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1. jrwhite760
   Member Profile

   We are moving are unable to afford the deposit for our cat. he is a very pretty male cat. very good with children, very well mannered, he is fixed. we really want to find him a good home and are sad that we won't be able to take him. thank you

   Posted 2 years ago #         

2. Sue
   Member Profile

   

   Have you asked if they could work out a payment plan for the pet deposit?

   Posted 2 years ago #         

3. jrwhite760
   Member Profile

   yes we have and they said that they want it up front

   Posted 2 years ago #         

4. ALS
   Member Profile

   Unable to afford or unwilling to afford? And why on earth wouldn't you find another place to live that will take all your family members? Take a good look at Petfinder.com and see how many "pretty, good with children, well-mannered" cats out there are in need of homes.

   If you have already made up your mind about getting rid of your family member, please don't try to rehome him yourself. You have no way of knowing that the next family will treat him well, or won't just dump him when it's no longer convenient for them. Please take him to PAWS or the Humane Society and let them appropriately screen the next family to make sure it's truly a forever home.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

5. LisaM
   Member Profile

   

   If the case is that you really want to keep your kitty, but just don't have the money, you may want to try Furry Faces Foundation - not sure if this is something they do - but they might!

   I agree with ALS to surrender him to the Humane Society if all else fails if the best thing to do.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

6. charlabob
   Member Profile

   

   Do what you have to do; I'm sure some people abandon a family member at the first opportunity and most don't. Good advice to find placement through someone who's experienced at it. It also might make it a bit less painful (unless you want to negotiate visitation rights.)

   I understand what others are saying, but I suspect most people in this position are in enough pain on their own.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

7. jrwhite760
   Member Profile

   ALS- we are unable to afford it, we are currently bing evicted and were about 2 days away from not having any home for us and our three children we finally found a place that accepted us and if its between taking our cat or living on the streets with our children I think we would rather have a roof over our heads, we can barely afford the move in cost let alone an addition 1000$ pet deposit. thank you

   Posted 2 years ago #         

8. Sue
   Member Profile

   

   I'm sorry they can't work something out in terms of the pet deposit with the new landlord - $1,000 is incredibly steep; I thought the $500 I paid in one apt. was high. Perhaps you can find someone to foster the cat for a while so that you can save for a pet deposit and take him back later? Perhaps Furry Faces or FCAT can help with that. I wish I could help, but my cat does not play well with others.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

9. ALS
   Member Profile

   $1000 for a pet deposit is definitely not normal. And with this pet-friendly city we live in, it blows my mind that you could not find somewhere with a more reasonable pet deposit - even if it was a short-term lease or not your dream home. I don't think you should live on the streets just so you can keep your cat, but I have a hard time believing those were your only two options.

   If they truly were your only two options, then I'm sorry if I came off as harsh - I guess too many years in rescue cleaning up other peoples' messes has left me with little faith in humanity.

   I still stand by my original suggestion to let the Humane Society or PAWS take care of rehoming your cat. I wish you the best of luck.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

10. missaudreyhorne
    Member Profile

    

    I for one think that if you cannot afford to take care of your pet, then giving it up to a family or person that can is a really good idea. How dare anyone on here judge someone else based on such a small amount of information?

    Posted 2 years ago #         

11. furryfaces
    Member Profile

    Dear OP, thank you for trying to find a safe place for your cat and your heart must be breaking that you cannot take him with you. If you live it Seattle, we reccomend Seattle Animal Shelter...they do not euthanize for space. You may also want to contact Purebreed Cat Rescue--(206) 782-2616; catpurebredrescue@hotmail.com; http://www.catpurebredrescue.org/contact.htm If you live outside of Seattle, contact either Seattle Humane Society or King County Animal Control(they are not closed; are still accepting pet surrenders; and will find a good home for you cat). If you need to talk about these options, please call us at 206-321-4729. Take Care, F3

    Posted 2 years ago #         

12. ALS
    Member Profile

    missaudreyhorne, I typed in Siamese cats in Seattle into Petfinder.com and got 4,238 results.

    Obviously there are sometimes extenuating circumstances with people who truly cannot keep their pets, but my point was that too often people don't realize just how awful of an epidemic pet overpopulation is before they decide to give up their pet. I bet all 4,238 owners of those cats either "couldn't afford" them or were "moving" or were "allergic." You wouldn't believe the excuses people come up with, when 99% of the time they probably could have kept the pet if they had found pet-friendly housing or made other adjustments to their finances, or took a Claritin and vacuumed a little more often.

