Alisha:

With all the problems with Evan, I’m a little behind in my correspondences. I wanted to comments on Lucas and his current situation.

You are doing wonderful with Lucas. I want you to know that. I think the rescue agency that gave you grief because Lucas had not been fixed was way off base. And, I think that anyone who gives you grief because you are contemplating an outdoor or indoor/outdoor life for Lucas is also way off base.

Not too long after you took in Lucas, I visited the shelter from which I had adopted Evan. The shelter has an paralyzed Rotwiller in residence. I though I might be able to get some wisdom from them to share with you. I never passed that “wisdom” on to you, because the shelter’s recommendation was to put Lucas to sleep. “Why would she want to keep him?”, was the question the shelter manager asked. I thought it was best to keep that to myself.

You have given your heart and soul to taking care of the little ones on your island. You have set yourself up as an example for others to follow. But, what I have found in my volunteer work is this: It is easier to criticize someone for doing a good job that it is to match his or her performance. I also found that the greater the level of insecurity in the criticizer, the more he or she feels inadequate when looking at you, the greater the level of “bitching, moaning and complaining”.

I do not know if you have run into many people. If you have, I hope you have hardened your heart to their comments. If you have not run into these people yet, I hope my warning will help you when you deal with them.

Mark

Mark, what a wonderful message you gave Alisha. I had tears in my eyes reading it. You are so right in every word. What she does for the animals on her island is something most of us wouldn't even contemplate!! It also is a message to any person who takes on a sick animal and does the best they can to make that animal have a comfortable life within the boundaries of it's illness.

Mark--Thank you for saying that to Alisha. I agree with you whole-heartedly.

This is a very special situation, so considering an outdoor life for Lucas seems only logical, in my opinion. But Alisha, I trust that you will make the right decision, whatever it is. It's clear that you care deeply for cats. Thank you for doing everything you have done for all the strays you've met lately.

Mark,
Sorry to hear that Evan is having problems. I am so wrapped up in my own problems I have no idea what is going on with everyone else. So sorry, how selfish!

Thank you for your kind comments. I really appreciate the strong support, it helps when I feel shot down or guilty.

So far if someone feels I am not doing the right thing, they have not told me. I have gotton suggestions but everyone has been understanding. I am sure some people wish I would take him inside 24/7 and diaper him because that would be the safest option, and I wish I could. But I do have to think about myself and the other cats as well.

Thanks for asking about Lucas at the shelter, sorry to hear about their response. I don't know if Lucas will live as long as most cats but he is living a much better life and will continue to do so until nature takes him. I really don't see the need to consider euthanization anymore unless his health is such that his quality of life is not up to par.

I did get two responses from people that might be able to take Lucas. I have not heard back yet so we'll see.

Mark, thanks. Your posts are always so well written and wise.

Alisha

I got a third response this morning. A rescue called Joey's Feline Friends has one acre that is cat fenced and she said it would be perfect for Lucas. I havent heard back yet. I want to make sure he will get daily human contact.

Sounds to me like you will have several options in placing Lucas. Boy, is he ever lucky that he found you!!!!!! Is this new place "Joey's Feline Friends" in Hawaii somewhere where you could go and look at it? Maybe they have a website where you can see what it's like there. If you can check these places out in person, that would be more helpful for you in placing him. Also, if you get to check the place out (I'd check the better business bureau too in case there are any complaints against them) you might be more comfortable letting him go. Good luck with all this. I hope you find a great place for the little guy. (Though I'm sure you will.)

Oh, thanks, I will look for it right now!

Guess what, Lucas is going to a sanctuary:) Check my blog for the story and some links...in about 30 minutes.

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