As you all know, the cats are done.  It was an agonizing decision to make and certainly one that I did not want to make however nothing I have done to correct their problem behaviors has helped and I can no longer afford to continue letting them destroy this house.  Whatever their issue is, it is too costly for me to fix and I must resolve this problem as quickly and efficiently as possible.  In an attempt to do the right thing, I contacted the Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City today to ask them what my options were for my cats.  The immediate response I got on the phone was intimidating, condescending and really horribly inappropriate.  As has been reported on the news, I understand that these folks have been inundated with pets since the economy went down the toilet.  People can’t afford them, their shelters are overcrowded and there are a LOT more animals today that need homes than there were even just 6 months ago.  That however is not my concern with this post.  I was asked the ages of the cats and becuase I’m an honest person, I informed them that they were 8 and 10 years old.  “Sorry can’t help you” was the response in short bitchy tones.  Apparently the Humane Society is not in the business of helping people whose pets are older than 5 years old.  They refused to consider them at all which tells me a lot about their primary focus (money).  The conversation continued and at this point I felt I was being treated as some sort of criminal for having the audacity to even consider giving up my pets.  Look, the issue is very simple here.  I have 2 cats that must vacate this house immediately.  There are 2 ways for this to happen.  Way #1 involves adoption through an animal shelter or adoption agency like the Humane Society who IS IN THE BUSINESS of treating animals with respect and dignity.  Way #2 involves leaving them in the woods somewhere.  NEITHER of those ways involve the cats STAYING in this home! Now, do you really think as an animal lover and someone who has had pets all his life is going to choose way #2?  I think not but that seems to be the only option anyone is willing to give me.

The humane society has made it perfectly clear that change can not and should not ever occur in a human’s life and circumstances could never possibly change.  They are intent on making what is truly one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in a LONG time that much more difficult and in the process they’ve managed to piss off a potential donor or contributor to their cause.  There are very few non-profits out there that I would ever consider making a random donation to.  I support the Humane Society’s mission but they’ve been removed from my list due to the lack of professionalism exhibited by their employees.  YOU LOSE.

At the end of the conversation, I was given the name of AC Paws which is a pet adoption agency in Traverse City that works out of Pet Smart.  I sent them an email tonight explaining my situation and asking for their help in placing these cats in a new home while clearly stating that they can not stay here.  For now and until I able able to find some sort of support or help in this community, the cats will remain with me while I try to save up enough money to repair the damage they have already caused me both to my house and emotionally.

It’s too bad I am not yet able to afford my own house.  I’m OK with cats fucking up my own house, I’m NOT OK with cats fucking up someone else’s; ESPECIALLY when I can not afford to successfully repair the damage.  I’m off work tomorrow, likely will head out to Leelanau at some point.  I’ve not been in the mood lately for much writing.  I’ve been somewhat emotional I think due to the change in the weather.  I’m just not ready for winter this year..I hate winter to begin with.  I’m sure my mood will change soon.

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