The Heart of a Sanctuary: The Community Frustrations

Frustration is a feeling of annoyance and anger caused being unable to achieve a desired outcome or goal.

Locally in Vincennes, there is a feline sanctuary. Barbara Grannan Carie. The sanctuary is ran by two people. Tricia and Pat.

Barbara Grannan Carie Feline sanctuary is a 501 3c non profit. They operate solely on donations Giving a second chance at life to cats that are sick, abused, or discarded. Also provide shelter, food, and water to community cats.

A lot of frustration is not being able to get sponsors for part time help, volunteers, community support, and so on.

Sadly within the frustration comes aggravation, and sorrow.

A few felines that have been featured on Barbara Grannan Carie Feline sanctuary Facebook page have disappeared. Such as Sir Fluffy and Old Guy. There many others. Too many to count according to Tammy Klein who is an admin for the page.

Pat posted:

"Starting at the nature preserve, the first thing I found was the deceased long-haired tiger. It appears that it was mauled to death by a dog. There is still a problem with unleashed K-9 running around; as some people think it's acceptable. This feline was way too far from the road and it's injuries were indicative of bite/maul trauma vs blunt force from an automobile. "

Furthermore....

"The second incident that took place today involved the "Besties" and Chonkers. When I arrived, I had noticed two people leaving the area, which in order to get where the feeding station, you have to go out of your way; mostly hidden. Got up to the station, the kitties were nowhere to be found. Instead, what you saw was chunks of items and water bottles that appear to have been thrown at them prior to my arrival. Chonkers came out finally, but was scared to death. Could not locate the Besties..(later after this post. They were found safe). No matter what, I'm going to have to start getting some of these community cats out of the hostile and literally "cat hating" areas soon. Additionally, there have been several kitties that you haven't seen or had a favorite, sadly they are gone."

They are so overwhelmed and completely exhausted, but love what they are doing for all the fur babies that are the voiceless.

Meanwhile:

The Vincennes Animal Shelter

"It's not saying"everything isn't running smoothly " either."

They are currently operating at maximum capacity; overcrowded with dogs and cats. Resources are stretched: While some dogs have been available for some time. They are urgently needing the community to help foster, adopt, and volunteer.

Here are a couple of factors to overcrowding:

1. Rental properties

   Most do not allow pets of any kind. Doesn't matter. If an individual or family is in process of moving. They may run into issues of having pets. Maybe forced to give up their companions to the shelter or rescue. You might find a few that will dump in the county or somewhere in the city.

2. Animals that have been returned to the shelter. Due to several reasons: allergies, aggressive behavior, wasn't a fit, didn't adjust, or other.

Remember:

Don't adopt or foster if your schedule or family doesn't fit in with the fur baby.

Final Thoughts

1. Cruelty to Animals: 91.022

2. Abandonment of Animals: 91.026

3. Injury to Animals caused by Motor Vehicle: 91.031

Tragically without love of our community. Most sanctuary, rescue, and even shelter will close; due to lack of support.

Each day when the sun rises, brings new challenges to the community cat. Not knowing if today is their last, new member, or a member dies of sickness. Every day has a set of frustration for all rescues, shelter, or sanctuary. Community efforts would minimize these frustrations, and reduce cost overruns along with population management. Sadly said, Frustrations within our community with various types of animals runs deep. There is enough blame to go around. Community leaders need to step up and start finding solutions to these every day problems.

Michael Devine

Independent Writer