It’s an eternal mystery to us: Why would anybody who cares for animals decide to abandon them? We’re not talking about when a family makes a responsible choice to turn over a pet they can’t care for anymore for legitimate reasons. No, we’re talking about those who choose to dump a pet, putting them in danger while forcing their responsibilities onto others. Just no!
Nationwide, rescues and shelters have seen an uptick in abandoned pets due largely to economic hardship. That’s sadly understandable, but not the way many of these pets are unceremoniously dumped. Many folks are apparently unaware of the huge problems and burdens they could face by abandoning pets. They aren’t only putting their pets’ lives at risk but their own futures, too.
The Strange Case of ‘Chubby Lubba’
A Naples, Florida woman chose a very strange way to abandon a cat she had only recently rescued herself. According to her handwritten story, she saved the sweet tabby from underneath a furniture truck. He was a sweet and lovable guy, and she took him home to ‘foster’ him, dubbing him Chubbs or Chubby Lubba.
Images and media of Chubbs via Facebook/Purradise Gardens Inc.
Then, the woman discovered that vet bills for Chubbs were unaffordable. Yet what he really needed was treatment for a very bad flea problem. He scratched himself raw trying to rid himself of the pests. After a month, she decided to abandon him. But first, she wrote a note explaining that the kitty’s dream was “to become a permanent resident” of a loving home. Yet, she had an odd way of quite possibly destroying that dream.
As you can see, she took lots of time to think out her letter. Why not take some time to plan a responsible way to find him another rescuer?
Before dumping Chubbs, she called up a pet store employee to tell them she was going to leave him in a carrier at the gate. But, she learned that nobody would be there to care for him -for hours! Therefore, the cat’s life was on the line every second he was sitting outside.
As we know, cats are intelligent and traumatized by such treatment for any length of time.
“I told her it was considered abandonment and to please get the cat and bring to Domestic Animal Services. They assured me they would, but, of course, they didn’t. So now we have Chubbs,” explained Purradise Gardens Inc.
Fortunately, Chubbs was taken to safety, but that left everyone in a lurch. The cat needed immediate veterinary care, so the rescuer reached out for help from anybody who could donate. Thankfully, kind people did just that, and Chubbs was so thankful, giving lots of cuddles. But now, he also needs to find a new home.
Chubbs Trusts His New Rescuer Immediately
Despite the traumatic experience, the rescuer was thrilled to see the pretty tabby feeling so much better after his veterinary care. Although shy, he learned to trust his rescuer quickly, which is ameowzing! Bouncing back so fast is unfortunately not always how the story goes.
“This is the best part…when they start feeling better and want love and pets,” the rescue shared. “Look how handsome he is, that mackerel tabby coat and that sweet face!”
You can learn more about Chubbs at Purradise Gardens Inc. on Facebook.
Video via Facebook/Purradise Gardens Inc.
Abandoning Pets Could Put Your Own Future in Trouble
It looks like a happy ending for Chubbs, after all. But it may not be a happy ending for anybody who abandons a pet. It’s illegal, and those responsible can be found guilty of a misdemeanor, jail term, and fine, depending on state laws. That includes in Florida, where the fine could be very steep: $5,000 plus possible imprisonment.
So, if you are struggling financially, imagine what you’ll face if found guilty of abandonment. Of course, you’re also putting your pet’s life in extreme danger, as well as causing emotional trauma to them that can be lifelong. After being treated so coldly, they often lose trust in people, which can make it much harder to find them a loving home. And people who abandon pets should feel guilty about it forever, unless they have no sense of shame or guilt.
Considering all this, the last thing you should do is abandon your pet. Instead, please do your best to continue caring for them as long as possible. If money is an issue, many shelters or rescues will waive surrender fees, but it will require patience to find a spot for them. If you are responsible for a pet, they deserve some patience and planning at the very least, don’t they? Don’t give up!
Here are some tips from the Humane Society as alternatives to surrendering.
