Amygdalia's Blog

"No one gets left behind"

I’m still not certain whether the actions I took last night were passive-aggressive or appropriate, but I’d reached the point where I knew something had to be done.

For months, our next door neighbors have talked about moving. For months, their son would ask my kids if we wanted to take their (outdoor) cat when they moved. I repeatedly told them no. It’s not going to happen. If I wanted the responsibility of pet ownership at this time, I would make that decision. Every time they ask me about a pet the answer is the same. Don’t get me wrong . . . I LOVE animals, which is why I felt so strongly that something had to be done, here. It’s just that I know pet ownership is not the right choice for us at this time, for many reasons. This is an independent, outdoor cat. Nonetheless, he needs food, and medical care, and someone to love him.

On Monday, the family moved. On Tuesday, Goldilocks told me she thought she saw Whiskey outside. I spent the night agonizing over it. Did they really leave their cat behind? Bob put out a dish of water for him, just in case. We have done this before, during the summer months. I saw him again yesterday, wandering through our backyard.

So I sent Whiskey’s owner the following message on Facebook:

“Hi Julie,
It looks like you've already moved - we didn't get to say goodbye. I wanted to let you know that I thought I saw Whiskey wandering around in our backyard yesterday. Not sure if you couldn't find him when you were leaving, but he's still around.

Amy”

I know she saw the message . . . Facebook tells you when a message has been viewed. I’ve gotten no reply.

I am absolutely sick over this. I don’t know what to do. I am angry on so many levels. In addition to Whiskey, they had 3 dogs, and got a new puppy within the last 3 months. The dogs all left with them. The kind of person who would leave an animal behind when moving is disgusting to me. I cannot fathom it. And I am FURIOUS that I have been put in this position. They knew Whiskey came over to visit us. They had their son ask us more than once if we wanted the cat. They never spoke with us about it themselves. They just left him behind.

UPDATE Decided to post this as part of the blog entry, rather than leaving it in the comments where it might not be seen:

Wow - WHILE I was posting this, she replied!

Hi Amy, Thank you for your note. Yes! We've moved! Unbelievable. I just did the last load yesterday. Thanks for the Whiskey update. I HAVE BEEN HUNTING FOR HIM FOR DAYS. Last night after work I thought I might be able to nab him as he would often greet me at about 5:30, but no sign. I've been putting out catfood for him. Can I ask you a favor? If you see him while I am af work, can you call me? I have a carrier in the car reserved just for him! My work number is xxx-xxx-xxxxx. Thanks Amy. We're going to have a house warming party sometime in May probably and I'll send you a little note if you guys are free.

I'm so relieved!