'Forever homes' would be a nice present for cats this time of year
Between the holidays and excitement surrounding the completion of Buddy's permanent home, this should be an exceptionally joyous time for me, but it is not.
Just last week, I was excited to be looking at cat condos for felines expecting kittens. Reality, however, set in a few hours after viewing the condos when I received two phone calls requesting we take back felines that The Buddy Foundation thought had been adopted to forever homes.
How could someone want to give back their best buddy just before the holidays?
How could they think that a fostering organization would have the ability to take in additional animals at a moments notice?
The first feline was adopted over nine years ago. One would presume after this length of time the feline would be a most cherished member of the family. The owners are choosing a non-pet friendly condo instead. I guess address and amenities beat out the feline, who is now homeless for the holidays.
Our second caller's feline was a Buddy Foundation adoptee. He decided to adopt another animal (not from us) and did a poor introduction of the two felines. His Buddy feline rebelled by marking in the house. Rather than working with the situation so the felines could get along, the solution for this caller was, "Will you take this cat back, otherwise I will be forced to put this cat down." Of course, we will take back our cat, "Mister Scrooge."
After responding to these two calls, I was worried that I had not proposed or planned for enough condos for the new building. I expressed this concern to a friend and fellow board member of Buddy. The response I received was stark but true. Reality, would hit hard a third time that day. The response I received was, "We can't afford one condo, so why would the number matter?"
I responded, "I guess that's true."
If I was asked what I wanted for Christmas, I would respond that I would like all of our animals to have "forever" homes. I would ask that a feline was never returned for a frivolous reason or put out. Lastly, I hope and pray that we will find the funds to finish the inside of the building so that there will be a place for our buddies to come when reality rears its ugly head.
Featured felines
Jade and Onyx: Jade is a spayed, black female that is about 2 years old. She was abandoned at an animal hospital with her kittens at the end of summer. Before long, it was October and black feline adoptions were put on hold.
Onyx is one of Jade's kittens, and quickly nearing grown-up status. Onyx is neutered and gets along with other felines, children and dogs. This guy is lovable and playful.
Jade and Onyx, though they love each other, do not need to be adopted together.
Emerald is Jade's other boy. He is neutered and also about 8 months young. He is outgoing, never shy and is playful. He too, loves other felines, dogs and children.
Adoption events: Jan. 5: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Petsmart, 49 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, and Petco in the Mount Prospect Plaza.
Jan. 12: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Animal Feeds and Needs, 401 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights and at Petco in the Mount Prospect Plaza.
Stop by and visit for the New Year. Best Holiday wishes to all of Buddy's friends.