Yesterday one of our staff began her daily routine preparing the SPCA van for travel.  Little did she know her day was about to begin with a HARSH REALITY.

I will call this kitten Fluffy because I do not know its given name or sex.  Fluffy, a medium hair black kitten, was left by its owner just outside the gates of our campus in a pretty basket.  Fluffy escaped from the basket only to take refuge in the engine of one of our company vans.  As you have probably guessed by now Fluffy was clipped by the fan and its neck was broken instantly.  This is the only comfort I take from this tragedy; it was swift and hopefully painless for this sweet and innocent creature.  I wrapped Fluffy in a towel and said a prayer to St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. 

But it was not so painless for our employee; she was devastated and felt totally responsible for this kittens death.  The HARSH REALITY is “you” are responsible for the life of any animal you choose to own.  There is a right way and a wrong way to give up your pet.  Be responsible for your own actions and do it the right way because not only do you hurt the animal you hurt people when they are involved in an unfortunate accident such as this.

For those of you who surrender your animals to shelters the right way, thank you.  I encourage you to help those who see no other way to relieve themselves of the burden of unwanted pets to do it right.  You may just save another life.