Re: OT Big problem, help
At 08:08 PM 11/26/2006, you wrote: No two rescues operate alike. I have been to Kanab many times to volunteer and they are wonderful, but even with them I disagree on several policies regarding adoptions, the thing I really appreciate about them is that they do not speak negatively about any rescue group, and that includes many kill shelters, We all agree on the basics, Spay and neuter, and TNR (although Peta is against TNR,,or at least they were) My criteria may be a bit different from yours,. there is a local rescue here that does not ask for an adoption fee which frightens me and she also does dogs and cats and recently lost a cat to a dog, Also very frightening, but she works her butt off finding homes for so very many in need , We need to support each other and educate, If there is a dangerous overcrowding situation that should be addressed and perhaps helped, Animal people feel a great deal of passion so logic is frequently non existent, We need to support each other,,We need to support each other,,,Best Friends has more money than you can imagine, I give to local groups who really need it, Kelly www.kellyscats.zoomshare.com thank you for this. this group i mentioned is the only rescue operation i've been acquainted with - so from my view i did not know if these were idiosyncrasies of this group or a common practice. i don't mean to run verbally run them down - i've just being going through some disillusionment with their practices. i truly believe their hearts are in the right place - i just think they need a good common sense model of best practices. elizabeth *Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.* -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 9:08 AM Subject: Re: OT Big problem, help On 11/24/06, ETrent [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I know it isn't a perfect world...and I totally support the ideal of rescuing kitties and making their lives better...I just wish that there was some kind of guideline that ensured the welfare of the rescued kitties. My whole experience has left me very resentful of cat rescues...and I am hoping to get some feedback from those of you who are involved in this sort of thing. I realize that I am myopic and perhaps you can help me see more clearly. This certainly sounds bad. There is a rescue around here that I think of as...well, questionable. They take dogs out of the pound every day and take them around and display them in front of local PetSmarts (which in and of itself is a pretty good idea, I think). The ones who aren't adopted go back to the pound at night:(. Unfortunately several of these dogs have been adopted out and come down with distemper and parvo. This made the local news and the owner of this group stated that people were taking a risk if they adopted and they should be aware of that. I wasn't thrilled with that statement either. BUT this group has done a lot of good, even if I am not thrilled with their methods. Lots of dogs have found forever homes that would otherwise have been killed. Same with the group I am now having problems with. They've rehomed 5,000 cats. I'm just trying to make it my policy to not verbally run down other rescue groups or expend my efforts trying to get them shut down. I'm in this to help cats, not get involved in politics. I have to remind myself of that just about daily. My model is Best Friends in Kaneb, Utah, and they didn't get to where they are today by spending all their time trash talking other rescues (not that I am suggesting you are trash talking, this is just something I see on a daily basis from people involved in rescue - they'll tell people Oh, don't adopt a cat from x rescue..they are a bad rescue). Anyway, if you do not support this group's practices, don't give them any money. Don't let them guilt you into giving them money either. If you want to keep your money local, I would find another rescue group. Check them out before you give them money. Cats should not be taken to adoption days when ill - that's bad practice. If they want people to give them money, the donors should be allowed to examine the living conditions of the cats. I let people come by (with reasonable notice, I don't want people knocking on my door 24/7 or dumping off cats) and check out my babies' living conditions. I send a complete copy of all medical records home with every cat I adopt, always. I get paperwork from my vet and put it in the cat's file. I am not sure if he would release the paperwork to an adopter or not, but it is my job to do that not his. If you don't mind sending the money you have earmarked to save cats out of state, I would recommend checking out Best Friends in Kaneb, Utah. http://www.bestfriends.orghttp://www.bestfriends.org -- Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20http
Re: OT Big problem, help
Honestly, they aren't all like that at all. I promise! I know lots of good rescuers. You're free to verbally run them down as you aren't in the business. I just try not to, since I believe we (rescuers) all need to cooperate as much as possible for the good of the animals. Go take a look at Best Friends website. http://www.bestfriends.org They are my model, and they always talk about how they started out with just a few feral cat traps.:) On 11/26/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: thank you for this. this group i mentioned is the only rescue operation i've been acquainted with - so from my view i did not know if these were idiosyncrasies of this group or a common practice. i don't mean to run verbally run them down - i've just being going through some disillusionment with their practices. i truly believe their hearts are in the right place - i just think they need a good common sense model of best practices. elizabeth *Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.