    Again, I do believe there are few extenuating circumstances, but with 7 million perfectly adoptable dogs and cats euthanized in the US every year, I think we as pet owners should be obligated to exhaust every option before deciding to get rid of a pet. Even if you don't feel like you're a part of the problem because you've found the animal a home yourself, that's still one less home that could have gone to one of the animals in our shelter system. Our society tends to view pets as disposable, and I believe if it were less socially acceptable to get rid of your pet, people would try a little harder to make it work.

    Again, to the original poster, if you truly exhausted all your options, then my heart goes out to you. Despite my little soapbox rant, I'm not a heartless person, and I'm well aware of the toll the current economy is having on all of our finances. But I spend a lot of my own time, money and resources helping animals that people have given up on, and so I feel obligated to point out the repercussions of giving up an animal and to encourage people to try to make it work if at all possible.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

13. funkietoo
    Member Profile

    ALS--perhaps you might start a new topic/post and provide information about your animal rescue experiences and what each of us can/might be able to do to help with the bigger issue of animal overpopulation and abandonment. (I have 30+ years of rescue experience so understand what you are trying to convey)

    In the meantime, the OP is urgently looking for help at finding a safe home and/or place for their beloved cat and it sounds like they only have one day left. Can any of us help them out by adopting the cat or providing a temporary foster home until they are able to get back on their feet. If they decide to take their kitty to Seattle Animal Shelter, I can help with transportation if they don't have a car. Anyone else have ideas how we can help one of our community members? With all of our collective brainpower bet we can come up with some great ideas.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

14. angelescrest
    Member Profile

    

    100 people give $10=$1,000, if maintaining the cat were something manageable for the family. (And, I have total empathy for such a predicament.)

    Posted 2 years ago #         

15. 2krazy4words
    Member Profile

    

    kids, cats, and evictions are ALL black marks against you when you're looking for housing - and if you've looked recently it's not easy, tho some senior housing is finally seeing the benefits and allowing it.

    I've called my friend to see if she can foster. I have 2 rescue kitties and live in a small apt, in an absolute pinch I may be able to foster until Angelescrest completes the fund raiser. I'm scrambling to keep the roof over my head too, so can't be of much help other than trying to spread the word.

    I'm with Funkietoo on this one - lets find a solutions and fix society later ... ALS perhaps you can add to your list boosting CAT food donations when people donate to the foodbank pet drives ... ever notice how little if any there is?

    Posted 2 years ago #         

16. WSB
    Member Profile

    

    I don't know if it will help but as we do often with Forum posts that don't make connections immediately, we'll put this out on Twitter/FB too.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

17. JoB
    Member Profile

    jrwhite760..

    eviction is hard.. especially when you have children.. i know i have been there.

    giving up a family pet is a high price to pay for not living in your car.. but you have to think of your kids. I commend you for doing so.

    ALS...

    as difficult as it is to believe, jrwhite760 is lucky to have options that keep their family off the streets... Lots of people in their situation don't.

    ****

    this is a good time to remember that not everyone has the options we take for granted...

    Posted 2 years ago #         

18. Sue
    Member Profile

    

    angelescrest, I'd be willing to donate a small amount to that.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

19. JoB
    Member Profile

    jrwhite70..
    i can't help with the cat, but email me anyway
    at the least, i can spare some boxes.
    joanne at brayden dot org

    Posted 2 years ago #         

20. angelescrest
    Member Profile

    

    I'm game and willing to collect, but want to hear back from the cat owner. At this point, it may be easier to let the cat go to a great home, and not to have to hassle w/kitty upkeep while there is so much else on the plate.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

21. Robindianne
    Member Profile

    

    I'm in for donating. I'll do $25. If the owner wants it, angelescrest can I send it to you? Vets sometimes allow payments but my experience with landlords is that they don't. Perhaps it truly is an issue of the deposit being so hefty.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

22. angelescrest
    Member Profile

    

    Sure; that is so kind and generous. Or, I can make rounds (it's winter break for some of us); I've got a bit of time.
    But, let's hear from jrwhite.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

