Dorothy and the shelter -- I don't know what's happening, please help?

carolpetunia

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Dorothy has been at the shelter where I volunteer for about three weeks now. The first day she was on the floor, a woman wanted to adopt her. and they put her name and number on Dorothy's paperwork -- but they wouldn't let her have Dorothy until they spayed her (she was found to be already spayed), and by the time she'd been kept in for that, she'd caught a URI, so then they said they had to keep her until she finished her medicine. Okay -- the lady said she'd wait, because she really wanted Dorothy.

Then someone said they thought Dorothy had a leg injury, so they sent her to be X-rayed last week. I was there the next day and was told by a senior vet tech that no injury had been found. (I'd never seen any problem, either -- when she was living in my neighborhood, she ran, she jumped, she climbed all over the roofs... she seemed fine.)

Today, I had a nice conversation by phone with S.F., the woman who wants to adopt Dorothy, who said she'd been at the shelter to visit her earlier today and was told that E.M., a volunteer and former member of the board of directors of the shelter, had taken Dorothy home to foster until she finished her medicine. This made some sense -- she's more likely to shake the URI if she's outside the shelter environment, where it runs rampant. (However, I had put a note on her paperwork that if she needed to be fostered, I would be happy to do it.) Anyway, S.F. and I agreed that when they give her the call to come get Dorothy, she'll call me and I'll meet her there and bring some toys and a brush that are Dorothy's, and also some of the food Dorothy is used to (which I've been smuggling in to her every other day).

An hour later, S.F. calls to say that someone from the shelter called her and said that they'd discovered an old injury that was going to require surgery, Dorothy was going to stay in foster for now, and S.F. should just look for another cat!

She was very upset, because she's very committed to Dorothy... and we're both mystified, because I had been told there was no injury -- certainly not one requiring surgery!

So I have a couple of theories:

1. E.M. may have decided that she, or someone she knows, wants Dorothy, and they're putting off S.F. to get her to relinquish her claim. E.M. is a very powerful figure at the shelter, and what she wants, she gets. Dorothy is a very desirable cat -- part Siamese, blue-eyed, declawed, very sweet and loving... E.M. may just be manipulating the situation.

2. Someone may simply have told me wrong the other day, and the injury may be real. In that case, though, why would they tell S.F. to look for another cat? She's perfectly willing to wait for Dorothy! The only reason I can think of that they would not be delighted for her to simply wait and adopt Dorothy after her surgery is if there isn't going to be any surgery -- if they don't intend to spend the money and plan to just put her to sleep instead!

This terrifies me. I'm going to be over there first thing in the morning to get to the bottom of this, but I'm really scared, since Dorothy isn't on the premises anymore -- I can't just grab her and run, y'know?

If it's a matter of money for the surgery, S.F. may even be willing to pay for that -- she's an attorney and money doesn't seem to be an issue. But she said she's had a very hard time getting anyone to talk to her, to give her any answers... which is everyone's experience at the shelter, including my own. The place is chaotic and the people are rushed and evasive.

Is there something I'm missing here, some other idea you can suggest? I'm scared to death that they may be about to euthanize this wonderful cat, and I may not be able to stop them! Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm paranoid... but severe illness and extreme aggression are the only reasons why they will occasionally euthanize there.

As much as I don't like E.M., I would far rather she be "stealing" Dorothy for herself or some friend, of course, rather than my other theory. But... is there any other possibility that comes to mind? Please help me think this through if you can... I'm just lost here.
 

neetanddave

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I think I'd be for going to confront them in person and getting to the bottom of things face to face. Sounds like someone is playing some kind of game with this cat's life, and someone else needs to call them on it.
 

natalie_ca

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That all sounds fishy to me too.

Call the shelter tomorrow and ask what is going on and why there have been so many stories and rumours going around about Dorothy's health.

Tell them that since you looked after her for weeks and really came to care about her, that you are concerned that suddenly she has all of these health issues, especially some injury that requires surgery all of a sudden.
 

samantha1979

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Do you think that they would rather put Dorothy to sleep than give her to someone who will love her? That sounds fishy to me. I really hope that is not the case. I can't imagine animal shelters doing that. Don't get me wrong, I don't know anything about animal shelters except that my two wonderful babies spent way too much time there before I brought them home.
 

katachtig

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Sending you and Dorothy vibes. I hope you can find out what is happening to that sweet girl.
 

catmomof2

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I hope you get to the bottom of whatever may be going on.Please keep us updated of the situation and good luck
 
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carolpetunia

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Originally Posted by Samantha1979

Do you think that they would rather put Dorothy to sleep than give her to someone who will love her?
No, I can't imagine that, I really can't! But there's just no logic in the various tales that are being told, and I'm at a loss to explain any of it, so I'm thinking outrageous things, I guess. I mean... they adopt out FIV and FeLV kitties, with full disclosure, of course... surely this would be handled similarly, wouldn't it?