* -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 9:08 AM Subject: Re: OT Big problem, help On 11/24/06, ETrent [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I know it isn't a perfect world...and I totally support the ideal of rescuing kitties and making their lives better...I just wish that there was some kind of guideline that ensured the welfare of the rescued kitties. My whole experience has left me very resentful of cat rescues...and I am hoping to get some feedback from those of you who are involved in this sort of thing. I realize that I am myopic and perhaps you can help me see more clearly. This certainly sounds bad. There is a rescue around here that I think of as...well, questionable. They take dogs out of the pound every day and take them around and display them in front of local PetSmarts (which in and of itself is a pretty good idea, I think). The ones who aren't adopted go back to the pound at night:(. Unfortunately several of these dogs have been adopted out and come down with distemper and parvo. This made the local news and the owner of this group stated that people were taking a risk if they adopted and they should be aware of that. I wasn't thrilled with that statement either. BUT this group has done a lot of good, even if I am not thrilled with their methods. Lots of dogs have found forever homes that would otherwise have been killed. Same with the group I am now having problems with. They've rehomed 5,000 cats. I'm just trying to make it my policy to not verbally run down other rescue groups or expend my efforts trying to get them shut down. I'm in this to help cats, not get involved in politics. I have to remind myself of that just about daily. My model is Best Friends in Kaneb, Utah, and they didn't get to where they are today by spending all their time trash talking other rescues (not that I am suggesting you are trash talking, this is just something I see on a daily basis from people involved in rescue - they'll tell people Oh, don't adopt a cat from x rescue..they are a bad rescue). Anyway, if you do not support this group's practices, don't give them any money. Don't let them guilt you into giving them money either. If you want to keep your money local, I would find another rescue group. Check them out before you give them money. Cats should not be taken to adoption days when ill - that's bad practice. If they want people to give them money, the donors should be allowed to examine the living conditions of the cats. I let people come by (with reasonable notice, I don't want people knocking on my door 24/7 or dumping off cats) and check out my babies' living conditions. I send a complete copy of all medical records home with every cat I adopt, always. I get paperwork from my vet and put it in the cat's file. I am not sure if he would release the paperwork to an adopter or not, but it is my job to do that not his. If you don't mind sending the money you have earmarked to save cats out of state, I would recommend checking out Best Friends in Kaneb, Utah. http://www.bestfriends.org -- Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 -- *Check out the new AOL*http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/1615326657x4311227241x4298082137/aol?redir=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eaol%2Ecom%2Fnewaol. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. -- Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20
To Kelly L: Re: OT Big problem, help
Best Friends does support local groups also with the funds they receive. Last year their total revenue was a little over $30 million. They spent almost $10 million on sanctuary maintenance, but $5 million on programs and outreach and a little over $2.5 million on rescue. They have partner groups in many cities that they support, one of which came out to tnr (?) a feral colony my elderly grandmother was feeding in North Carolina after I called Best Friends for help a few years ago. I think Best Friends is a fabulous organization, one worth donating to. :) Wendy --- Kelly L [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: At 08:08 PM 11/26/2006, you wrote: No two rescues operate alike. I have been to Kanab many times to volunteer and they are wonderful, but even with them I disagree on several policies regarding adoptions, the thing I really appreciate about them is that they do not speak negatively about any rescue group, and that includes many kill shelters, We all agree on the basics, Spay and neuter, and TNR (although Peta is against TNR,,or at least they were) My criteria may be a bit different from yours,. there is a local rescue here that does not ask for an adoption fee which frightens me and she also does dogs and cats and recently lost a cat to a dog, Also very frightening, but she works her butt off finding homes for so very many in need , We need to support each other and educate, If there is a dangerous overcrowding situation that should be addressed and perhaps helped, Animal people feel a great deal of passion so logic is frequently non existent, We need to support each other,,We need to support each other,,,Best Friends has more money than you can imagine, I give to local groups who really need it, Kelly www.kellyscats.zoomshare.com thank you for this. this group i mentioned is the only rescue operation i've been acquainted with - so from my view i did not know if these were idiosyncrasies of this group or a common practice. i don't mean to run verbally run them down - i've just being going through some disillusionment with their practices. i truly believe their hearts are in the right place - i just think they need a good common sense model of best practices. elizabeth *Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.