The faces behind the euthanasia statistics

[white cat lover]

These are just a few of the faces behind the euthanasia statistics.

These guys are a minute few among the 3 - 4 million pets euthanized in shelters in the US each year. Most all were euthanized due to behavior of health issues - not because their "time was up".

Several of these kittens were "just one litter". Some the owner simply grew tired of. Several had litterbox issues due to declawing. Some had an array of preventable health issues, some had behavioral issues.

[white cat lover]

As the full brunt of kitten seasons begins, so do many more lives end. When will this death end? When will people begin to spay/neuter ALL their cats (whether they be "just farm cats" or not)? When will people understand the heartbreak, the tears shed, the sleepless nights, the death.

[Carolina]

I knew it, I knew I should not opened this thread... Oh Nat, how can you deal with it? RIP all these kitties that were taken forcefully to the bridge much before their times

[Rosiemac]

I've got no words apart from "Your all safe now at the Bridge"

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[cjh27]

Hi Nat,

thanks for posting these pictures, as sad and heart breaking as it is.

Yes, you're right- things would be so much better if every cat friend kept an eye open for strays in their area and had them neutered or if more people would realize that adopting an older cat is so rewarding and intersting- the first time a shy cat comes up for a timid cuddle is priceless.

As much as I love kittens I wish that more people would decide against having just one litter.

sad regards,

Christine

[Snake_Lady]

Originally Posted by cjh27

Hi Nat,

thanks for posting these pictures, as sad and heart breaking as it is.

Yes, you're right- things would be so much better if every cat friend kept an eye open for strays in their area and had them neutered or if more people would realize that adopting an older cat is so rewarding and intersting- the first time a shy cat comes up for a timid cuddle is priceless.

As much as I love kittens I wish that more people would decide against having just one litter.

sad regards,

Christine

Well said.

RIP lil 's

[catsknowme]

Nat, bless you for having the courage to post these pix!!! As utterly heartbreaking as it was to see those precious faces, it gave me a chance to truly look and each and every one and give a prayer that they find a special little angel to call their own I believe in Jesus' words that not even a sparrow dies without our God caring (sorry if I offend anyone with my beliefs, but they are mine, and I don't expect everyone to feel or believe the same way - it's just what was put into my heart); these little ones are safe now, and finally home.....and it does give me the motivation to muster on in my own rescue work....Bless you for being there - they are all so beautiful, it must be so hard to see them get euthanized . Sending mega prayers and vibes for continued encouragement

[Mollysmom]

Oh, it's just breaks my heart.

I've admired those kittens in your avatar, and I knew they were at a shelter, but I didn't know they were gone now.

I hope all of them are no longer confused, hurt, and lonely. I hope all their troubles have passed and they are playing happily at the bridge.

It's really powerful to put the faces there, to separate the individuals from the statistics. Many people also assume that kittens and puppies will always be adopted from shelters because "everyone will want them." This also proves that's not the case.

Will people ever learn? Will animals always suffer from ignorance, irresponsibilty, and often cruelty at our hands?

I used to volunteer at the humane society, but it was too far away and I couldn't afford the gas to drive so far from my rural area. The other day I started looking for closer ones and writing down phone numbers, email addresses, and web sites for ones that are possibilites. I have to help.

[CoolCat]

...................
can´t belive it....I have a heart pain........

[Jaffacake]

This is so sad. I made up my mind ages ago that when I next get a cat it will be from a shelter. It is a no-kill one but I still wish I could take them all home. How do you choose just one or two?

Looking at those pictures they could just as well be pictures from the members cats. So sad it has to end for them this way.

Rest In Peace

[white cat lover]

Adding another

[cjh27]

Originally Posted by white cat lover

Adding another

What a cutie and he or she looks quite young, too. This kitty looks a bit like my boy Schröder in younger years .

I hope he's gone over the rainbow bridge in peace and I for one won't forget him.

sad regards,

Christine