Upset at the Ottawa Humane Society

**sandra** · #1 11-30-06, 01:56 pm

I am looking for a gp. I chose not to buy from a pet shop and chose not to encourage a breeder to save a pet at the Humane.... Lots of people would think its the way to go. I get to the Ottawa Humane Society and fill up the form and they REFUSED to sell me the GP that I wanted!!!! Reason?! Because my 9 year old indoor female cat is not fixed. She explained was for health reasons. How many of you agree or desagree with that? I totally desagree. I am offering a forever home for a pet, and my cage is big 5f X 4f and I have lots of time for the GP each day!!!!! I am extremely upset and I wanted to share this story with you guys to know what you guys think about all this.

**bunnylover** · #2 11-30-06, 02:06 pm

did they give a reason has to why this affected their decision?

**sandra** · #3 11-30-06, 02:13 pm

She only talked about health reason. So my indoor cat that is un-fixed is the reason she didnt let me adopt that GP. I sent a email to the Director of the place. I'll see what he says....that is 'if' he replies back. They have so-o-o-o many GP at the Humane....they all need a loving family and its really unfortunate because they refused a loving and forever home for that GP that I wanted. Am really sad.

**VoodooJoint** · #4 11-30-06, 02:29 pm

I would not rehome a GP or any animal in a home with unfixed (uncaged) animals so you would not be able to get an animal from me or from my local SPCA either as they have the same policy.

The real reason they will not adopt to you is because you may add to the animal overpopulaton problem. Having an unneutered/spayed dog or cat means that they are capable of having or creating young. This is against the policy of the SPCA which is an institution geared towards eliminating the animal overpopulation problem.

All it takes if for your cat to get out of the house once or a stray, unneutered male to sneak in (it has been know to happen). Next thing you know your cat is pregnant, adding to the overpopulation problem.

Having an unspayed/neutered dog or cat is, in my opinion, irresponsible. There is no reason not to surgically alter an animal like that. The risk is low, the benefits are high and the cost is affordable. Do your cat a favor and get her spayed. Once you do then a rescue/shelter will be happy to adopt to you.

**sandra** · #5 11-30-06, 02:38 pm

But was 'NOT' the Ottawa Humane Societe concern at all!!! They said it was for health reasons.

**piggly wiggly** · #6 11-30-06, 03:16 pm

Is it even safe to spay a 9 yr old cat? I am just asking because I was wondering if there was an age when surgery becomes risky for animals, meaning more risky because of their age.

**sandra** · #7 11-30-06, 03:28 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by piggly wiggly

Is it even safe to spay a 9 yr old cat? I am just asking because I was wondering if there was an age when surgery becomes risky for animals, meaning more risky because of their age.

Thats a good question. Lets say its technicly safe, its still lots of stress for a 9 year old cat to go through.

**VoodooJoint** · #8 11-30-06, 03:39 pm

What they said "health reasons" and what the entire truth is are two different things. The person helping you either didn't understand all the "whys" or couldn't explain them well. I have worked with the SPCA and know all the reasons a bit better then you do I think. You will just have to take my word on it unless ou want to call and speak to the director yourself.

Spaying a 9 year old cat is not normally very stressful. Vets do it all the time.

**sandra** · #9 11-30-06, 03:48 pm

So far 2 vets returned my call and them too dont understand the OHS's decision. One of them suggested me to speak with someone high up at the OHS. I left a message and am waiting for a call back. Yes she did clearly say health reason and she named something that could catch but it doesnt make sense at all. None of the vets I spoke to dont even know what it could be and see NO danger in adding a guinea pig in my home with a un-fixed old cat. PS vets might 'fix' some old pets, thats not the problem. The problem is for the older cat, more stress for them. Kittens take stress better then an old cat.

**CavySpirit** · #10 11-30-06, 03:58 pm

As VJ tried to tell you. It doesn't matter what that one person told you. The policy is there for a very good reason. Clearly, that person doesn't understand the policy. It IS the right decision. Why are you fighting it? Get your cat spayed or find another guinea pig to adopt elsewhere. You most definitely SHOULD get your cat spayed. It is irresponsible to not have her spayed.

EDIT: The reason has NOTHING to do with health. It's your having an unspayed cat that COULD get pregnant and BURDEN the shelter and CONTRIBUTE to pet overpopulation.

**VoodooJoint** · #11 11-30-06, 04:07 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandra

vets might 'fix' some old pets, thats not the problem. The problem is for the older cat, more stress for them. Kittens take stress better then an old cat.

Then you should have had her spayed when young. Your choice not to have her spayed at an early age has led you to a situation that you are not pleased with. That is one of the risks of not spaying/neutering.

**Shaffy** · #12 11-30-06, 06:17 pm

Why didn't you 'fix' her in the first place?

**Coiler** · #13 11-30-06, 06:58 pm

To fix or not to fix
Of course her cat should be "fixed" and I think she gets the point.
I understand their reason but at the same time I was upset that she might do worse and go to a petstore or a breeder.
I know you have a GP already and you want to find her a friend but.
Pleeeeease Sandra do not get a GP from a petstore or a breeder.
I was chatting and Percy's Mom suggested that you get a GP with someone that needs to rehome one.
Show your cat that you love her and get her spayed and since you really love animals get a GP with a person that needs to have a GP rehome.
Also when you get your cat spayed, tell your vet you are looking to adopt an other GP. He might be abble to help you with that.
Bless you and looking forward to meet you

**sandra** · #14 11-30-06, 07:14 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coiler

To fix or not to fix
Of course her cat should be "fixed" and I think she gets the point.
I understand their reason but at the same time I was upset that she might do worse and go to a petstore or a breeder.
I know you have a GP already and you want to find her a friend but.
Pleeeeease Sandra do not get a GP from a petstore or a breeder.
I was chatting and Percy's Mom suggested that you get a GP with someone that needs to rehome one.
Show your cat that you love her and get her spayed and since you really love animals get a GP with a person that needs to have a GP rehome.
Also when you get your cat spayed, tell your vet you are looking to adopt an other GP. He might be abble to help you with that.
Bless you and looking forward to meet you

Coiler you must be one of the most understandable person that posted so far. It is also difficult to find a gp from a home. Since they tend to go directly to shelters instead of being re-homed by the owners. If shelters are too picky about adoptions standard that is not good. If I am in this position now, imagine all the others too that couldnt adopt. Add them up... for sure its encouraging breeders, but shelters are too blind to notice that. You see if I had a male GP and it would of been refused, I would of been ok with it understanding it will multiply.... but hey its a 9 year old cat that is not even interested in going out! Coiler, we'll keep in touch see what happens until the end of December and I also look forward in meeting you.

**standuprookie** · #15 11-30-06, 07:36 pm

Shelters have to be picky, if they adopted out to anyone who walked in they would be no better than a petstore.

**VoodooJoint** · #16 11-30-06, 08:17 pm

I agree with Coiler. I don't think you shouldn't adopt. You just have to look elsewhere. Post about wanting to adopt on Guinea Lynx. I believe they have many Canadian members, one may be able to help you and not mind that you have an unspayed cat..

**sandra** · #17 11-30-06, 08:27 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by VoodooJoint

I agree with Coiler. I don't think you shouldn't adopt. You just have to look elsewhere. Post about wanting to adopt on Guinea Lynx. I believe they have many Canadian members, one may be able to help you and not mind that you have an unspayed cat..

Thanks for the info. I have placed a couple ads. BTW here's a pic of my guinea with my cat (yes the famous un-fix cat)

Thank you CavySpirit for this useful post, says:
VoodooJoint (11-30-06)

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