* -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 9:08 AM Subject: Re: OT Big problem, help On 11/24/06, ETrent [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I know it isn't a perfect world...and I totally support the ideal of rescuing kitties and making their lives better...I just wish that there was some kind of guideline that ensured the welfare of the rescued kitties. My whole experience has left me very resentful of cat rescues...and I am hoping to get some feedback from those of you who are involved in this sort of thing. I realize that I am myopic and perhaps you can help me see more clearly. This certainly sounds bad. There is a rescue around here that I think of as...well, questionable. They take dogs out of the pound every day and take them around and display them in front of local PetSmarts (which in and of itself is a pretty good idea, I think). The ones who aren't adopted go back to the pound at night:(. Unfortunately several of these dogs have been adopted out and come down with distemper and parvo. This made the local news and the owner of this group stated that people were taking a risk if they adopted and they should be aware of that. I wasn't thrilled with that statement either. BUT this group has done a lot of good, even if I am not thrilled with their methods. Lots of dogs have found forever homes that would otherwise have been killed. Same with the group I am now having problems with. They've rehomed 5,000 cats. I'm just trying to make it my policy to not verbally run down other rescue groups or expend my efforts trying to get them shut down. I'm in this to help cats, not get involved in politics. I have to remind myself of that just about daily. My model is Best Friends in Kaneb, Utah, and they didn't get to where they are today by spending all their time trash talking other rescues (not that I am suggesting you are trash talking, this is just something I see on a daily basis from people involved in rescue - they'll tell people Oh, don't adopt a cat from x rescue..they are a bad rescue). Anyway, if you do not support this group's practices, don't give them any money. Don't let them guilt you into giving them money either. If you want to keep your money local, I would find another rescue group. Check them out before you give them money. Cats should not be taken to adoption days when ill - that's bad practice. If they want people to give them money, the donors should be allowed to examine
Re: To Kelly L: Re: OT Big problem, help
At 09:35 AM 11/27/2006, you wrote: I totally agree, as I go there often and have been a member for 8 years, Actually I am attending the weeks course on starting a shelter in April, but I see so many local groups really struggling, and they are my back yard, and they are desperate for help. We almost pruchased 2 acres in the Vermillion cliffs area, it is outside the city of Kanab about 2 miles east, Many employees live there, I have also volunteered at their adoptions in Burbank,It is a place to catch your breath. Kelly l Best Friends does support local groups also with the funds they receive. Last year their total revenue was a little over $30 million. They spent almost $10 million on sanctuary maintenance, but $5 million on programs and outreach and a little over $2.5 million on rescue. They have partner groups in many cities that they support, one of which came out to tnr (?) a feral colony my elderly grandmother was feeding in North Carolina after I called Best Friends for help a few years ago. I think Best Friends is a fabulous organization, one worth donating to. :) Wendy --- Kelly L [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: At 08:08 PM 11/26/2006, you wrote: No two rescues operate alike. I have been to Kanab many times to volunteer and they are wonderful, but even with them I disagree on several policies regarding adoptions, the thing I really appreciate about them is that they do not speak negatively about any rescue group, and that includes many kill shelters, We all agree on the basics, Spay and neuter, and TNR (although Peta is against TNR,,or at least they were) My criteria may be a bit different from yours,. there is a local rescue here that does not ask for an adoption fee which frightens me and she also does dogs and cats and recently lost a cat to a dog, Also very frightening, but she works her butt off finding homes for so very many in need , We need to support each other and educate, If there is a dangerous overcrowding situation that should be addressed and perhaps helped, Animal people feel a great deal of passion so logic is frequently non existent, We need to support each other,,We need to support each other,,,Best Friends has more money than you can imagine, I give to local groups who really need it, Kelly www.kellyscats.zoomshare.com thank you for this. this group i mentioned is the only rescue operation i've been acquainted with - so from my view i did not know if these were idiosyncrasies of this group or a common practice. i don't mean to run verbally run them down - i've just being going through some disillusionment with their practices. i truly believe their hearts are in the right place - i just think they need a good common sense model of best practices. elizabeth *Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.