Harvey's going to a new home tomorrow

I still keep wanting to cry,silly me I just keep thinking he's going in a cage for 10 days, he will be scared and cold in a barn, he should be here playing with Dizzee, he's been good today, he knows. I tried to appeal his case to dh but he isn't having any of it. I know I will feel better tomorrow when I meet Jane, dh has shown me the possible two farms on google earth that he could be oing to in selston and they both look lovely, that helps. I know tomorrow I am oing to be a complete emotional wreck. I really have tried today but every time I get my head round it, or so I think, something pops up and makes me feel bad, I just keep "what if", "maybe" but I know, been there, tried that. I just want tomorrow over with now. I have looked at the rescue centre on the internet who are going to be helping him and where we have to take him and it looks great, I really shouldn't be feeling so bad but I can't help it. My gosh he has been playing with Dizzee most of the day and it was fab to watch, them two are like peas in a pod and Dizzee will miss his playmate so much. I just can't stop my thoughts and tears.x

I am so sorry this happened to you. I hope everything works out for Harvey.
I think Billy needs to be checked out for puncture wounds. They can be nasty for cats, just like for people. He may need some antibiotics. Take care of your bites. I am so sorry.

Originally Posted by blueyedgirl5946

I am so sorry this happened to you. I hope everything works out for Harvey.
I think Billy needs to be checked out for puncture wounds. They can be nasty for cats, just like for people. He may need some antibiotics. Take care of your bites. I am so sorry.

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Thankyou, yes I will get him in at the vets monday, he seems ok but you can never be too careful, he has quite a large scab on his ear but apart from that I can't find anything else but I will take him, I would never forgive myself if anything happened to my Billy cat. I am in such pain today, my ankle is hurting so much, he bit straight through that thin bit at the bottom of your ankle and its really swollen, I'm hobbling around I'm on antibiotics so I don't think it will become infected. I just cannot believe it happened, I lay next to Harvey earlier, he's under my daughters bed and I just said "you silly boy, why did you do that hey? Look what you've done" he didn't seem to take any interest. I know deep down he isn't right, his tail wags constantly like he's ready to attack all the time, his eyes are like something I have never seen, like a wild animals, even stroking his head he bats you with his paw. I just cannot work out what has happened between him being nuetured and us going away, he was doing ok, I wish we had never gone away, this may not have happened.He wasn't like this before, what on earth happened to him while we were on holiday? Oh dear, I better stop before I cry again x

Originally Posted by Catapault

The fact that he will be caged for 10 days is an excellent indication of how good the center is at caring for their rescues. If Harvey was taken to the farm and just turned loose odds are he would run off and no telling where he could end up.

Ten days in the cage may sound upsetting but it is really a good thing. He'll become familiarized with the barn, he'll get to know the farmer who will be feeding him and associate the place and the person with food.

Then when he's let out Harvey will understand it as his home.

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Ruthy, Catapault is right. This means these people know what they're doing, and he'll be in the right hands.

ANY kitty is scared when moved into a new territory - whether it's a bathroom, a bedroom, or a cage. That is almost universal. This is the only way to do it properly so he doesn't run away. He has to "learn" that he will be cared for there - and be fed! Then he knows to stick around, and make the place his.

Ruthy, the 10 days is nothing compared to a lifetime of happiness.

for you and for Harvey!

Originally Posted by LDG

Ruthy, Catapault is right.

This means these people know what they're doing, and he'll be in the right hands.

ANY kitty is scared when moved into a new territory - whether it's a bathroom, a bedroom, or a cage. That is almost universal.

This is the only way to do it properly so he doesn't run away. He has to "learn" that he will be cared for there - and be fed! Then he knows to stick around, and make the place his.

Ruthy, the 10 days is nothing compared to a lifetime of happiness.

for you and for Harvey!

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Thankyou, once I get there I'll be ok, I really am happy we're taking him so I can meet the people properly and just get a feel of how he will be cared for, I couldn't take him to the farm so meeting her at the rescue centre is ideal. Just can't stop these tears, I know the grumpy man will end up lovin it there, he does nothing but watch my sons guinea pig when she's in her run, he would love to get his paws on her so he will love rat catching It is just killing me working out what went wrong but I know thats normal feelings.It obviously wasn't meant to be and I'm glad we had him because if he stayed with his previous owner I think he may well have been dead by now.xx

That's the problem - knowing it's the right thing to do doesn't necessarily make you feel any better.

