Conference misery::feline_v1

3122.0. "This file really can make a difference!" by BRAT::GERMANN () Fri Dec 08 1989 10:41

    I am very happy to share the following with all of you, since the
    end result was heavily influenced by many notes I copied out of
    here and shared.  Ok, here goes.....
    
    You may remember that I advertised for homes for some kittens last
    spring that my next door neighbor had and had evicted from the house.
    We took the gray and named her Esmarelda.  Another was taken by
    a fellow noter and named Copernicus.  The story behind these kittens
    was that my next door neighbor's daughter, who is also my duaghter's
    best friend, has a wonderful female cat, Mia.  Mia had kittens about
    a year and a half ago and we took one, named Bob.  They kept the
    other 2.  One disappeared, the other has remained and is a lovely
    male named Zachary.  I talked with Michelle when these kittens were
    born trying to convince her to have Mia spayed.  She said her father
    didn't approve and she couldn't pay for it herself.  When Mia became
    pregnant the next spring, father was very surprised - how could
    she get pregnant if they hadn't let her out while she was in heat?
    Zachary certainly wouldn't get together with his mother?!?!?  Ah,
    ignorance.  After these kittens (the litter of Esmarelda and
    Copernicus), I again talked to Michelle about neutering both Mia
    and Zachary.  They were having many problems with Zach spraying
    so had decided to not allow him in the house.  Again, I got the
    same story from Michelle - her father didn't approve.  I believe
    this story, because Michelle and I talked of my having them neutered
    and she was very supportive.  However, the timing was such that
    they left for their summer place in Maine shortly.  Zachary was
    left at home (and I fed and loved him all summer) and Mia went to
    Maine - unfortunately Zach and Mia had had a tete-a-tete before
    and while in Maine, another litter was born.
    
    I really was feeling very sad about this situation.  I had copied
    many notes from here about neutering, spraying, the large number
    of homeless cats, and other topics and given them to Michelle. 
    I had just about given up and was ready to just try my best to ignore
    the situation.  Well, last night Michelle announced to us that both
    Mia and Zach were at the vet's and the deed was done!!!! Her father
    had decided that he couldn't stand Michelle's bugging him any longer,
    or something like that!!
    
    So, I want to thank you all for the many notes.  It will be a much
    nicer Christmas for us knowing that there won't be more kittens
    next door and that Zach will be able to spend the winter in the
    house.  Gee, happy endings really are nice!!!
    
    Ellen
                            

    Ellen, that's terrific!  Just goes to show that persistance really
    pays off!!  Good job!
    
    Wait until they see the difference this makes in both Zach and
    Mia.  I'll bet they'll be pleasantly surprised!!!

    I remember your story, and remember feeling very frustrated at this
    brick-wall of a father.  I wondered what in the world it would take to
    get to him, now I know -  it was KITTIES, KITTIES, and more KITTIES.  
    
    Poor Mia, I bet she'll be glad for the break from perpetual motherhood!
    
    Thank goodness brick walls with weak spots!!
    
    Sharon and Smokey (who will never be a father!!)

    
    	Yay!!  After reading that depressing note about the kitty
    	left at Dr. Kaas's this one brightens up a little!!
    
    	

    Way to go Ellen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     Thanks for the happy story.
      Nancy DC

    Yeah,  I agree.   We definitely needed a cherry note today.
    
    Way to go Ellen.......
    
    Sandi (mom to THUNDER, LIGHTNING and DEJAVU 3 kittys that will never
    have babies either)
    
    

    
    outstanding!
    
    let's not forget how much michelle has matured because of this.  and
    she has learned assertiveness to stand up to her father, over and over,
    for something she believed was right.
    
    our next generation will be in good hands if there are more young'uns
    like michelle.  (and there will be fewer new generationz of kitties!)
    
    diane, stanley & stella