* -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 9:08 AM Subject: Re: OT Big problem, help On 11/24/06, ETrent [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I know it isn't a perfect world...and I totally support the ideal of rescuing kitties and making their lives better...I just wish that there was some kind of guideline that ensured the welfare of the rescued kitties. My whole experience has left me very resentful of cat rescues...and I am hoping to get some feedback from those of you who are involved in this sort of thing. I realize that I am myopic and perhaps you can help me see more clearly. This certainly sounds bad. There is a rescue around here that I think of as...well, questionable. They take dogs out of the pound every day and take them around and display them in front of local PetSmarts (which in and of itself is a pretty good idea, I think). The ones who aren't adopted go back to the pound at night:(. Unfortunately several of these dogs have been adopted out and come down with distemper and parvo. This made the local news and the owner of this group stated that people were taking a risk if they adopted and they should be aware of that. I wasn't thrilled with that statement either. BUT this group has done a lot of good, even if I am not thrilled with their methods. Lots of dogs have found forever homes that would otherwise have been killed. Same with the group I am now having problems with. They've rehomed 5,000 cats. I'm just trying to make it my policy to not verbally run down other rescue groups or expend my efforts trying to get them shut down. I'm in this to help cats, not get involved in politics. I have to remind myself of that just about daily. My model is Best Friends in Kaneb, Utah, and they didn't get to where they are today by spending all their time trash talking other rescues (not that I am suggesting you are trash talking, this is just something I see on a daily basis from people involved in rescue - they'll tell people Oh, don't
Re: OT Big problem, help
thanks for the link. elizabeth In a message dated 11/27/2006 10:58:50 A.M. Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Honestly, they aren't all like that at all. I promise! I know lots of good rescuers. You're free to verbally run them down as you aren't in the business. I just try not to, since I believe we (rescuers) all need to cooperate as much as possible for the good of the animals. Go take a look at Best Friends website. _http://www.bestfriends.org_ (http://www.bestfriends.org/) They are my model, and they always talk about how they started out with just a few feral cat traps.:)
Re: OT Big problem, help
thank you for this. this group i mentioned is the only rescue operation i've been acquainted with - so from my view i did not know if these were idiosyncrasies of this group or a common practice. i don't mean to run verbally run them down - i've just being going through some disillusionment with their practices. i truly believe their hearts are in the right place - i just think they need a good common sense model of best practices. elizabeth *Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.* -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 9:08 AM Subject: Re: OT Big problem, help On 11/24/06, ETrent [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I know it isn't a perfect world...and I totally support the ideal of rescuing kitties and making their lives better...I just wish that there was some kind of guideline that ensured the welfare of the rescued kitties. My whole experience has left me very resentful of cat rescues...and I am hoping to get some feedback from those of you who are involved in this sort of thing. I realize that I am myopic and perhaps you can help me see more clearly.This certainly sounds bad. There is a rescue around here that I think of as...well, questionable. They take dogs out of the pound every day and take them around and display them in front of local PetSmarts (which in and of itself is a pretty good idea, I think). The ones who aren't adopted go back to the pound at night:(. Unfortunately several of these dogs have been adopted out and come down with distemper and parvo. This made the local news and the owner of this group stated that people were taking a risk if they adopted and they should be aware of that. I wasn't thrilled with that statement either.BUT this group has done a lot of good, even if I am not thrilled with their methods. Lots of dogs have found forever homes that would otherwise have been killed. Same with the group I am now having problems with. They've rehomed 5,000 cats.I'm just trying to make it my policy to not verbally run down other rescue groups or expend my efforts trying to get them shut down. I'm in this to help cats, not get involved in politics. I have to remind myself of that just about daily. My model is Best Friends in Kaneb, Utah, and they didn't get to where they are today by spending all their time trash talking other rescues (not that I am suggesting you are trash talking, this is just something I see on a daily basis from people involved in rescue - they'll tell people Oh, don't adopt a cat from x rescue..they are a bad rescue).Anyway, if you do not support this group's practices, don't give them any money. Don't let them guilt you into giving them money either. If you want to keep your money local, I would find another rescue group. Check them out before you give them money. Cats should not be taken to adoption days when ill - that's bad practice. If they want people to give them money, the donors should be allowed to examine the living conditions of the cats. I let people come by (with reasonable notice, I don't want people knocking on my door 24/7 or dumping off cats) and check out my babies' living conditions.I send a complete copy of all medical records home with every cat I adopt, always. I get paperwork from my vet and put it in the cat's file. I am not sure if he would release the paperwork to an adopter or not, but it is my job to do that not his.If you don't mind sending the money you have earmarked to save cats out of state, I would recommend checking out Best Friends in Kaneb, Utah. http://www.bestfriends.org -- Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.
