A few weeks ago, Josh, Sally, and their three children, who live across the street from me, moved away. They left some lawn furniture, bags of trash, and their cat, Boots.
Perhaps there was too much stress in their life with small children, relationship woes, and harder economic times. However, I would never abandon an animal for which I was responsible. Maybe Sally and Josh’s new place doesn’t allow pets. So what. They could have taken Boots to the shelter, or at least left him a bowl of water during that blazing hot weekend-the hottest one this year. But they left him just like their garbage, as if he were garbage. These people are selfish brutes. Good riddance.
I’ll try to find Boots a new home. I won’t let him starve or become another stray or feral cat in this city.
There are resources available for people who can no longer care for their pets-the Bend Spay and Neuter Project at bendsnip.org, the Cat Rescue, Adoption & Foster Team (CRAFT) at craftcats.org, the Humane Society of Central Oregon at hsco.org, and more. Please don’t abandon your pet-that route is for the heartless.
If you are interested in giving a new home to Boots, he likes weightlifting, karaoke, and a warm lap. Drop me an e-mail at axhbend@gmail.com
Ann Hettinger, Bend
312-1033 day phone
This article appears in Aug 28 – Sep 3, 2008.
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Good letter. Happens all too often. This is a misdemeanor crime but of course the police have more important issues to handle. But do think twice about taking your pet to either the HSCO shelter or the Redmond shelter. They routinely put down a lot of animals due to lack of space, resources, etc., especially those animals that might not be perfect candidates for adoption. You will be asked to sign a release form that authorizes them to euthanize, which could happen even before the day is over. With the recent uproar at Redmond HS, perhaps new directors will be able to do more public outreach and emphasize spay/neuter, responsible pet ownership and go no-kill. At that point HSCO can be pressured to also come out of the dark ages and stop putting down animals for reasons of convenience. If Ochoco HS in little old Prineville can be no-kill, why not the big city shelters?
Thanks AH for caring about the cat, the new parents of the kitty will appreciate it and so will Boots
tj
Well, thanks to The Source Weekly for publishing my letter — I found Boots a new home. A good home. Thanks Source, for helping the little guy out!