Part of being involved in a small independent cat rescue is putting our heart and soul into everything we do. Our cats are the first thing we think about when we wake up in the morning, and the last thing on our minds before we sleep. Rescue takes a toll on us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Social media is a double edged sword, in that it lets us reach a wider group of people than we would otherwise be able to via word of mouth, but it also allows anyone with an option (including the ill informed) a platform. Recently, a person we shall refer to as A, made an inflammatory post accusing the rescue of neglect. This post was shared hundreds of times, garnering ill will towards the rescue, and leading to active harrassment of staff at an adoption site. This person made no effort to reach out to the rescue; they just posted their opinions as undisputable. Because so many people got so upset by a non-existent issue, and the level of harassment endangered the ability to continue adoptions at that location, we're going to lay some nonsense to rest. A: Julep has been locked in a cage for three months, and the rescue doesn't care about his living situation. BCR: Julep went from his foster home to the Alley Cat Cafe, where his exuberant play style turned from play into bullying. Because he's mouthy/grabby, he couldn't be in the room that is inclusive for children under 8. After a month at the cafe with no adoption interest, we decided to find a better fit for him. Many of the cats BCR takes in are magnificent with other cats, but for those who would prefer to be solo cat, the Agway adoption space is a blessing. We have a fantastic cat condo for our adoptive cats spending time at Agway. It is over six feet tall, has four levels, and is far larger than your standard shelter living space. Also, because the folks at Agway are awesome pet lovers, Julep is often out being snuggled or played with. It's a really good living situation for a cat waiting for a forever home. A: Julep is so sad, and stress eating...his existence is horrible. BCR: Julep is a contented cat who's a bit bored of living in a condo when he had free run of his foster home. The Agway staff loves him, and works really hard to make sure he gets social interactions every day. He's checked in on by various BCR volunteers to make sure all is well with his world. A: The SPCA apparently came and picked him up.
BCR: Agway received a horrifying amount of harassment from A's post. It made them wonder if helping get cats adopted was worth the trouble. The SPCA was contacted about Julep's "miserable" existence, and they came to check it out...and wondered what all the fuss was about. They told the Agway staff that he had an amazing setup, and there was no cruelty or neglect happening. This didn't stop A from continuing the narrative that Julep was a tragic story that required intervention. What's the moral of this story? If you're concerned about the wellbeing of an animal you see on a social media post, reach out to the rescue. Use their social media to ask what people's experiences are. Do not light your torches and endanger the well being of the animals who quite literally owe their lives to the rescue you are willing to destroy. If you really want to help, volunteer, and if you can't volunteer, donate! https://www.gofundme.com/f/covid-times-kitten-season-support
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AuthorThe Captain of Browncoat Cat is a self proclaimed crazy cat lady. Of course, we're all mad here... Archives
July 2022
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