23. ALS
    Member Profile

    I would also be willing to donate if it helps the cat keep his home.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

24. sasquatch
    Member Profile

    jrwhite760, do you have documentation that this cat has had its shots? Is it an indoor/outdoor cat? Just asking because it's important to know before someone fosters him with other cats.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

25. libee
    Member Profile

    

    I'd be happy to donate too! We were in that situation when I was a kid but it worked out we got to keep our cat who lived with us for another 10+ years. My heart would have broken if it hadn't happened that way.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

26. sasquatch
    Member Profile

    Friends of the Animals Foundation can take him through myself, a volunteer, who will keep him in our warm/dry basement as we have other cats on the main floor. And then transport him to the vet for an exam. He'll end up at Next To Nature in a few weeks where someone can adopt him.

    sasha_goodwin@hotmail.com 206-409-6040

    Posted 2 years ago #         

27. jrwhite760
    Member Profile

    wow, I had no idea I would get so many different responses. Giving up our cat is the last thing that we want to do especially since our kids love him to pieces. He was given to us by someone that moved into an apartment and couldn't have cats there. We moved here from california in march and into a house here in west seattle, thinking it would not be so hard to find good jobs with having such a big city right next to us. It turned out my husband and I have both had to take jobs paying a lot less then we were making in California, we can no longer afford to stay in west seattle and are moving out to a smaller house in Woodinville, it breaks our hearts to have to take our children out of school and make them start over in another school when they have just got comfortable in their schools. Some of the responses on here from some people made me so mad because they have no idea all the things that my husband and I have sacrificed in order to try and stay here, we have had to sell absolutely everything we had of any kind of value so that we could stay here in this house as a family all of us including our cat.

    Thank you to all of you that have been kind on here and understand that I am trying to do the right thing. The cat has had all of his shots and is fixed all though I don't have any of his papers, I think that I must have misplaced them in the move.

    I appreciate everyone that is willing to donate to help pay for the deposit, I would feel really bad taking people's money but appreciate the offers. I don't know why our new place wants such a high amount for a deposit, other places we had looked at only wanted up to 400$ but we could not get approved for those places with this eviction on our records. We had to take the first and place that would give us a chance.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

28. WSB
    Member Profile

    

    Thank you, JRWhite, for sharing your story.

    We also got a phone call from someone who followed this link when I posted it to Facebook but couldn't read the whole thread on the cell phone browser and wanted some more info - that person promised to check in and see how this developed when they were back at a computer later. A couple people also have replied to our FB wall:
    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&story_fbid=225141559086&id=715950012&ref=mf

    Re: moving from California to Seattle, here is a cautionary tale (among the "other news" links on the WSB More page right now
    http://westseattleblog.com/blog/?page_id=5758
    )
    ... someone who lived in WS a year ago and is now, with a family to care for, scraping by in SF.
    http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/company-news/the-new-homeless-aspiring-web-developer-ends-up-on-san-francisc/19290233/

    Posted 2 years ago #         

29. JoB
    Member Profile

    This is what makes this recession so different than others before it...

    well educated, well trained people with a back up plan are finding themselves in trouble they never anticipated. the new homeless look and act and used to live just like us... or at least, they did till they had to spend some time in their cars.

    I can understand whys so many people are in denial about this growing problem...

    this hits too close to home.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

30. EmmyJane
    Member Profile

    

    I'm also in for $20... I can give up my monthly Starbucks allocation for a cat having a home.

    I think we should get a contract from the landlord that any amount refunded from the pet deposit gets donated to Friends of the Animals Foundation and FCAT.

    PS- giving a shout out to FAF. Our new Next to Nature FAF cat Max (fka Vinnie) is the best!

    Posted 2 years ago #         

31. angelescrest
    Member Profile

    

    Emmy, and all--
    I don't think the collection is the way the White family wants to go.
    Jrwhite: for clarification, you could email me at angelescrestk at gmail dot com.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

32. sasquatch
    Member Profile

    EmmyJane - I heart Max! Customers would fawn over him at Next to Nature. So glad you saw what a love he is. Thanks!

