That is what someone said to me a few days ago after she took a just days old kitten and began to bottle feed him. When problems occurred, it became evident that although she wanted to rescue, she couldn’t handle the loss of a kitten, and who can blame her? It is so hard to have a living, breathing creature in the palm of your hand in one minute, and the next have the life just whisp away.
She wants to help me, seems eager to learn. Wants to come over and scoop my litter pans and help out. But when a call came in about an injured cat with a hole in the neck, and I asked her if she would be willing to rescue- the end result was she wasn’t willing to take on such a task because she might get bit.
I have kept my distance from her since. Because it is with this mind-set, that these type of well-meaning people that they are the ones who get bit because they expect it. She may seem to be eager to learn what I know and do what I do in theory, but in application she isn’t going to go the distance.
I’ve done this for so long, been alone doing it for so many years that perhaps it is better this way. I use the time scooping the litter pans to evaluate the health of my clowder and to have that taken away from me doesn’t feel right. I have told her that I didn’t learn what I know from books, or schooling. I learned from the cats, by living among them, observing them and helping out as best I can when they get in trouble.
My phone rings daily of cats and kittens in trouble, but i am staying true to my word of leaving rescue. The hope of passing the torch to this other woman is fading. She may want to rescue, but only on her terms and that is not what is needed- not in a community where all stray cats are considered vermin and should be erradicated.
Hmmm…I can definitely see how this would be frustrating. If she is willing to help, even if it is only to scoop litter pans or help take care of kittens/cats once their health becomes more stable, perhaps this would still help take some of the load off of your shoulders (for the kittens/cats currently in your care). Although she may not have the strength of mind to do everything you would like her to do, it does seem like she wants to help in some way. Plus, it’s possible that her confidence will improve once she helps take care of many different types of cats, and over time, she may get to that point where she is okay with helping more needy animals. Of course, it is not your responsibility to get her to that place. I just like the idea of another person being able to physically help out with your furry family.
“The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” I’m so sorry that the person you depended on is not working out…
I too I’m so sorry that that she is not going to work out. Somethings do happen for a reason. I came home from work today and pick up a tiny kitten in a road. That someone threw away. I live in a city where stray cats are also considered vermin.
It’s hard to get a sense of things if you’re not there, so take my comments with that in mind.
You have lots of experience and compassion for cats and that enables you to keep going and do what needs to be done. There are those who, once they gain understanding and experience, may be able to help ferals too.
Most of us can remember times in our youth when we were asked to do something or had an opportunity to do good for another and, perhaps, shied away for various reasons – fear of getting involved, uncertain about the consequences or the commitment, unsure of our own abilities, etc. People who do things well have progressed through that phase to the point where they are reasonably competent at what they do and can help others in their chosen work.
There were times when I did things myself when my child didn’t because it was easier. In the long run, I did that less often to help him mature. Perhaps that is what is needed here.
Young people who aspire to be doctors might cringe the first time that they visit the ER and witness severe injuries and suffering.
I suspect that there are few who are willing to help feral cats. I and some others in my neighborhood do, but certainly not to the same level that you do. Are the cats better off? No question, as many who have seen pictures of them have said.
This volunteer may learn and be willing to accept more responsibility when she sees how it helps the cats. Even if she does not have your level of skill and devotion, I suspect that the feral cats in your community will be grateful for whatever help she can provide.
Please pray about it.
You are a very brave woman for the years of rescue you have done. Very few have the heart or stamina to endure the work and pain involved in rescue. I know I do not. I have 10 cats, all neutered, vaccinated, none born here, that I “rescued”. They were strays that needed a home and found one here on my ranch. This is the most I can do and I accept my limitations.