Fear

As I was walking behind Paul’s house on Second Street, to go to the back of his lot, where just on the other side of the fence where my shelters are, there is a very large growling dog occasionally.  I thought, here I am, in the darkest of dark, in a high crime neighborhood, and alone.  The normal person would be scared, I think, wouldn’t you?  But somehow, the element of fear is pretty much not in my system.  I think if you are squeamish to watch horror flicks, or don’t like to be spooked, you wouldn’t last long doing what I do at the time I do it.

Then I thought to myself that my biggest fear is to wake up someday and not be able to walk.  I’ve been gimping around for a long time now, my knees.  I remember being incapacitated not too long ago, for an entire week, before getting cortisone injections in both knees, of which I am still paying on that bill.  Damned health care.  High deductible.  So now, every time I even walk into a doctor’s office, it will cost me nearly $200.  Two shots?  $300.  Anyway, these cats have no one else to care for them.  What would happen if I couldn’t walk?  That’s my biggest fear.  I am contemplating knee surgery in the spring, hoping that that will make some difference for me.  The rehab after surgery – who will care for these cats?  Lots to think about.

The little kittens, Sydney and Joanie, spent the night in my bathroom before their surgery today.  They are totally adorable.  Someone expressed interest in them yesterday so I am hoping that goes through.  We’ll see.  They are so cuddly and cute.  You just want to kiss their little bellies.  J  When they are dropped off at their foster home this afternoon, the other twins, their brothers, Riley and Squirt, will be picked up from their foster home and brought to my bathroom overnight for their surgeries tomorrow.  Then all four are good to go!

My friend’s husband – years ago – built this gate for me to help with the introduction of kitties to other kitties newly rescued.  It has been a great tool to have – and not only for the fact that the new cat can see other cats, but the guilt factor that you are not spending enough time in the room with the cat.  The cat behind the gate gets to hear and see whats happening in the house – the other cats or dogs can sniff through the gate, and all can get to know each other better. 

He made a quite a few of them and dropped off at my house.  I posted on Facebook and many people expressed interest, although just one person has picked up.  Is anyone interested?  $20.   These gates fit in most doorways – and they have a little attachment to make it snug if its not quite tight enough to hold.  Its quality made and as I said, invaluable to me.     Here is the gate being used for Peppercorn by his foster mom.  Thanks for purchasing that!

Peppercorn behind the gate, getting to know the others!

Speaking of Peppercorn, I received interest from someone who was wanting to adopt him yesterday.  I was elated. There was just one glitch.  She would allow him to go outside - once he was acclimated to the house and family.  I posted on Facebook to get some opinions and I share them with you now - for those of you not on Facebook.  I am torn, but leaning toward letting her adopt him.  She won't let him out, if he even wants to, for a good long time, and certainly not in the winter.  I would go there and inspect - make sure its a good house and family.  I have pretty much always been opposed to it - there are so many dangers - but I have to trust that this cat will live forever and it will allow me to rescue another from the street.  That's so critical for me - if you could only see the sweet babies that I have to leave each morning.  Muffin for one. This older kitten had to be placed back on the street this morning because I didn't have anyone stepping up to the plate for him to foster him.  I will eventually get him, but I need to free up a foster.  So you see, I have to think about a lot of things when it comes to these animals.   Whats in their best interest, and mine.

There are so many different opinions - such a difficult decision - I don't want to let anyone down!

Nancy Shutt Currie nope - knowing you, you would always worry about this kitty. Nothing good comes from them going outdoors.

Amy Minster Hudak As long as (spayed/neutered of course) Kitty is up to date on shots, & far enough from the road & micro chipped, I say go for it!

Kimberly DeWitt Lawrence I would not do it. We have fox, coyote, owls and even a few eagles in the country. Lots of dangers.really can't think of a good reason why they should go out.

An Vrancken (England) Isn't it the case that you keep the cat inside till they are used to the house and then they can roam freely. I did it with my cat that I found in Tenerife. When we moved to Gran Canaria we kept frampy inside for a while and after that he roamed around. And we move several times on Gran Canaria. But then the American landscape is different then these islands ;)

Eileen Doran Wrona A loving home that they can get used to with a place for food and inside home is amazing! YES...

Eileen Doran Wrona And remember Janine Wagner your the only one helping these kitties, for each one that someone else takes is another you can help. He is Already on the streets of Rochester, a warm home with food and love is a huge improvement whether inside or out. <3 span="">

Patty Mangarelli You had to check me out for CeeLo, go give her a chance!

Norma Skelly Halbleib Fleas, ticks, raccoons, fox, coyotes, unfriendly dogs, territorial cats, injury or cruelty (not all people love cats), parasites increases in outdoor cats, stolen and taken to an animal shelter.