    Posted 2 years ago #         

33. hammerhead
    Member Profile

    

    Ok don't get me started on the getting rid of cat becuase you can't find a place to live. While I don't have any kids I DID LIVE IN MY car to keep my 3 cats about 15 years ago. I am sure you can't do that with kids too. SO that being said, Seattle Animla Control is VERY low on cats. Since he is a Siamese he should be rehomed very quickly. Sorry to poo poo Seattle Purebred rescue but don't bother with them.

    You live in West Seattle so it should not be a problem getting rid of him there. I know FAF is full. I can take him if you choose NOT to take him there. I work with the NEW All the Best Pet in Belleuve and can get him into that store.

    Sorry to be a hard ass but I am with ALS with all the rescue work I am been thru the glass for at least me is always half empty. I just took in a Purebred Siamese male all beat to hell because the DumbS*&T couldn't take care of it. She was just going to put it down, so I took him. I understand to some extent.

    If want my help call me I can take the cat as soon as tonight.

    FCAT 427-6454

    Posted 2 years ago #         

34. sasquatch
    Member Profile

    Thanks Hammerhead! It's always good to give people surrendering their pet some options. FAF has foster care available and store adoption space will open within a few weeks . Seems like this Siamese will find a home quickly. Great to see so many animal advocates offering support.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

35. elikapeka
    Member Profile

    jrwhite, I'm so sorry to hear you're going through such a difficult time. I wish I could help, but I have two rescue cats that barely get along as it is. It sounds like you have some good offers, but I wanted to mention to you and others, if you are going to rehome your pet with an individual, one thing you can do to check them out is check references with their vet. I hope things turn around for you and your family soon.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

36. hammerhead
    Member Profile

    

    I have room at the all the best pet in bellevue. so if you are serious about finding your cat a new home call me tomorrow and I will take.

    again this offer stands for 48 hr as i understand you trying move you may not have access to the internet.

    FCAT. 206-427-6454

    Posted 2 years ago #         

37. hammerhead
    Member Profile

    

    Does any one know if they found a place for the cat. I have room in my organization. They asked I do hope they let the blog know everything is ok ESPECIALLY since people were willing to donate to them to KEEP their cat.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

38. jrwhite760
    Member Profile

    thank you everyone for your response my cousin is going to take the cat for us until we can save up for the deposit. thank you

    Posted 2 years ago #         

39. WSB
    Member Profile

    

    Glad to hear this. I just did a story interview today with a volunteer-run group (not based in Seattle but with leaders including a West Seattleite) helping homeless people who don't want to be separated from their pets, which shelters apparently require, and I couldn't help but think of this situation.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

40. 2krazy4words
    Member Profile

    

    good to hear this JRWhite! Keeping him in the family is usually a good thing. My sister had always wanted a siamese, so I got her one ... then got him back :-)

    I hope things work out for you and your family. Things are hard on everyone right now, yet kindness comes from the most unexpected places as many on this post prove ...

    Posted 2 years ago #         

41. ALS
    Member Profile

    Glad you're going to make it work. I wish you the best in getting on your feet again.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

42. anonyme
    Member Profile

    I'm with ALS and Hammerhead on this one. People who rent need to consider the future likelihood of relocation, with all of the inherent and potential complications and responsibilities, BEFORE getting a pet. Companion animals are a lifetime commitment, not temporary playthings to be acquired on impulse. I don't see landlord pet restrictions as any different than restrictions on children; would you dump your children just because a particular property owner would not accept them? I've never heard of a $1,000 pet deposit, nor was I aware that rental housing is now so scarce that no other option was available. To my knowledge,the opposite is true right now.

    Anyone who wants to start blindly handing over $1,000 in increments should make their donation to a no-kill shelter instead. All of these shelters are already overwhelmed, even without the shut down of King County animal services. At least you'd know where your money was going, and your donation would benefit many animals. Bailing out one individual person who has made an irresponsible decsion does not guarantee that the animal will not be dumped later on, or that the owner will not require future bailouts for future bad choices. Unfortunately, the animal has no choice in the matter, and it is ultimately the animal who suffers.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

43. coolmama
    Member Profile

    I was just reading this for the first time today. I am a pet lover, as well, but I know once you have kids, they come first. Pets are NOT cheap-- clearly!

    To a PP: Why on earth would you suggest someone live in their car with THREE KIDS to keep a cat?!?! Crazy.

    I am glad you found a home. We currently are cat-free and I have a soft spot for Siamese, so this piqued my interest. If it comes up again that the cat needs a home, feel free to contact me to see if we're interested!