Re: OT Big problem, help
Thanks guys, I was very freaked out this morning when I got the initial email, but I am a lot calmer now. I really don't think there are pet limit laws, but I need to find out for sure, just for my own info. I met a lady at the low cost shot clinic one morning who told me that animal control had told her that as long as they all had rabies shots and were registered she was in the clear...one of her neighbors complained. Not sure if she was right or not. She had been getting them shots all week. On 11/24/06, Susan Hoffman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm afraid that's true. You have a foster agreement with this rescue, correct? I also think that if you get into a battle with this group it could jeopardize your other cats. They could get nasty and send Animal Control to your door, even if there are no pet limit laws where you live and your place is spotlessly clean. All it takes is a false allegation and then you're on the defensive and having to prove the allegations were false and malicious. *Jennifer Phaewryn O'Gwynn [EMAIL PROTECTED]* wrote: I think you're pretty much out of luck on this one Kelley. I'd call it a learning experience, and let her come take the cats, and then NEVER deal with that group again. If the cats are costing you more and more every day, it only makes sense to let the rescue come pick them up if you are not willing to continue to pay for the vet bills (and you're not willing, you have said many times that you expect the rescue to pay these bills, not yourself). I think you will recall several of us on the list advised that you should just return the cats to the rescue back when you first posted. If you don't want to return the cats, then you will have to adopt them, and pay the adoption fees (and eat the costs up to this point). A foster home is just that, a temporary home for the cats until the rescue can take them back, or until they are adopted (whichever comes first). It is your duty to release the cats back to the rescue if you are contracted as a FOSTER home. All their bad policy aside, that's what it comes down to, you CANNOT keep the cats unless you ADOPT them. You have two choices, either call it a loss, pay the adoption fees, and keep the cats (assuming they will approve your adoption application, which they may not at this point); or return the cats to the rescue and end your foster contract with that rescue group. Phaewryn VT low cost SpayNeuter, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners: http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.html Special Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html -- Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20
Re: OT Big problem, help
Here's the section of the Austin city code that deals with restrictions on animals, as they call it. I didn't see anything about a limit in it. _Austin, TX Online Resources_ (http://www.amlegal.com/austin_nxt/gateway.dll?f=templatesfn=default.htmvid=amlegal:austin_tx) Yvonne
Re: OT Big problem, help
This just frosts my cookies. I wish I had useful advice for you. I don't but I can surely sympathize. I really would like to come up there with a big can of [EMAIL PROTECTED] and open it on that group. Forgive me for starting a rant in response to your post - but I feel one coming on. RANT ALERT~ *disclaimer* If I step on some toes here...please forgive me and educate me...because I will be the first to admit that I am ignorant about a lot of things. Ignorance is curableso if I say something wrong - please be patient with me and help me understand. I love everyone of you and I appreciate all you do for the kitties. *end disclaimer* I am not emotionally able to foster cats - I have eight of my own...most of whom were rescued ferals from this area (i live in the sticks - outside the city limit in almost-rural Alabama). I know myself well enough that I know I could not emotionally handle fostering. I get so attached I couldn't give them up. Eight is my limit of what I can afford to care for properly both monetarily and emotionally (and it's almost too much)-- each one demands and deserves personal attention every day. Each one I took in is wholly a member of my family - with all the rights, privileges and love that goes along with that. My next door neighbor, however, was involved with a group that rehabilitates (and I use that word v e r y loosely) ferals. My pet name for them is 'Fiends of Ferals' (friends they are not!). She had over 20 fosters in her garage. Others in the group have from 60-100 fosters they are caring for. From my point of view -- that is INSANE. Plus - there were older members of the group who were constantly 'guilting' her into taking more. They prey on people's emotions --- Take these kitties or they are going to die. To me, that is one of the VERY worst kinds of manipulation and it is unspeakably despicable. I know that even in a perfect situation where things are kept immaculately clean -- in an environment with that many cats - you simply cannot control disease...and you cannot give each one the love and comfort it deserves. My heart says that these cats would be happier romping in the fields than living their lives in a cage--disease be damned. I'm thinking -- catch them and alter their ability to reproduce...give them medical treatment and let them go. Even so -- this group that was befriending ferals had very limited resources. I donated huge bags of Chicken Soup dry and wet catfood and money. They