll be a wreck after a while. argh..........this would have been the shelter Mischief would have gone to had I decided to not keep her. I didn't take her there because I couldn't bear the thought of her in one of those places, and after seeing all those animals I can't see myself working there. We all went home very depressed. It's very sad and unfortunately has to be done because there are too many animals that don't get fixed and this is what happens. I came straight home, picked up Mischief and held her tight. I told her that I loved her very much and I was so happy that I decided to not take her to such a horrible place. Mischief meowed, saying "Uh.....okay hoomin you can put me down now." Sigh.......................................what a day............... Kristi {{{{{{{{{{Kristi}}}}}}}}}} That's so sad - I too wonder how those wonderful people who work and volunteer in shelters can stand it, I'm just glad that they do 'cause where would those poor lost ones be without them? Hugs, CatNipped |
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"Mischief" wrote in message
om... As a new part of my school's RVT program, my professor has worked out that us senior students will volunteer a certain amount of hours at the local shelter. Today was our orientation. It started at ten in the morning and we spent almost FOUR HOURS going over the orientation packet. (I hate it when a teacher hands out a packet and then reads over it word for word. We can read you know. I can understand it to a certain point, but after the fifth page it's quite tedious) Then it came time for the tour. We walked past the dog runs. Some of them had three or four dogs crammed into a single run. Some of them were strays that were being held to see if someone claims them, others were up for adoption, and others were the ones that would soon be euthanized. It was quite bittersweet, walking through and listening to all the barking dogs. Some of them were quite cute. But everyone knew that most of those dogs would never find a loving family. Then we moved into the main receiving area where we talked about procedures and more rules. Then the manager pointed out the Euthanasia Room, which volunteers are not allowed to enter. We briefly talked about it. The animals are put down either for illness, but most of the time it's because no one has claimed them and they shelter needs the space. While we were talking about it, a few Animal Control people came by with nets on poles. When they came back, each net held a feral cat, and they were carried into the Euthanasia room. We saw four cats get carried into that room in a span of ten minutes. A bunch of my fellow students began crying. It was so horrible for me to see and imagine, and I was trying really hard not to cry. Then we moved into the cattery, where there were a bunch of cats up for adoption, There were a bunch of ADORABLE kittens, and there were a few cats that got up and started rubbing against the bars. Most of them had cage cards. The ones that didn't have cards were either being looked at, or getting euthanized. So it was really hard for me to see an animal without a cage card, because it meant there was a good chance that the animal was going to be put down that afternoon. Argh.... Then I saw this one female. She's 6 months, old, and kind of a tortie with gray, white and orange. Awwwww....... She mewed at me, and then let out a sneeze. I couldn't help but laugh. But then she sneezed again. And again. And again. Uh-oh, possible respiratory infection. I pointed it out to the manager and she said they were aware of it and the cat was going to be taken care of. I wish I knew exactly what she meant by that. I took down the cat's number. Why? Because I'm a sucker. I don't know if I'm going to follow up and try to get this cat, because I really can't afford another cat. My landlord doesn't allow pets in the building, but has made an exception for me for ONE cat. I have two. A third cat would really be pushing it. Also, I would have to get this respiratory infection cleared up first. I don't have the money and the apartment would get kinda crowded with three cats. I don't know what to do. I'm such a sucker. We moved into another cat area, and saw more cats. Some of them held mothers with their litters of kittens. We saw two cats removed from their cages, and we knew where they were going. Again, I'm trying not to cry, but I started feeling nauseous. We went to the infirmary and there was this three month old white kitten with a horrible wound on its neck. I asked about it, and apparently the kitten was suffering from necrotic tissue on its neck; caused by either a too tight collar or a string around its neck. And its cage card was missing, and the manager told me that there was a chance the kitten was going to be put down. That did it. I had to excuse myself and go outside for some air. I thought I was going to be sick, but i wasn't. I know my fellow students felt the same way. And we haven't talked, but a lot of us do NOT want to work at that shelter. I know I don't think I'll be able to. I'll get too attached and I know I'll be a wreck after a while. argh..........this would have been the shelter Mischief would have gone to had I decided to not keep her. I didn't take her there because I couldn't bear the thought of her in one of those places, and after seeing all those animals I can't see myself working there. We all went home very depressed. It's very sad and unfortunately has to be done because there are too many animals that don't get fixed and this is what happens. I came straight home, picked up Mischief and held her tight. I told her that I loved her very much and I was so happy that I decided to not take her to such a horrible place. Mischief meowed, saying "Uh.....okay hoomin you can put me down now." Sigh.......................................what a day............... Kristi {{{{{{{{{{Kristi}}}}}}}}}} That's so sad - I too wonder how those wonderful people who work and volunteer in shelters can stand it, I'm just glad that they do 'cause where would those poor lost ones be without them? Hugs, CatNipped |
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