As some of you may know we're about to lose our beloved lab Chester to jaw cancer. We're sad and in that horrible waiting stage of trying to be normal but noticing every little thing about him that isn't normal. We are on the Doctor's orders "treating him like a dog" but with so many more nose kisses and ear nuggies that Chester must think we've lost it. Anyway, Chester will die with as much dignity and love as we can muster and I'd rather not think today of a grieving and sorrow to come later.
I spoke to a friend tonight. She told me her house is going for auction on the 17th. She was no fool who took out a bad loan. She's owned her house for 18 years. Unfortunately she was in manufacturing, a dying industry in her state of Ohio. She's been out of work since last November.
I asked where she would go and what she would do, her mother has been kind enough to take her in. I asked about her two cats, who I assumed would take the same trip. Her mother had recently lost a cat and had been wonderfully kind to animals in the past.
My friend explained that both her cats would be put down. I asked why, and even suggested that one of them might be suited to be put down because of obvious allergies and ailments that no one had money to pay for, plus she was an older cat and less likely to meld with another family. However, Baby, her 5 year old is adorable. Orange and white tabby, rambunctious and full of spirit. She's a little shy of strangers but absolute glue to her owner. Can't this little cat be saved? Does she just have to bite it in the prime of life because "circumstances" have changed?
What do I do? My friend literally hung up on me when I suggested solutions. Should I just let this one go as another quiet tragedy among millions for people who have to make bad choices.
My three least favorite topics, the death of industry in the rustbelt, the seizing of homes from buyers who had religiously paid their whole lives, and what about the animals.
I have my own poor doggie to think about, but this story just tore me apart. Does anyone have any good ideas here? Two cats one is over 10 and rather piebald and obviously allergic, she's also affectionate to strangers...the other is a little bit of an orange thing, full of life and super affectionate, unfortunately she only loves one person...her person. It's a sad and shitty situation but I'd love some input.
The Kitties are in the Dayton area.
Best, MDD's wife AKA Mrs. MDD