"As for the poisoning; I am convinced it is true. How else to explain sighting 3 dead carcasses in one week near my house?" One puddle of Antifreeze could attract and kill MANY cats, and obviously almost simultaneously as the first good rain will move the puddle along. Our dog, Dobby, almost died from licking a small quantity of antifreeze off of her paws after a short walk. The Vet school performed a miraculous rescue and told me "One teaspoon can kill a midsize dog". The recent cat deaths are sad, but could as easily have resulted from negligent auto maintenance as deliberate poisoning.
This provide a good opportunity to remind people to be careful with "trash". Reuse, Repair, Recycle, and never put anything in the gutters or storm drains that can poison the neighborhood environment or areas downstream. Discard Antifreeze, drain cleaners, solvents in safe ways. "The theory behind the poisoning scenario <at 4601 Springfield> was that whoever did it -- the action was directed at this house and these owners as a way of thinning the herd and sending a message." One would have to be insane to send a message, to a pet owner, in this way. Even if we have a heartless neighbor, why would he/she risk jail time? Poisoning animals is a crime, and poisoning feral cats could not be done without putting other animals and maybe even small children at risk. I live 5 houses away, and am allergic to cats. But I can't imagine poison as a reasonable solution. "it would be nearly impossible; if not cruel to contain her <a cat's> desire to be outside on a beautiful day like today. Like the "Dog Run" this is a sentiment that divides neighbors. While you "enjoy watching her poke around the grass or the tulips and scout out birds...", I envision pregnant gardeners facing toxoplasmosis fears, and song birds trying to survive the attention of your cat. And, when the borders of your garden prove too cruel a boundary, I am left to imagine her (somebody's cat) as the source of that nasty smell on a patio cushion, and imagine cat dander as the unexpected and unexplained itching and sneezing I suffer in the privacy of my own yard. Separate from Nicole's post, is the fun being poked at the owner of 4601 Springfield. Paul is a private and decent man. He lives in the home he was born in. He works, daily, and supports himself on the modest wages of a Catholic school teacher. (Check out the Diocesan salaries and pensions, and you'll know that he is not rolling in money.) He has a soft spot for stray cats and feeds them. His choice does have some unpleasant consequences for his porch and near neighbors, but his actions are not felonious and do not follow us inside our homes. He suffers from major illness and almost constant physical pain, and does so largely without complaint. Maybe some of the nasty gossips on this list can help him out rather than mocking the deficiencies of his person and property. His corner would look better if neighbors helped by removing wind blown litter blown, keeping his paths and the storm drain near his house shoveled, or adding some plants to his empty front yard planter. I can be guilty of "mean", but my targets tend to be people on the list, who stick their necks out through posting. Paul is not on the list and the gossip and this speculation are swirling around behind his back. It does not reflect well on us, as a list. It is a form of bullying. I hope we can act in a more positive manner with our energy. Liz On Tue, 15 Feb 2005 17:48:31 -0500 "Nicole Mcewan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > My cat has never even crossed 47th street or Chester or Springfield > up until > this point. It's hardly a vagabond adventure kitty. Which is why I > am > convinced that a well-intentioned neighbor took her in -- or perhaps > she was > snatched by someone not so nice who appreciated her beautiful blue > eyes. > > We've owned her for two years and have raised her from kittenhood. > > We have a lovely yard and my cat enjoys nature tremendously. We > enjoy > watching her poke around the grass or the tulips and scout out > birds, garden > snakes whatever...She is not feral. She eats at home and uses the > litter box > at home. She enjoys the outdoors several hours a day weather > permitting. > Whenever anyone comes or leaves my house; she runs like the dickens > to greet > them and come inside for a snack or a rub. > > In winter she is an indoor cat. > > Short of locking her in a room it would be nearly impossible; if not > cruel > to contain her desire to be outside on a beautiful day like today. > Cats like > people have different likes and dislikes. I've owned three different > cats > for up to 16 years each and have never lost one before now. Each one > had > different needs and personalities.Some dog breeds are known as > apartment > dogs and some needs lots of running; cats are not all the same > either. > > As for the poisoning; I am convinced it is true. How else to explain > > sighting 3 dead carcasses in one week near my house? In six years > prior I > had never seen even one. > > As for the house of cats on NW corner of Springfield -- it was my > understanding that these cat lovers allowed their pets to multiply > freely > without being spayed and roam freely. I can personally recall > seeing the > porch swarming with as many as ten cats and kittens at a time. I'm > certain > it was a very unpleasant smelly nuisance for all the residents on > the 4600 > block of Springfield and other adjoining neighbors behind this > house. > > > > Nicole McEwan ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
