The Feelings of Animals & People

I’m not sure how to phrase exactly what I want to say. Some of you may remember that our ‘friends’ were looking to find a new home for their older cat, Belle. Well, they managed to find her a new home with a family – Mom, Dad, and two young daughters, all of whom are very excited to welcome Kitty into their lives, hearts, and home.

Here’s what is ripping my heart out. Belle has a heart condition. When she was a kitten, the vet told Charlee that it was unlikely she would live past the age of three. She’s now almost four and they’ve pretty much been expecting her to die for the last six months. Given the fact that Kelby’s ad on Craigslist said that she was two and had no behavior problems and had to be re-homed because they were PCS-ing (all lies), I have to wonder if they told Belle’s new family about her medical history. And I very seriously doubt it.

So what happens to these poor people when three months from now they wake up to find their beloved family pet cold and stiff?

Why is it that the people who are the most vocal about their integrity and moral high ground are the first to abandon it in the face of convenience?

It’s just as well that Kelby has gotten so pissy about Alan taking charge at work. I’m glad he didn’t take Alan up on the offer of dinner this past weekend. I’d rather be alone than spend time with people I can’t respect. And it seems like the more I get to know them, the less I’m able to respect either of them. Kelby bitches and whines because he can’t separate how Alan behaves at work from how Alan is socially. Charlee flaunts her supposed Christianity but fails to live up to the standards taught by her own faith unless they serve to bolster her own pride in her ‘faith’.

And poor Belle. How can I respect anyone who would treat an animal so shabbily? "Never break a promise to an animal. They’re like babies – they won’t understand." – Tamora Pierce

Sometimes I wish I could put the empathy aside. I wish I could stop imagining what others must be feeling. It hurts. But I think it makes me a better person than I would be otherwise. I think without the empathy, without putting myself in other people’s shoes, I’d be hard and cold. I’m hard anyway, but it’s only a shell to keep the world from realizing what a soft touch I really I am.

~Liz