made it IMPOSSIBLE to get any kind of tax-deductible receipt and were snooty about it too (and then they wonder why people don't donate more???) and not only that - they made me feel like they didn't appreciate anything I tried to do to help. It really torqued me and made me sad at the same time. One day - I totally went off on my neighbor because she had 20 cats in her garage - in summer. If you have ever lived in the south (I am located in the heart of Dixie) - you know very well how unbearably hot and humid it gets here in that time of year...garage temps can easily exceed 104 degrees (not to mention the heat index). I had already given her a huge upright oscillating fan...convinced her to open the screened window to let air in... and had offered to buy her a window air-conditioner (which she refused...i think it was a pride thing but she may see it differently) - thought she did occasionally open the garage door six inches or so for ventilationover 20 cats in the garage and in cages We don't exactly live in Beverly Hills either - our garages are small. She already had five cats of her own and a dog. I went ballistic. To me - this was animal cruelty and torture. I used my sword (my pen) and wrote her organization and the humane society and it wasn't pretty. No - I never got any kind of response whatsoever. Ok - so I am a busybody. I couldn't help it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. The next day - they had an air-conditioner in there...but still - I wondered about the people with 40, 60, 100 ferals in their keep. It's one thing if you can set up properly...a facility constructed for the purpose of taking care of these dears...with plenty of fresh air -- room to climb...a place not REEKING of feces. But that is NOT what is going on with this group. (I'm sure you can tell - this is really a hot button with me and I have a bad attitude about it and a lot of resentment). Now -- don't get me wrong. I LOVE my neighbor. She is a dear person and I would risk my life to take care of her and her family...but I just didn't think she GOT it at that time (i think she does now). They were so blinded by the fact that they needed to take in all these kitties that they couldn't see the big picture of what was really going on here. I'm afraid I hurt her feelings terribly and I am very sorry for that...but to me, as much as I loved her...the lives at
Re: OT Big problem, help
I think you're pretty much out of luck on this one Kelley. I'd call it a learning experience, and let her come take the cats, and then NEVER deal with that group again. If the cats are costing you more and more every day, it only makes sense to let the rescue come pick them up if you are not willing to continue to pay for the vet bills (and you're not willing, you have said many times that you expect the rescue to pay these bills, not yourself). I think you will recall several of us on the list advised that you should just return the cats to the rescue back when you first posted. If you don't want to return the cats, then you will have to adopt them, and pay the adoption fees (and eat the costs up to this point). A foster home is just that, a temporary home for the cats until the rescue can take them back, or until they are adopted (whichever comes first). It is your duty to release the cats back to the rescue if you are contracted as a FOSTER home. All their bad policy aside, that's what it comes down to, you CANNOT keep the cats unless you ADOPT them. You have two choices, either call it a loss, pay the adoption fees, and keep the cats (assuming they will approve your adoption application, which they may not at this point); or return the cats to the rescue and end your foster contract with that rescue group. Phaewryn VT low cost SpayNeuter, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners: http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.html Special Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html
Re: OT Big problem, help
Well, I can't find any sort of pet limit law on Google. I was told there wasn't one, but this org has lied to me about many things. I live in Austin, TX if anyone is better at Googling than me. I turn up a bunch of gambling websites with pet limit law austin. I don't think you can join prepaid legal and address a situation that is in the process of happening, but I could be wrong so I will check it out. On 11/24/06, Susan Hoffman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Is there any kind of a pet limit law where you live or could they report you to Animal Control for anything? These kinds of situations have the potential to get nasty so make sure you're covered. Also, take a look at www.prepaidlegal.com. I know a couple of people who have it, one of whom used it to defuse a situation with animal control. I'm considering getting it myself. If you have any kind of representation you can have her deal directly with your attorney and have that attorney send a letter or two on office letterhead. *Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED]* wrote: Hi Guys, I don't know if you remember but I posted to the list a while back that I was having problems with an organization that I have been fostering for. Well, it has gotten worse. I'm strapped for cash and have been trying to get the money that they owe me for medical bills. The director is now stating she is going to come take the cats on 12/3 (without reimbursing me the medical bills, of course). I would rather keep the cats with me, but they surely are not leaving here without me being reimbursed the money I have put out on them. I sent her an email stating this and that the cats were all registered and microchipped in my name and that I felt I could put forth a pretty good case for them being abandoned by this org. I'm freaking out here. I really can't afford a lawyer - I suppose I could take out a home equity loan on my home. There's got to be a way to deal with this other than that, though. The director does not care for me...because I do bizarre things like expecting them to do what they said they are going to do, and I will call her on it when necessary. -- Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 -- Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20