Ashley Anderson I feel torn like this also. So many dangers outside (as stated above) and would always prefer inside, especially with all of the horrible things constantly seen in rescue. But then I think, you've saved his life, given him quality care, and he is so much better off than he was. Also you're able to help another. Hard to get that thought out of your mind when constantly seeing so many others in need of help. Thank you for all that you do! It is really uplifting.

Lyssa Rhy I'd keep it in the contract and ask them to "try" to keep it indoors. They're already stating that they'll be keeping it indoors for a year, so they seem agreeable.

Christy Ann Cat needs to imprint, it's about a year before a cat will do that with people it just came to know, then if they let it out, it will want to come back

Christy Ann As long as she's not declawing, but it's hard to keep an animal in one place, esp a cat, I hated putting my dogs on chains to use the bathroom, but some will declaw then let them out, and if it country, cat is more likely to just stay where they know they are safe

Karen Stuck well if the road is far away and if she lets him out for an half hour at a time and she is with him oh maybe for 2 months. then if he stays by her in the yard try 1 hour. than go to 3 hours see if he stays close by in the yard have a little cat house there on the back porch so he can go in and sleep for a little bit. we did this with with our Lucy. and she never left the yard

Karen Stuck but of course keep him in at dark at night only let him out in the day

Susan Isbister Dewhirst Funk I have been reformed for a few years now and always indoors..landscape so different these days..pesticides in lawns, sprayed all over. Decon being sold to many. ticks, fleas, worms, etc. many predators as well,

Ramona Yencer Fuller I totally understand your viewpoint, and my own 4 cats are all indoor. I think what you have to weigh is quality of life. It sounds like this will be a well loved and well taken care of cat, regardless of longevity. And it frees up space to rescue another. It's tempting to want to dictate and control all aspects of the rescued cats life because you've invested so much financially and emotionally into him. But maybe, to continue the important work you are doing, you have to release that control and hope for the best, knowing that everyday that cat is alive/fed/loved, is better than what it had before.

Andrea Sheldon Trust your gut.

Darlene Frank I have indoor/outdoor car. Although about 7 years ago there were more fox around. The dogs took care of that situation by chasing them off. It works with this cat. I guess every situation is different

Laurie Stewart Davis Does this mean I can't adopt from you ever? I've got my kitty who is 15, I got him as a baby...he's indoor/outdoor with claws of course....he loves hunting and going outside...and loves cuddling inside with me too! I can't imagine not letting a kitty roam and hunt if they show interest...just my experience...:)

Becky Murphy Nope I lost my prescious Charlie country road thought he be ok and he wasn't

Julie Lafferty I wouldn't do it and like nancy said you will always worry and blame yourself if something happened

Carrie Petersen The question for you and your organization is: is this a rule? Or will you make the decision case by case? The latter is trickier--how do you say no to one person but not another? Or do you establish criteria?

Cathy Sinacola my guys have been indoor outdoor . But when I'm home they can be out, at night or when I'm at work, they stay in. 24 years in the burbs and no issues at of yet.

Dave Roberts Yes. My cats have always been in if I have to go out... and ALWAYS in at night, before it gets dark.

Heidi Griffin Do 😊 this person sounds very responsible.

Dave Roberts Playing devil's advocate here... do you sincerely believe every cat you have adopted out has remained indoors? Just tossing that out there as something to think about.

Rachel Ingutti Yes, as long as they keep the kitty up to date on shots and flea meds! I had an indoor/outdoor kitty (he lives with my sister now) who is the happiest guy, I could never contain him and have no regrets.

Laura Kien Lanza No way ..as bad as they need a home..it took alot to get them off the streets..I don't think putting a perfectly adoptable cat should be a outdoor option!!

Chrissy Kleinhammer Laura how did you make out with the cat you caught?

Laura Kien Lanza Well I took it sat to petsmart and joyful rescue was there but no room for surrenders as far as cats!so one of the girls that work there took him..did you know he was the sweetest boy ever..and he really put on a show rolling around belly up..how could you not love him..lol they said wow he's a big boy..I said yup 3cans a night!!just him..!!Chrissy I haven't stopped thinking about him ..I fell in love when I found how sweet he was..I left my #if she changes her mind..but haven't heard any calls!!!there's one more unneutered boy on my radar that's been out since last winter..I will be trapping soon..he's another love bug!!

Chrissy Kleinhammer Laura I got to visit the big lover I brought to Lollypop on Sun with his mom and dad. It was so overwhelmingly joyful. Happy for you and the kitty

Linda Frazo nope. Any questions read Norma's comment. Says it all.

Jayne Rader-Smith I tried my best to keep my last 2 inside, 1 found on the street, 1 found in a wood pile, but they drove me nuts constantly escaping. I do live on a dead end street AND all the neighbors have cats. My guys never wander far and come when called. They're also microchipped and are now 10+ years old! Can you do a home visit?

Sandy Chatterton · Let the poor cats come in and out as they choose. One cat lived 18 years and another lived 20 yrs 6mos! I would go crazy if you kept me inside all my life!

