Muscatine

MIL,

You and I have always got along. That is why I was trying to make this a respectful conversation. Maybe we can agree to disagree. But I would still like to make my point. Yes, I know what cat pee smells like, but have you ever smelled what urine smells like from and elderly persons diaper? It would knock you over and way worse than cat pee. Maybe they wasn't willing to pay for cat litter and cat food for the cats. And dear MIL, never assume that I don't work there, or don't assume that I am not a free volunteer. Maybe I am....maybe I'm not. You should never accuse someone of not doing enough charity, because some of us like to remain annoymous and not brag about our involvement with children, teens, elderly, animals, the poor and Nedl.

The whole point of the story is an elderly woman who had her baby ripped out of her arms. As far as I know, the cat never left her room, so why was it such a bother? Also, being an animal lover (which is no secret here), I do not believe in caging birds. A cat and a bird are totally different. What can you do with a caged bird? Look at it in it's misery because it can't fly the way nature made it??????? Can you pet it, hug it, cuddle it, and sleep with it like a cat? Do the residents get to touch the chickens and ducks like they did the cats? In my humble opinion, I'd rather cuddle a cat than deal with some of the faculty out there.

By the way, if I should donate my time, why are YOUR parents out there? You expect OTHER people to donate their time to YOUR parents? Think about it.

Thank you DF, I think. Lol. I would like to add my two cents here. So many of my own kin and friends have been residents of Lutheran homes in the past. My grandmom, mom, and an aunt most recently. Even though the residents get great care, they need all the little diversions they can get. Sitting in front of a TV all day will turn your mind into a turnip in time. Look at your own youngsters for examples of that. Sitting around talking to other turnips isn't very stimulating. Read chosen's posts for examples of that. Animals wandering around looking for a loving pat or cuddle helps tremendously. I'm all for it.

Well maybe we can agree.  I don't like caged birds either.  The cats were not kept in one room they roamed as they wanted to. The staff at the care center cared about the cats, and when they started blader problems they were taken to the vet.  Many attempts to rectify the situation were taken My parents arn't there. nor my grand parents but I feel and care about these residents as if they were my grand parents or parents.  And I spend many hours out there.  I don't assum anything.  But to pass on something you heard ( the cat was RIPPED from a residents arms) doesent do any one any good but incite someone to be upset.  As has happened obvesouly by all these posts.  Further more I have owned cats AND For 14 years I worked taking care of those nasty old diapers you refered to at a different facility.  So I'm very familiar with both.