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Originally Posted by bastetservant
 Well I couldn't do it. Unless I had to. Frankly, I often (very often) think about quiting the volunteering at the shelter. It takes a lot out of me emotionally. But I just can't abandon my cat friends there. For some of them, the time I spend with them is about the only attention they get. And it's far from enough. So I keep dragging myself there even though I usually leave depressed because I can't do more for them. Some wait years to get a real life.
So, I don't know what the alternative is for you, Lauren. You couldn't not take care of these cats outside your door. And you can't not get attached to them. Lately I've been thinking I'm not cut out for tcs. I grieve for the lost cats, and the ones who die. I feel like I know some of them. I empathize with their owners too much. There is too much sadness in my life. We need some good news around here. Robin |
to you Robin for being the caring and loving person you really are. First of all, I know how very depressing shelter volunteering is. And I have been to your shelter and others and always leave crying too. It kills me to see those cats living out their lives in cages. It is just not right. Then I look at the ferals life. At least they are free. But at what cost. What is the better life 
neither. Sadness is the word of the day. But tomorrow we will carry on and keep caring for those shelter cats and the ferals who need us so desperately. Just think of the moments you spend with your friends at the shelter and how much your visit means to those cats. That's what I am telling myself about Yogi. The special moments we shared each day getting closer. And I did tell him I loved him
At least on TCS, we have each other to turn to for support and we are always here for each other no matter what. I am glad you are here on TCS and we have a lot in common and that is the good news. I appreciate your prayers and know what you mean about caring way too much for other's cats. It can get emotionally draining if you let it. Ups and downs!!!!! WE NEED SOME UPS!!!!!!!
I would never be able to do what you do either. I know you are beating yourself up, but please try to keep in mind that you have done a lot for him.
and yes, he did seem like an old soul. He was the one back in December when it was about five degrees out, just frigidly and brutally cold and sat outside of the warming shelter I had built for them and he kept looking back at the bushes and just sat on the freezing ground shivering. I didn't know why he was just sitting there and looking back at the bushes. Well, out came (Magilla) she was the shyest of the kittens. She walked up to Yogi, and Yogi took his paw and pushed her into the shelter so she could eat.
Thanks for that 
That reminds me so much of how my precious Maverick was. 
. I have never seen one that big. It just stared at me and then I ran it off. 
I also have never seen one come around near the feeding station like that. I have seen them periodically running through the woods and I know we have them in our area but I have always thought the feral cats know how to keep themselves safe from these bigger predators. I am praying that this was not Yogi's fate but fear it might have been 
. It is the not knowing what happened to him that is hard to deal with and I will always wonder but am accepting the situation now and realize that he did know what love was
). I will always remember those moments we shared looking back and forth at eachother. He would sneak a peek at me and I would look away, then I would sneak a peek at him and he would look away. Yogi, I will never forget you
I know the anguish you feel over not knowing: I think that's the worse thing of all, having been there so many times myself. It's the worst thing about loving & caring for strays/ferals.
. This particular one looked to be about 45 pounds and in good weight. So he must be eating well....... I normally have not worried about letting my JRT's out at night for a quick potty. I don't have a fenced yard, it is the electronic fence and they wear those collars. But after seeing the size of that coyote, 
not anymore unless I have them leashed.