    Best of luck to you. I know this is a stressful time for your family and you really are doing the best job you can.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

44. angelescrest
    Member Profile

    

    "Bailing out one individual person who has made an irresponsible decsion..."
    Pretty cruel passing of judgment there. Ouch.
    Wishing you a peaceful and healthy New Year's and the ability to empathize. Simple and clear.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

45. justcuz
    Member Profile

    I think there's a LOT of grey area here that's hard to decipher in this limited format. Yes, empathy and understanding is in order on both sides. I'm glad that a solution was found for the OP and can also see why those who are in the "thick of things" are acutely aware of the current state of abandoned pets; it's hard to see animals given up. And while I might be showing my web ignorance (what the heck is PP?)...re-read the sentence - I think it reads "I am sure you can't do that with kids too" which doesn't come across as a suggestion to me.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

46. JoB
    Member Profile

    anonyme..

    When is the last time you saw a deposit required to have kids at a rental?

    Yes, there are a few rentals that won't take kids.. but the majority do.

    Pets.. now that's a different matter. Your options shrink exponentially when you have pets... even if you can afford the deposits. and if you have big pets, it gets even worse.

    Now add a pending eviction to the mix... options shrink even further. no landlord wants to risk being the next eviction... and those that do take terrible advantage of those who rent.. thus a $1000 pet deposit... which is unlikely to be returned.

    although i am aware that there are some people who live eviction to eviction.. counting on several months free rent during the process... most people don't plan an eviction. evictions happen because life didn't plan out the way you had hoped.. even if you had a good plan.. and back-up plans.

    Look around you. What choices have you made that would be difficult to keep if your circumstances changed?

    I adopted two rescue dogs.. and if life got really rocky i would have a very hard time keeping them.

    I'm with angelcrest in wishing you a healthy and happy new years and a little empathy...

    prudent living and planning will go a long ways towards fending off life's mishaps.. but a little luck really does help... as does the compassion and the assitance of your community if you find yourself holding a losing hand.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

47. anonyme
    Member Profile

    Angelescrest:

    Doesn't the accusation of a "lack of empathy" indicate a "cruel passing of judgment" on YOUR part? I have a lot of empathy...probably too much, in fact...for the tens of thousands of animal companions abandoned every year. I'm suggesting a little more "judgment" should be used before passing the offering plate. If this family is really in such need, is paying $1,000 for a pet deposit the best way to help them? If the concern is indeed for the family first, this is nonsensical. Self-righteousness doesn't help anyone.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

48. angelescrest
    Member Profile

    

    Is $1000 an insane amount? Yep, it is. Someone asked what we could do as a community, and so it went--merely a suggestion in the vein of micro-lending--rejected (but appreciated) by the cat owners.
    I am sure that those who responded with offers to help are the same people who give in all sorts of ways when they can.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

49. JoB
    Member Profile

    anonyme..

    while i agree that donations to animal rescue help the largest possible number of animals..

    they can't help a single family that wants to guarantee that their pet finds a new home
    or.. help with deposits or food or medical care to they can keep them...

    it's not cost effective

    only a community can do that.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

50. anonyme
    Member Profile

    I'm sorry JoB, I'm not following your logic. It seems to me that at least part of the situation you describe is exactly what animal rescue DOES do. I also thought that a few rescue groups were working on helping people with some of the other costs you describe, such as food & medical. FurryFaces, Hammerhead, can you help me out here?

    I'm glad you mention cost effectiveness. Most pet deposits run around $200. Five families could be helped to keep their pets for the price this one landlord is presumably asking. How is it cost effective to help a single family at the expense of many?

    I used to be somewhat involved with landlord/tenant issues and it was my understanding that a landlord could not make up arbitrary, individualized deposit amounts. It seems like this landlord would have trouble renting with a standard $1,000 pet deposit. If the powerful real estate lobby hasn't shut them down, I'd recommend this family contact the Landlord Tenant Union...AFTER they move in.

    I believe in community action and in looking out for one's neighbor. The issues facing us as a society and a community are huge and can feel overwhelming. JoB is correct that direct response on behalf of individuals can be an effective facet of charitable action. However, I also believe that a little logic can greatly expand the reach and effectiveness of compassion.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

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