Jennifer Kelley Coykendall Stick to your guns

Doreen Defeo It's my practice to do a vet reference check on all potential adopters and also I Google the person. Last week a man wanted to adopt a cat from me when I googled his name I found out that he was arrested on June 17 of this year for animal cruelty. I verified the info with the aco in that town. Needless to say I didn't give him a cat.

Jessica Canham Oh my gosh, that's horrible! Thank God you checked up on him like that.

Doreen Defeo I Google all.potential adopters

Doreen Defeo I even Google their address. Some people say they own their home and when you check they actually live in the projects. Call me paranoid, but you can't be too careful.

Susan Schroeder Let the kitten go.  We have ours even after a year and they have hundreds of acres to travel
Always come back

Jennifer Walling (Australia)  I agree with eileen. Also if she is isolated chances of the cat wondering would be slim if kept inside for a year. She is being honest with you which is admirable. I can't believe people declaw their cats! It is illegal in Australia

Judy Brant Do it

Elyse Karl Whitcher I say yes. Sounds like the pets she currently has are well oved and cared for.

Pattie Inzer Hill This is just my opinion Janine Wagner. When an animal enters rescue for a second chance, that chance should not be taken for granted. I am aware that accidents happen.. animals escape, I am also aware that some cats want to get outside...but as responsible humans we should consider their safety. Children want to go outside..but responsible parents wouldn't just let them roam knowing that they are in danger. I had someone contact me who has lost 2 cats in the last 6 months. The last being a kitten that she scraped off the road. She claims to have adored this kitten. I said I only adopt out to indoor homes. She said she couldn't control that. I disagree. We put our hearts into giving these souls a chance. They should have the best chance possible. I use this as backup. PS I love you..and know this weighs heavy on your heart. Follow it my dear. XO

Ingrid Bock I would do it.

Alaine O'connor I've never owned a cat that I let out I feel it's dangerous even out here the woods across the street who knows foxes & when they're outside I'd be a wreck.

Terrie Potter Janine- my mom lives in the country with acres of land. Her cat had the best of both worlds and lived to be 14 years old. ( cancer took his life). Im also against letting cats out but my mothers cat never left her property and was able to climb trees and " hunt " and had a wonderful life.

Susan Brown My cats go in and out but never overnight- they come in when I call them. I have 3 that do not go out at all. Also they are indoor in the winter. I think they are happier going even for a couple of hours. My cats tend to stay within a few doors of home.

Chrissy Kleinhammer I think it was great she was honest with you. She could of said he won't go put and let him out anyway. If she has love to give and a home to offer its great. I say educate her on the differences between indoor only and indoor/outdoor and maybe she will think about it.

Nicole Erlichman my cats go in and out...they love to hunt and climb trees and in the summer they "sunbathe"....it sounds as if u like this potential adopter...if you believe tootsie would be loved well cared for and NEVER declawed ( not sure why this hasn't been outlawed yet) then maybe you should do it...

Kristin Miller McBride You know my cats go in and out too. Winnie was an indoor cat for 2 years and now that she goes out she never leaves the yard. You have to go with your heart but especially if she says she will keep him in for at least a year - he may not ever want to go out. I think if you get a good vibe maybe you could trust that this time. Each situation is different and decisions should be made on a case by case basis. I know it's a super hard decision, but I like that he will be kept in all winter and spring and then will venture out only if he wants.

Deb Roeder Gargantiel I say yes.

Valerie Burroughs I say yes if she doesn't let the cat stay out overnight.. I have certain cats that would go crazy if they didn't go out, but my Sassy doesn't even want to go out so she is strictly indoors as my 2 new kittens and my elderly cat. Of course if shes 'pushing' the cat to go out that's another story... in my case, I have cats that claw my walls to get out for a couple hours because they like to do their business outside and lived outside before I got them..

Graham Pearce (Australia) I have adopted strays and always let them out. You treat them well and they should stay.

If you love something let it go if it comes back it's yours, if it doesn't it never was

Dianne Rodak Maher · 8 mutual friends

I vote yes! She is taking the steps to establish that the cat knows his home. I have indoor / outdoor cats, one outdoor only feral cat and 2 indoor cats. One cat stays out all night because he is bonded with the feral cat. The other 3 in/out cats spend the day outside and are rounded up at night. I believe in this case you have to trust the adopter.

SueAnn Meddaugh Janine. if she is planning on keeping in for a year. I would do it.. likely hood of living where he is on streets in a year is slim.. if you can get more good homes do it.. I had outdoor cats as kid.. yes they got hurt more, more infections...but lived till late teens..

Katherine Sherry NO

Laurie A Mark Follow your gut.

Crystal Zastrocky Nope and in the country there r other dangers not just cars lots of wildlife that can kill kitty

Thats it for today.  Would love to hear YOUR opinion.

Have a great day!