Re: OT Big problem, help
Elizabeth, you don't come off as a hard-a@@ at all - you are someone who sees things clearly and says so. You understand your limits and stick to them and you help others realize they have limits too and that 'in custody' may not be the best thing for all animals, and that 'in custody' means a proper healthy environment, not a non-ventilated garage. anyway, I'm very tired and may not be making complete sense so I'll let you get back to turkey leftovers:) Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile. - Anonymous - Original Message From: ETrent [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, November 24, 2006 12:56:41 PM Subject: Re: OT Big problem, help This just frosts my cookies. I wish I had useful advice for you. I don't but I can surely sympathize. I really would like to come up there with a big can of [EMAIL PROTECTED] and open it on that group. Forgive me for starting a rant in response to your post - but I feel one coming on. RANT ALERT~ *disclaimer* If I step on some toes here...please forgive me and educate me...because I will be the first to admit that I am ignorant about a lot of things. Ignorance is curableso if I say something wrong - please be patient with me and help me understand. I love everyone of you and I appreciate all you do for the kitties. *end disclaimer* I am not emotionally able to foster cats - I have eight of my own...most of whom were rescued ferals from this area (i live in the sticks - outside the city limit in almost-rural Alabama). I know myself well enough that I know I could not emotionally handle fostering. I get so attached I couldn't give them up. Eight is my limit of what I can afford to care for properly both monetarily and emotionally (and it's almost too much)-- each one demands and deserves personal attention every day. Each one I took in is wholly a member of my family - with all the rights, privileges and love that goes along with that. My next door neighbor, however, was involved with a group that rehabilitates (and I use that word v e r y loosely) ferals. My pet name for them is 'Fiends of Ferals' (friends they are not!). She had over 20 fosters in her garage. Others in the group have from 60-100 fosters they are caring for. From my point of view -- that is INSANE. Plus - there were older members of the group who were constantly 'guilting' her into taking more. They prey on people's emotions --- Take these kitties or they are going to die. To me, that is one of the VERY worst kinds of manipulation and it is unspeakably despicable. I know that even in a perfect situation where things are kept immaculately clean -- in an environment with that many cats - you simply cannot control disease...and you cannot give each one the love and comfort it deserves. My heart says that these cats would be happier romping in the fields than living their lives in a cage--disease be damned. I'm thinking -- catch them and alter their ability to reproduce...give them medical treatment and let them go. Even so -- this group that was befriending ferals had very limited resources. I donated huge bags of Chicken Soup dry and wet catfood and money. They made it IMPOSSIBLE to get any kind of tax-deductible receipt and were snooty about it too (and then they wonder why people don't donate more???) and not only that - they made me feel like they didn't appreciate anything I tried to do to help. It really torqued me and made me sad at the same time. One day - I totally went off on my neighbor because she had 20 cats in her garage - in summer. If you have ever lived in the south (I am located in the heart of Dixie) - you know very well how unbearably hot and humid it gets here in that time of year...garage temps can easily exceed 104 degrees (not to mention the heat index). I had already given her a huge upright oscillating fan...convinced her to open the screened window to let air in... and had offered to buy her a window air-conditioner (which she refused...i think it was a pride thing but she may see it differently) - thought she did occasionally open the garage door six inches or so for ventilationover 20 cats in the garage and in cages We don't exactly live in Beverly Hills either - our garages are small. She already had five cats of her own and a dog. I went ballistic. To me - this was animal cruelty and torture. I used my sword (my pen) and wrote her organization and the humane society and it wasn't pretty. No - I never got any kind of response whatsoever. Ok - so I am a busybody. I couldn't help it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. The next day - they had an air-conditioner in there...but still - I wondered about the people with 40, 60, 100 ferals in their keep. It's one thing
