Angie,

I’m sorry you had to experience this but glad everything worked out in the end. It amazes me how ignorant people can be. I can relate to having a not so nice experience when corresponding with the head supervising volunteer of the shelter I got my kitty though. I rescued a sweet kitty from a “no-kill” shelter who after only 9 months into the adoption became symptomatic of an ear infection. Turned out at some point, his ear drum ruptured as a result of a virus he picked up. He also developed tape worm a few months post adoption and I treated that but if he were treated for worms prior to adoption, it would never have been an issue. I have spent a total of over $2100 on this ear issue alone and now he needs long term meds and surgery is recommended to remove the access tissue that formed post ear drum rupture. There has to be a line drawn with how much is spent and if I had endless funds I would spend money on the surgery.

So naturally upset by it, I contacted the shelter of the issue I’ve been dealing with in hopes that they would help with funding since the illness started prior to my adoption even if he didn’t show symptoms then and questioned their pre-screening process. Was strong with my manner, but civil about it. I was stunned at how I was interpreted, being called a “nasty” person for being so rude and all they could offer was return my cat. Why would I return a cat that has become attached to me now? Needless to say didn’t end on good terms and will do with out them. Last time I checked a “nasty” person doesn’t adopt a homeless pet in need. I was insulted and my cat is better off with me doing what I can for him than to be in another cage again.

I was very sorry to hear about your experience.

I know it’s no excuse but I would guess that they see cats in all manner of conditions being bought in by people saying they ‘found’ them.

You sound like a very genuine caring person so they should have realised however I suppose being a volunteer can mean that you judge everyone the same. Despite this the person was totally out of order, you were just trying to help.

Please don’t let this stop you helping animals as they are always in need of caring people like you.

I’m so sorry you are allergic, you would make a lovely cat keeper!

I was mortified by your story. I volunteer at a 100% volunteer-run, 100% no-kill shelter in Massachusetts and the behavior you experienced would NEVER be tolerated for any reason! I would suggest you find out who is in charge of that shelter and report that person immediately! It is people like that who give a bad name to shelters everywhere. That kind of publicity we do not need.

It is so heartwarming that even though you faced this horrendous situation, you never gave up and your efforts were rewarded. Thank you so very much for taking the time to find this feline a forever home. I would also ask that you please do not judge shelters by this one instance. Most shelters go above and beyond the call of duty to help animals get the best care.

Finally, I implore you to report that horrible person. If that is the front desk for the shelter, that person needs to be removed before she does more harm than good. Thank you again for your kindness.

im sorry you had such a rough time over your little kitten they all deserve a second chance, all rescues do need financial help but i believe this should never be set in stone, peoples circumstances are all different,
as a rescue shelter the first priority must be the animals welfare
i also believe no kill must mean no kill unless on vets advice
our sanctuary is desperate for funds but i still help those in need of urgent care often at my own expence

Its not only in America but even in Mumbai(India) that the “S.P.C.A hospital(Society for prevention of cruelty to animals)” would charge a person for bringing in a stray dog or cat for treatment, although its partly subsidised by government funds. I once took a “road accident stray dog” to the hospital and deposited t thinking that it was free of charge, since i rescued a street animal from certain death.In those days(1990’s) i was employed in the “Merchant Navy” and hence had to later leave home to join a ship. On arrival at home after a few weeks my father told me that there were numerous calls from the “S.P.C.A” hospital regarding the “Hospital Bill Payments” of a dog . I later visited the hospital and was told that i yad to pay for the entore “Lodging and treatment” of the dog which had died during treatment.Luckily, i am resonably well-off and hence paid the bill without much fuss, sad that me charity work for animals and image of “Charity Hospitals” received a secvere jolt. Had i left that dog on the street, after it was hit by a vehicle then it would have died a miserable death, hence, i realise that there is less social work amongst animal welfare organisations as its affordable mostly to wealthy pet lovers.
the same would be the case of “Stray cats”,in other words, no pet medical treatment is free, either in the developed economy or developing economy.

Angie you are a little Earth Angel and I’m so sorry you had that bad experience with the Shelter after your kindness.
Probably many times people do go there pretending that the cat they take in is a stray but most times is realy their own cat they want to dump. But that doesn’t excuse that awful woman, she should have realised you weren’t that sort of person.
It is dificult, almost impossible, to tell if a cat has been spayed after the fur has grown back, if the op was done by a good vet leaving only a very small scar.But to demand you pay for spaying was very wrong of her too.
Even experienced vets I worked for sometimes opened up a cat only to find she had already been spayed, in which case a couple of stitches were put in and there was no charge.
Those Shelters get donations given to cover the needs of stray cats so they shouldn’t treat kind people as you were treated.
I haven’t a very high opinion of USA vets either, especially the ones who declaw cats,but there are some excellent and kind ones and it’s sad they get lumped in with the corrupt money grabbing sort.
I’m so glad Destiny has a good home now and it’s thanks to YOU for caring Angie.

You may be financial poor but you are rich in heart and spirit. Thanks for struggling through the obstacles and finding a home for this cat.

Your bad experience with the cat shelter shows how many people abandon cats and make excuses judging by the reception that you received.

But her behavior was appalling. I think you should write a formal letter of complaint.

I am gradually becoming less of an admirer of cat shelters as I am told they won’t help on a survey about declawing cats. Where are their allegiances?

And although I dish out criticism of veterinarians (
for declawing cats), the vet who helped deserves praise.