That stupid woman has done it again

I take it she takes to many animals in then she care for gets into trouble with her landlord as he takes against her love of animals.Then when it all goes pear shaped .She needs therapy about only taking in a few pets as she cannot look after them in jail.I would distribute the animals to friends or someone with more room and money to keep them.By taking in so many animals is ridiculous.Why don't you suggest she takes a job in a zoo.There are lots of animals there,she cannot save every animal that comes along.Make it clear you want her as a friend but it is stretching friendship to far by expecting you to pick up the slack.Good luck.

Pat, This is a subject that I am very passionate about. I had a cousin who they considered a "lifer", in and out, in an out...in the course of his life, I spent countless times visiting him in jail. What I learned from those visits opened by eyes to a whole new world - people that I had previously judged so wrongly, the different characteristics that make up a person, the families of these people that I also judged so wrongly ( I had previously assumed that we always reap what we sow). I learned to get out of my box, and open up my mind to these people, put myself in their shoes, and just imagine if I was them. The bottom line is: Not everyone can handle the everyday pressures like others can. There may be numerous reasons why a person does the things they do, and even thinks the way they do. We may never know the whole reason, which is why I can only feel for those who can't seem to live on the right side of the law. My favorite quote is from Chelle Thompson, Editor of Inspiration Line - "Human beings seldom step outside of themselves to really grasp the needs and fears of others. We often project our own thoughts and beliefs upon strangers, and make judgements based upon how we think they 'should' be living their lives. If only we could experience a few moments insde the feelings of another person, the world would be a much more compassionate and benevolent place." Unfortunately, when people's actions disrupt our lives, we often can't see beyond our hurt and frustration. However, it's possible they feel alot worse than we do. You are there for a reason, by taking care of her animals, you are looking beyond yourself, and doing what you can do to ease her struggle. May you be blessed for that.

I'm sorry your friend is in jail, is it because of the animals? People who collect animals are often mentally ill so she may need help that you can't give. I know you don't want the animals to suffer so maybe it's time to call the ASPCA and report her? Too bad we can't force people who are truly ill to get help anymore.

Hey pat~ I really don't know the whole story so I will just kind of respond from the part that your are starting from. I don't know what this woman did and I guess it doesn't matter because quite frankly my only concern is for the animals. They aren't to blame and can't take care of themselves so the burden falls on you and whatever other neighbors are willing to pitch in and help! I don't blame you for one minute for being angry at her for putting you and others in such a lousy predicament! I do commend you and the others for being willing to pick up the slack and try to take care of the animals knowing how very difficult that must be since you have so many of your own animals to care for. But, I know that you are a gracious lady and care very deeply for animals and will do the best you can to help them, no matter how you feel about this woman! And for that I am grateful that there are people like you!

This proves to me what I already knew Pat and that is what a kind woman you are. The animals’ welfare is paramount here and it is unfair that you should pick up what she has left behind. I don’t know what this person has done to land herself I jail again but thank Goodness for people like you. You cannot feel that you should have helped more, it sounds to me as though she has made very unwise choices. Some people have a really hard time breaking the same patterns that they seem to relive over and over. It would be worth trying to convince her to give up the animals to someone who would be more responsible and not just have the expectation that you will take over for her. I hope you resolve this for the best and good on you for your care for the animals.

No way you could have done anything to keep her from jail. People just do what they do sometimes and when they do it..we are stuck holding the bag. The only thing that we can hope for is that they will one day finally wake up and see. That doesn't mean that I think you should keep picking up the pieces for her but I can see where your coming from about the animals. Why should they suffer right?

I know several people like this, Pat. These folk seem to truly wrestle with underlying emotional or mental problems, and for that, I feel compassion for them. The hard part is knowing where to draw lines. I have to wonder why, with her history, she doesn't sell the animals to someone who will give them proper attention. She must realize somewhere within herself that she simply isn't stable right now. Your own problem, drawing that line, will come in its time. It is a hard choice, so you will continue to fill in for her out of compassion, or you will realize that it has become too much and advise her to do something wise...a permanent to resolve that. It's important, or was for me, to realize that we cannot help people who just aren't ready for it, or when their problems are far beyond our expertise...or mine anyway :) I'm here for my friends, but not to enable them, as they call it today, and not to throw away good money or valuable energy any more. It just got beyond me, and though I wrestled, I have resolved my guilt over those decisions. Best of luck, Karen