Complaint Review: Cat Depot - sarasota Florida

I want to respond to this because I had a great experience at Cat Depot in Sarasota, Florida and I found the director and manager to be caring individuals.  I also had the impression that they would be approachable to complaints or concerns and I don't think I'm wrong about that.

It is evident to me the person who wrote this report does not have an understanding of the workings of an open air facility or the daily procedures at a rescue center.  Kittens are not in cages at this facility because they are fortunate enough to reside in spacious free roaming enclosures. Occasionally we put a kitten in a tower cage to feature them but that is seldom.  I have been with this center since its inception and we have always free fed dry food 24/7 and all cats are offered wet food every day of the week between the hours of 7AM-9AM. The facility is closed to the public during these times. 

 The kittens are given wet food again in the afternoons.   We have always had the reputation of overfeeding rather than underfeeding.  Our own Vet has told us that we should be careful not to overfeed.  It always amazes me that a person can visit a facility one day for a short period of time and assume to know how the place is run and what the employees or volunteers do every day.  A cat that is very thin could have recently arrived.  We get cats that are in horrible condition.  All cats are tested for FIV/FeLV,  administered vaccines, flea and worm treatments and any medication or veterinary care they need.  No expense is spared in caring for these animals.  The remarks made by this person are not only unfounded and completely incorrect,  but cruel and most unkind. As for the cats begging for more food or deprived of food? This is just not so. The only begging for food I have ever witnessed is when, at the end of the day, we provide "treats."  This is something that all the cats look forward to, even though they all have food available to them. 

It is unfortunate that when there is so much to do to save precious lives I find myself taking time to respond to incorrect information that could be so easily rectified if only asked.  In fact, I commend the person who presents suggestions and insight, and wonder what ulterior motive would prompt someone to write such malice. And, I challenge the writer to please meet with me face to face to discuss their concerns.

I am the shelter manager, and work closely with the executive director.    It really makes me angry that the individual who wrote this alluded to the fact that the director left the shelter.  She was most likely there on her day off.  Shelley and I both put in a minimum of 60 hours every week, many more hours than we are expected to do, however that is our choice.  She does it for the animals and to help bring in needed funds to support our rescue efforts so we can save more lives. She also has numerous meetings with other organizations all in an effort to increase our rescue efforts and assist other organizations. The  statement about her leaving in her Lexus was a bit peculiar, as I'm not sure what her used Lexus has to do with her passion to save animals.

If the director is holding a kitten and smiling on the website it is because she loves what she does and that smile means one more kitten is off the street and into a safe environment.  I dont think the superfluous  comment  shame on her for taking pride in and taking responsibility for a ominous and often times disheartening task of saving the lives of unwanted, abused, and injured animals makes any sense. Isn't that what a rescue center does?  

And, let's talk about proper shelter management.  Medical statistics have proven that cats require a specific amount of space to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.  To maintain an  unstressed and healthy environment we uphold these required space requirements.  To do so reduces  stress related illnesses, upper respiratory and maintains a calm environment in a group housing setting These numbers have been established by experts who are much more equipped to give statistical data after years of research. 

We do have empty cages at times and for a reason.  We could be awaiting our fosters cats  who are scheduled to come in or cats that are off site having surgery.  I suspect if other organizations are brimming with animals it is not because our organization is  under filling space, but because they have no choice.  When people fail to spay and neutering their  pets,  overpopulation occurs and the animals are sent to or picked up by animal services, who have no choice but to take them.

So far this year we have rescued and found homes for more than 600 cats and kittens. To do this, it has taken compassion and hard driving dedication on the part of our staff and our volunteers who we greatly appreciate. 

When people do not step forward to ask questions, but instead point fingers at those who are working diligently to help, I have to ask - how many hours have you put in this week to save a life? And, how many lives have you saved this year?  If it is 600 or more - you might just smile.  Although to us - every life saved is a blessing.

Marilyn Warner, Shelter Manager