I've been trying to think how to approach this, and I think I'm just going to walk in and track down the director herself. If I can get a few minutes of her time, I'll explain the whole story, why I'm so confused and concerned... and just ask her to help me find out (a) what Dorothy's real condition is, (b) what, if anything, needs to be done for her, (c) whether S.F. can still adopt her, and (d) if not, why not.

I'm scared to death of doing this, because the attitude toward volunteers up there is leave it to the professionals, don't question what we do, stay out of our way, etc. And I know I'm viewed lately as a meddler and a nuisance. And I know I signed Dorothy over to them, relinquished any rights I had regarding her welfare. But if they can't understand why she still matters to me, why I still feel responsible for her, then they're in the wrong line of work in the first place!

So I can't let them intimidate me. I have to go in there with an absolute conviction that I have a right to the answers I'm asking for. I know I seem all confident here on TCS, when I pontificate about ethical issues and so forth... but in person, I'm a great big shivering coward, and this kind of confrontation scares me silly.

I'm having chest pains just anticipating it.
 

samantha1979

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Good luck. I know you will make it all better and figure out what is going on. When you are in there remember how many people on here support you, and believe in you. Think of all of us just standing behind you going, "Yeah!" . Don't let them intimidate you. What's the worst that they can do to you? Not really much!
 

sillyjilly

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I don't really know what to say but to tell you that I am thinking about Dorothy and you as well. I hope everything turns out ok and that S.F. gets to get Dorothy like she wants!
 

laureen227

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we'll be thinking of you in the morning, hoping you get to the bottom of this!
 

swampwitch

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Something isn't right, I can smell it from here...

I think your idea of going to talk to the director in person is the way to go. Don't worry if they think you are meddling! Who cares... I know you will do it for Dorothy.

Sending good vibes and prayers for that little sweetheart, and for you (also a sweetheart).


Keep us posted, you have the power of TCS behind you!
 

momofmany

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You've got too much invested in Dorothy, not just time but your emotions. Talk to the director and explain your history with Dorothy then share your concerns as you shared them with us. She's gotta see that you care deeply about the welfare of this girl!

 
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carolpetunia

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You guys are so great... I can't tell you how much your posts mean to me. Hugs to every last one of you good people.
 

katachtig

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Originally Posted by CarolPetunia

You guys are so great... I can't tell you how much your posts mean to me. Hugs to every last one of you good people.
Remember we are with you in spirit every step of the way. Dorothy is such a sweet thing and we have all fallen in love with her.
 

white cat lover

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I'd gladly come & make them tell me what's up with Dorothy for you!


Just think about that sweet face if you get nervous... I know you can do it!
 

noludoru

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You are not a coward for being afraid to face them.. I usually am afraid to get into confrontations like that, but I've learned how to disguise my fear under confidence with a touch of arrogance.
That usually gets me answers, at least.

You'd be cowardly if you were sitting around, determined to NOT face them and to let things go. You'd be a coward if you were making excuses for the fishy, dishonest behavior and hoping things would turn out all right. Trust me, I know what being a coward is--I've been one quite a lot lately.

You're being very brave here.. and I know you can continue to do so.
Loving her will be what can keep you going.. just remember her face when someone tries to intimidate you.

Good luck!!!
 

calico2222

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I think going to the director is the best thing too. You have every right to find out what, if anything, is wrong with a creature you love. I'm willing to bet someone else fell in love with her, and they're trying to encourage the other woman to find another cat. Putting an animal to sleep because it needs surgery, without giving the person who wants to adopt her the option of footing the cost doesn't make sense. And, if she finds a good home with someone else, that's great! But, they should be straight with everyone, including you.

I'm like you. I'm usually a jellyfish when it comes to confrontation and getting answers. But, I'm getting a backbone when it comes to my babies. All you need to do is think about Dorothy when you ask. Maybe you'll ruffle a few feathers, but it's not like they can fire you, right? Good luck, and let us know what they say.
 

lsulover

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I am sending you hugs and prayers from Mississippi for you to get the courage that you need.

Do not be afraid of these people, you have to do what you think is the right thing for Dorothy. Somebody has to be able to speak for her.

Please keep us updated on this, I really hope that everything works out.

 

muttigreemom

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I agree... none of this sounds kosher at all.

Thinking of you and Dorothy this morning! I hope everything goes very well.

 

adymarie

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Something definately sounds fishy and Dorothy needs an advocate. i am glad she has you. Good luck on your hunt to find the truth. Sending vibes your way from Toronto.
 
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