(no subject)

[rose_cat]

In my association with animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and pet people in general, I sometimes make the remark, "I'm hoping for the day when people have to get on a waiting list to adopt a kitten." (Being an ailurophile, I tend to be fairly cat-centric, but I could say the same about puppies.)

Depending on where I am and who I'm with, the response may be a smile of understanding, a blank look, or a confused or shocked expression.

What do you think I mean, and how do you feel about it? I'm not going to flame anyone for their opinions, so please be honest.

I'm going to let people comment and discuss for a little while before I explain it.

Comments

[cassandraterra.livejournal.com]

That'd be cool. That'd also mean that cost A LOT of $$. Which would be sad. I get what you mean.

[tkurogrym.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a great day to me. The number of unwanted cats and dogs in this country is astounding and tragic. Kittens tend to find homes relatively quickly, but their ever-replenishing numbers (due to backyard breeders, puppy mills, and careless or ignorant owners) mean that so many wonderful adult animals never find families of their own.

Even in the world of exotic/wild cat rescue, sanctuaries are quick to snap up the cubs that find themselves homeless. But who's going to step up and provide homes for the elderly, the sick, the behaviorally challenged, the "low-display" (i.e. unattractive) animals? I'm pleased to say that the place I volunteer for does just that when we can ... and lets the cubs go to the many welcoming arms that will house them. So while a nearby place gets two tiger cubs and lots of press coverage (and funding), we're waiting on a yearling lioness who is on the verge of being euthanized because of behavioral instabilities. We think she can have a good quality of life with care, attention to her specialized needs, etc.

Anyway, I'm rambling (ranting?) now. Nice to meet a fellow animal lover. :)