One sad thing I’ve seen happen here in Missouri is when well intentioned groups or individuals begin rescuing and fostering animals but end up not knowing when to say no or to call the Humane Society for help. And once someone is actively involved, it is so easy for them to feel they cannot turn away animals in need; that, and other people assume those already taking in lots of animals can simply accept more so they dump the animals on the already overwhelmed caregivers.
I have three cats with special medical needs. Until last April I had an elderly fourth cat, also with special medical needs. So I go through a lot of cat food and cat litter, more than average even for this number of cats. So when I’m seen regularly buying that volume of supplies, the rescue groups at the pet store have often approached me and tried to guilt pressure me into “helping them out by fostering several more special needs cats since I obviously know all about taking care of special needs cats.” I’m polite but quite firm about saying NO.
I know I am at my limit with the crew I have and in fact somewhat overstretched — financially, time, cleaning, etc. — and as much as my heart goes out to all the hordes of cats needing fostering I know that I simply cannot save the whole world and have had to commit to giving good care to the ones I have and praying for the other cats out there. But I can so easily understand how good people end up in overwhelmed situations with too many animals. It is hard to say no, to draw the line and hold firm. And once someone has taken on something like this man did with the Caboodle Ranch, it can be psychologically almost impossible for them to call the authorities and ask for help because it seems like defeat and betrayal of the animals.
My greatest sympathy is for the poor cats, all those poor cats. But short of evidence arising that the man INTENDED neglect and cruelty, I cannot help also feeling sorry for him even while I decry the fact he didn’t contact authorities for help sooner, even at the risk many cats would be euthanized.
No one person or group can save the world or even a fraction of it. The best we can do is help as many as we have resources and capabilites to do so. Many TDKers do an awesome job of caring for feral colonies or fostering or otherwise helping cats in need. I’m often impressed and amazed to read of just how much many of you accomplish with strained resources.