Some of you may know that I volunteer with an animal rescue in the Detroit area. Up until recently, I was really only involved in what I call the "back end" operations - AFTER the animals come in from-- wherever and I look after the cats at one of our Petsmart adoption centers. Haven't wanted to do actual rescuing - too softhearted.
But recently I have allowed myself to be pulled into a more active role in rescuing cats from a local high-kill shelter... and in changing policy there.
There are several people involved and a handful of rescues... and we are running ourselves ragged and spending precious financial resources to spring cats from this animal control... while the AC director refuses to meet with us to discuss changes in policy that would benefit the animals. And all the while, she is counting up the money and laughing, I am sure.
Here is my problem - I don't think I can bring myself to go back in there anymore ... I cannot look at these sweet, sad, scared little faces that gaze at me with hope and expectation..... that meow,trill and cry and reach out from the bars at me ... or cower in a corner of a cage out of sheer terror.
I cannot look at these cats and not want to bust open my piggy bank and buy them all their freedom from the spectre of euthanasia. And if I do that... then what? Where would I put them? Foster homes are running at a premium. Pleas to other rescues have fallen on deaf ears because they, too, are full.
I don't think my poor heart can take it.
Thanks for listening.
But recently I have allowed myself to be pulled into a more active role in rescuing cats from a local high-kill shelter... and in changing policy there.
There are several people involved and a handful of rescues... and we are running ourselves ragged and spending precious financial resources to spring cats from this animal control... while the AC director refuses to meet with us to discuss changes in policy that would benefit the animals. And all the while, she is counting up the money and laughing, I am sure.
Here is my problem - I don't think I can bring myself to go back in there anymore ... I cannot look at these sweet, sad, scared little faces that gaze at me with hope and expectation..... that meow,trill and cry and reach out from the bars at me ... or cower in a corner of a cage out of sheer terror.
I cannot look at these cats and not want to bust open my piggy bank and buy them all their freedom from the spectre of euthanasia. And if I do that... then what? Where would I put them? Foster homes are running at a premium. Pleas to other rescues have fallen on deaf ears because they, too, are full.
I don't think my poor heart can take it.
Thanks for listening.