Re: OT Big problem, help
find your local government's webpage, and search the zoning ordinances! On 11/24/06, Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well, I can't find any sort of pet limit law on Google. I was told there wasn't one, but this org has lied to me about many things. I live in Austin, TX if anyone is better at Googling than me. I turn up a bunch of gambling websites with pet limit law austin. I don't think you can join prepaid legal and address a situation that is in the process of happening, but I could be wrong so I will check it out. On 11/24/06, Susan Hoffman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Is there any kind of a pet limit law where you live or could they report you to Animal Control for anything? These kinds of situations have the potential to get nasty so make sure you're covered. Also, take a look at www.prepaidlegal.com. I know a couple of people who have it, one of whom used it to defuse a situation with animal control. I'm considering getting it myself. If you have any kind of representation you can have her deal directly with your attorney and have that attorney send a letter or two on office letterhead. Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Guys, I don't know if you remember but I posted to the list a while back that I was having problems with an organization that I have been fostering for. Well, it has gotten worse. I'm strapped for cash and have been trying to get the money that they owe me for medical bills. The director is now stating she is going to come take the cats on 12/3 (without reimbursing me the medical bills, of course). I would rather keep the cats with me, but they surely are not leaving here without me being reimbursed the money I have put out on them. I sent her an email stating this and that the cats were all registered and microchipped in my name and that I felt I could put forth a pretty good case for them being abandoned by this org. I'm freaking out here. I really can't afford a lawyer - I suppose I could take out a home equity loan on my home. There's got to be a way to deal with this other than that, though. The director does not care for me...because I do bizarre things like expecting them to do what they said they are going to do, and I will call her on it when necessary. -- Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 -- Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: OT Big problem, help
Prepaid legal would basically provide an attorney contact person and would write a couple of letters on your behalf. They would not represent you in court. But having someone deal with an attorney rather than you, and having that person receive letters on an attorney's letterhead, will very often back them off, cause them to mind their manners. People join prepaid legal when they know they'll be dealing with contracts or patent issues or things like that. I don't see why you couldn't go to the prepaid legal website today and sign up and have them write a letter to this person you're dealing with next week. Check the terms of service but I don't see why you couldn't sign up in anticipation of needing their services. Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well, I can't find any sort of pet limit law on Google. I was told there wasn't one, but this org has lied to me about many things. I live in Austin, TX if anyone is better at Googling than me. I turn up a bunch of gambling websites with pet limit law austin. I don't think you can join prepaid legal and address a situation that is in the process of happening, but I could be wrong so I will check it out. On 11/24/06, Susan Hoffman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Is there any kind of a pet limit law where you live or could they report you to Animal Control for anything? These kinds of situations have the potential to get nasty so make sure you're covered. Also, take a look at www.prepaidlegal.com. I know a couple of people who have it, one of whom used it to defuse a situation with animal control. I'm considering getting it myself. If you have any kind of representation you can have her deal directly with your attorney and have that attorney send a letter or two on office letterhead. Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Guys, I don't know if you remember but I posted to the list a while back that I was having problems with an organization that I have been fostering for. Well, it has gotten worse. I'm strapped for cash and have been trying to get the money that they owe me for medical bills. The director is now stating she is going to come take the cats on 12/3 (without reimbursing me the medical bills, of course). I would rather keep the cats with me, but they surely are not leaving here without me being reimbursed the money I have put out on them. I sent her an email stating this and that the cats were all registered and microchipped in my name and that I felt I could put forth a pretty good case for them being abandoned by this org. I'm freaking out here. I really can't afford a lawyer - I suppose I could take out a home equity loan on my home. There's got to be a way to deal with this other than that, though. The director does not care for me...because I do bizarre things like expecting them to do what they said they are going to do, and I will call her on it when necessary. -- Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 -- Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20
