I did some reading on Saturday and now realize that my brother and my parents are cat hoarders. They fit the entire profile - the good intentions, the way they tried to feed and administer medical care but lost control.
We knew there was a problem, my sister and I. In some ways, we're responsible! I feel terrible and I've been terribly anxious these past few weeks. It disturbed me this morning to realize that I'm scared of my brother, Steve.
At any rate, we're going out there today to clean - let's hope he doesn't come home while we're there.
I'm so sorry to read this...
ReplyDeletedon't blame yourself and don't feel guilty.... the situation is the way it is and it's getting dealt with. {hugs}
ReplyDeleteKate,
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if what you read included anything from the Tufts Vet School link I gave you, but as a veterinary technician, one of my oaths is to end each day knowing I helped an animal or a person take better care of their animals. I almost wanted to stop following you when this story unfolded, but I couldn't because even from this far away, I wanted to help.
Every journey begins with a step and you have done that. In the beginning you said you told animal control 'This wasn't a hoarding situation' and even without photos, I could see that it was. You have learned something and can now speak out loud what you couldn't last week. That is a big step. I hug you for that.
It saddens me greatly to know the suffering that has gone on for years for those cats, and to know without continued care and vigilance, residivism with hoarders is almost 100% and even with therapy, a lifelong issue that requires a dedication from family to prevent it from happening again.
I hope you can find the strength and the emotional help to keep going back, and helping yourself and your family who had to help euthanize (I can't really call it a gentle death though) those poor cats move towards time when you can come to terms with all of this.
You are in my thoughts.
I know how easily a situation like this can get out of control, and I applaud you for helping your family out. I also have to give a big thumbs up to the previous poster Teri ... it is obvious that she cares not only about the animals but the people as well. :)
ReplyDeleteI truly appreciate all your kind words. The last few weeks ahve been hell, and I expect it'll take a long while to get the place and the animals in order. Thank you.
ReplyDelete