Advice needed

A co-worker of mine told me today that his SIL just had a baby and the baby was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Of course they are devastated and what makes this story even worse is that they are not going to be able to take care of the family cat anymore. They are expecting to be in hospitals with their little one for the next few years. The co-worker asked me if I knew of any place that may take the cat. I told him to call the local shelters but he didn't have any luck. Does anyone know of anywhere else he can try? I feel so bad for this cat...going from a loving family to a shelter

Re: Advice needed

Are you on LI? I think there is a shelter called "Little Shelter" which is a no-kill..

Anyone??

Re: Advice needed

Yes, I am on LI. I gave him the number for Little Shelter. I'm not sure if he called them yet.

Re: Advice needed

south hampton animal shelter is also no kill, i would try them, they dont usally turn anyone down

Re: Advice needed

I know about childhood cancer and cancer tx very well and I know they are devastated right now.... I wonder if they are aware that if the child is getting treated locally, cancer treatments are mostly outpatient. Cancer treatments usually don't require in-patient stays and believe it or not, life does find some normalcy after the intial shock and adjustment period passes. So if the cat isn't sickly or doesn't require extra care (medications, etc) cats can do very well as long as their basic needs are met. If these people love their cat and will remain local to get tx for their child, it is such a hasty response to place a family house cat in a SHELTER without even trying and seeing how things go. Just wanted to throw this out there, I wonder if anyone has tried to help them think the situation through thorougly. These people are naturally devastated, overwhelmed and may not thinking clearly. I would hate to see them face TWO tragedies, having a sick child and possibly needlessly giving away their family house cat to a homeless shelter (unless they just don't want the cat regardless).

Pets can be a great source of healing in a time of pain and suffering and pets in return feel the sadness of losing loved ones...

Message edited 9/17/2008 7:22:51 AM.

Re: Advice needed

Posted by Goobster

I know about childhood cancer and cancer tx very well and I know they are devastated right now.... I wonder if they are aware that if the child is getting treated locally, cancer treatments are mostly outpatient. Cancer treatments usually don't require in-patient stays and believe it or not, life does find some normalcy after the intial shock and adjustment period passes. So if the cat isn't sickly or doesn't require extra care (medications, etc) cats can do very well as long as their basic needs are met. If these people love their cat and will remain local to get tx for their child, it is such a hasty response to place a family house cat in a SHELTER without even trying and seeing how things go. Just wanted to throw this out there, I wonder if anyone has tried to help them think the situation through thorougly. These people are naturally devastated, overwhelmed and may not thinking clearly. I would hate to see them face TWO tragedies, having a sick child and possibly needlessly giving away their family house cat to a homeless shelter (unless they just don't want the cat regardless).

Pets can be a great source of healing in a time of pain and suffering and pets in return feel the sadness of losing loved ones...

Re: Advice needed

Posted by dilb712

Posted by Goobster

I know about childhood cancer and cancer tx very well and I know they are devastated right now.... I wonder if they are aware that if the child is getting treated locally, cancer treatments are mostly outpatient. Cancer treatments usually don't require in-patient stays and believe it or not, life does find some normalcy after the intial shock and adjustment period passes. So if the cat isn't sickly or doesn't require extra care (medications, etc) cats can do very well as long as their basic needs are met. If these people love their cat and will remain local to get tx for their child, it is such a hasty response to place a family house cat in a SHELTER without even trying and seeing how things go. Just wanted to throw this out there, I wonder if anyone has tried to help them think the situation through thorougly. These people are naturally devastated, overwhelmed and may not thinking clearly. I would hate to see them face TWO tragedies, having a sick child and possibly needlessly giving away their family house cat to a homeless shelter (unless they just don't want the cat regardless).

Pets can be a great source of healing in a time of pain and suffering and pets in return feel the sadness of losing loved ones...

This is my thoughts exactly

Re: Advice needed

Posted by Renee615

I agree. I don't really know this co-worker very well, but I will try to broach the subject. Plus the fact that it's not his cat but his SIL....well, anyway....please say prayers for this little one. I hope we can find him a good home or that they decide not to give him up.

Message edited 9/18/2008 12:00:34 AM.

Re: Advice needed

I agree with all the above posters...
but if they do end up taking it somewhere I HOPE AND PRAY it's to a no kill shelter... the thought of anything else makes me shudder!

Re: Advice needed

Posted by Goobster

Posted by Renee615

I agree. I don't really know this co-worker very well, but I will try to broach the subject. Plus the fact that it's not his cat but his SIL....well, anyway....please say prayers for this little one. I hope we can find him a good home or that they decide not to give him up.

Please keep us posted. I could understand a bit more if they are finding the cat a good home but to bring the cat to a shelter so quickly without even seeing how things go just seems extremely drastic move to make at this time. JMO from personal experience. I feel terrible for them, and I also feel terrible for the kitty to have his/her family abandon him possibly needlessly.