Abandoned pairs need to be adopted together
Animals that have spent their entire adulthood together should live together forever, especially when they are surrendered together.
These are circumstances that The Buddy Foundation does not like to hear about, but they are a stark reality. When giveups or abandonments happen in pairs, we strive to keep the felines together. What could be worse? First, losing what they thought was their “forever” home, then next losing their best buddy they grew up with.
Sadly, lately this is an all-too-common occurrence. Economics can account for some stories of abandonment, but not all of them. We have to strive to do a better job of taking care of these helpless felines. Cats do not do better than dogs when abandoned. They cannot find food in a frozen Dumpster. A household feline cannot fend well for itself even crossing a perilous street. They get cold, hungry, exhausted and then they die because no one cares — they stop caring, too, when there is no one there to help.
The cats that find their way to Buddy fare much better, but even the surrenderers for both legitimate and stupid reasons leave our felines heartbroken. Sometimes they recover, sometimes not. I am always surprised by a cat's ability to forgive unkind acts or abandonment. Perhaps there is a life lesson in it for us as humans.
One reason for abandonment or giveup I will never understand is: “My lease or condo agreement does not allow pets of any kind.”
This excuse is avoidable. It's called “read the fine print.” Do not learn the exclusions after you signed on the dotted line.
A condo agreement is especially troubling. You are making a significant investment. You need to know the contents of the document that will bind you as long as you own the condo. You need to know the terms and conditions of the document and what your legal rights are, that means consulting with an attorney. So how do you not know that this condo association is not a pet-friendly place?
I have also heard the excuse, “The condo association has changed its rules.” You should be grandfathered in. You are being bullied by a larger entity with more legal savvy. You fight back. You consult an attorney, but you never surrender your animals without a fight.
That is the plight of today's adoptables. The condo association changed rules midstream. “The cats must go,” and go they did. Buddy took back a feline we adopted out three years ago as a kitten, and we could not say no to a cat that was subsequently adopted from another location. We had to keep our feline buddies together, so please meet Robbie and Tigger.
AdoptablesRobbie is an all-black neutered male. He is totally friendly and loves human interaction. He also likes to sleep with his paws wrapped around his lifelong feline friend, Tigger. Those two are seeking a home together.Tigger is a red and white neutered tabby. This guy is a lover, too! These two will adjust to any new home as long as someone is willing to adopt both. These two have a great capacity to forgive and love a new familyValarie Valentine PhotosWe will be celebrating Valentine's Day with photos with Valerie Valentine and edible treats between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. Join us at the shelter for treats with your family and animals.Buddy's 17th Birthday PartyHelp us celebrate 17 years as a charitable organization by joining us at Moretti's in Mount Prospect from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. This year's theme will be set in Oz, so just follow the yellow brick road. Your donation of $30 in advance or $35 at the door promises an all-you-can-eat buffet, two drinks and lots of fun. Buddy needs attendees and raffle prizes.#376; Contact The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806; visit us at 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights; or online at thebuddyfoundation.org. 36482432Robbie