Its getting near bed time and I am so having second thoughts, Harveys been so good today and last night. I'm crying AGAIN, I can't do this to him, I hate myself so much. Poor baby, everyone has let him down, I am just unconsolable, I am dreading tomorrow so much. I love him with all my heart.xx

Ruthy, you haven't let him down, that's just the point. You're doing the right thing for him DESPITE how you feel.

More and !!!!!!

Oh Ruthy, this is breaking my heart.

I can only imagine how you must be feeling right now. I've been away from TCS for awhile, so I'm still catching up on Harvey's story, but I really DO believe that you are doing what's best for him, even though it's terribly painful.

When we take on a new pet, we make a commitment to them, to give them the best life we can possibly give them. What we don't realize is that sometimes, letting them go actually IS the best thing for them.

Harvey had a very rough life before you came along, and I can't help but wonder if being in that same house where he lived with that awful woman isn't just bringing back bad associations, smells and sights and sounds that constantly remind him of all that she put him through. What you are giving him is a fresh start, a clean slate, on a farm with wide open spaces and people who will understand him and work with him. He can truly put all those bad memories and associations behind him, and be at peace with the world.

for Harvey as he prepares to embark on a new journey...and for you, as you go about the difficult process of letting him go.

Just read this and caught up on all these new happenings.. Ouch!! I hope you and Billy heal up ok.

I have to agree with others that you have not let Harvey down, you tried everything. He just is not a happy cat in your home, for whatever reason. He should be in heaven at the farm, having all that space for himself, and all those rats to catch. Try not to feel guilty about letting him go, he'll be taken care of and I really think he will be much more content.

So.. good luck getting him into the carrier tomorrow, and then when you get back home, give lots of love to your Billy and other resident kitties.

Thinking of you and Harvey today.

Me too. You are doing a hugely unselfish act. I have the utmost admiration for you.

Ok, well we've took him, what a fantastic place and the lady Jane is really lovely. He looked so scared and went in his carrier ok, as soon as we got there though I put him on the round in his carrier while I signed the forms and he spotted a ginger cat and started So I think he was ok.
I cannot describe how wonderful the rescue centre is, just a fab place and Jane said the farm he is going to is just as nice and she assured me he will be fine. She has given me her number and said that I can ring her anytime for an update. I gave him his little catnip froggy, not that he has ever bothered with it but i just wanted him to take something with him.
She tried to talk me into having a kitten She said they have that many at the minute that it is coming to the point where they may have to consider putting some to sleep, even though they are a strictly no kill shelter, she said the kitten situation has never been so bad before. I don't think I could have anymore, I have been through so much with Harvey and my heart is in pieces, I told her this and she said would I consider fostering? I don't know I think my cats need a bit of settling down time and they will be able to relax now. I miss him so much already. Dizzee has been round looking for him bless him, he will miss him too.I think I will ring Jane tomorrow to see if he's ok, I warned her as much as I could about handlin him but I think she will work that out for herself
I just want to say thankyou so much to everyone for their support, you have been so kind, I just feel so emotional at the minute, if I rin her tomorrow and she tells me he's ok I think I will feel better.
Bye,bye Mr Grumpy cat.xxx

Ruthy, you did the right thing for everyone involved. Please don't beat yourself up; you made a courageous choice and Harvey will be the better for it. (((hugs)))

You've done the right thing, though I know it HURTS you. Harvey will me much happier, and so will you and Billy. Surrendering an animal to someone else just breaks your heart--I know. I had to return a dog to the shelter 5 years ago, and I still cry when I see a pic of a yellow Lab. I don't think I've ever told anyone here the story, and how I still cry when I think of Marcus:

I fell in love with an 8-month-old yellow Lab that the SPCA was showing at an adopt-a-thon. Even though I love cats, I also like dogs, and always had them while growing up. When we bought our house, I knew I could then get another dog, but it must get along with cats, and vice-versa. The SPCA said he had lived with cats, and love them, and the cats liked him as well. We adopted him, but the 5 cats we had then were terrified of Marcus. He wasn't violent, he just thought of them as dogs, and wanted to play "dog" with them. We spent 5 miserable days with this situation, and I could see that it wasn't going to get better. I had to keep Marcus locked in a spare bedroom each day, until I got home. Even though it's the best, sunniest room in the house, that's not fair to an animal. After 2 days, we realised he was a puppy mill dog, and very high-strung. It shattered my heart to surrender him, even though I thought surely he'd be re-adopted (I thought a man could handle him better). I even wrote a recommendation letter for him--he really was a sweet dog--but needed LOTS of obedience training. He had nipped my hand while playing (accidentally). They did ask me if he had bitten me. I was honest. Guess what those jerks did? THEY KILLED HIM TO TEST HIM FOR RABIES, even though they knew I had current shots from a previous dog bite, and Marcus had his shots! Imagine how I felt when I found out. DH nearly tore their heads off when he found out. They didn't even quarantine him!

And when I surrendered him, they looked at his records, and told me THAT HE NEVER LIVED WITH CATS. They also lied about the number of owners he had in his short life.

I'm still depressed over this, even nearly 6 years later. I feel so guilty that I gave up on a pet--I never had before. I feel as if I let him down. I've never told anyone this, even DH. I still cry when I think about Marcus, and pray that he and God can forgive me for my stupidity. I literally can't bear to look at a yellow Lab. I see his face, and it makes me cry. I'll never get another dog, as I don't want to ever have this happen again. And, to make it even worse, my brother called me the day after (he didn't know that I had surrendered him, nor did I know he was looking for a home for Marcus) to tell me he had found a good home for him with his vet...

Originally Posted by libby74

Ruthy, you did the right thing for everyone involved. Please don't beat yourself up; you made a courageous choice and Harvey will be the better for it. (((hugs)))

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Agreed.

Sounds like they will take care of Mr. Grumpy as best as they can.

And you and your family can get back to normal!!

Ruthy, as much as it breaks your heart not to help out with the kitties - you're right. The last thing any of you need right now is another cat.

I'm SO GLAD the facility was great! That has to help you feel at least a little better!

I'm sure Harvey will be a little scared and nervous at first - but within a few weeks of being free from his cage, I have a feeling he'll totally thrive.

Continued to both of you!

Oh my gosh, she has just text me completely out of the blue she put
"Hi Ruth just to let you know that Harvey seems v much at home and settled in the barn Jane"
How nice is that? I said thankyou so much for letting me know, I am so grateful for this.Wow, I will be able to sleep easier tonight knowing this. Hmmm, I think she may have an ulterior motive for her kindness aswell as she asked me either about having a kitten or fostering I could not even begin to think about this after all the troubles I have had lately and I don't know the first thing about fostering. I think my kitties need time to settle down and re-adjust. I am just sooo happy now that I know he is ok. I will keep in contact with JaneAlso when we are in a better financial situation I will amke a donation to the rescue centre as they are a home run charity and rely solely on donations, they have all animals from birds to a blind bull,lol, its the least that I could do for how they have helped me and Harvey.xx

I think you're right, Ruthy; your family doesn't need to start fostering so quickly--if at all. Everyone needs time to relax and get adjusted to life without Mr. Grumpy. Please don't let the rescue pressure into doing something you're not ready to do.
I'm glad you know that Harvey is ok, even if the message did come with an ulterior motive.

Originally Posted by libby74

I think you're right, Ruthy; your family doesn't need to start fostering so quickly--if at all. Everyone needs time to relax and get adjusted to life without Mr. Grumpy. Please don't let the rescue pressure into doing something you're not ready to do.
I'm glad you know that Harvey is ok, even if the message did come with an ulterior motive.

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No more kitties for me for a very long while, Billy needs to settle down and re-gain master status in the house and the girls need to know its ok to settle down and relax, smartie has been down already wandering around. She saw Harvey in the carrier so she must know he's gone I will definetely make them a donation. I want to learn to drive after christmas and when my youngest starts school I would love to be a volunteer there, that I could do and my kitties would not be affected by that.I am just so grateful for everyones help on here and also them, it restores your faith in human nature.xx