By Charlie Fineran

Introducing my new cat THOMAS!! These are my first photos of him, he had been in hiding for over a week since I adopted him.

The second part of this Story is a MESSAGE, bringing to the Public’s attention, a growing problem in our region – ABANDONMENT OF PETS!!!

Last week’s “Photo of the Week” article touched on several stories, which were from different times, various subject matter and circumstances, YET, when compared with each other, melded into an interesting Introduction to my current local story.  That Story was the adoption of my new cat Thomas and the circumstances behind that adoption.  THAT SAME STORY – had no photos of my latest adopted cat THOMAS, because he had still been in hiding!!  HERE ARE THE PHOTOS!

I finally did obtain some photos of Thomas, which I had placed on Facebook with a short article SEE BELOW under ***FACTS***.

***FACTS:

1. We knew nothing about him other than that he was abandoned in a carrier on Route 94 and he had at some time had his front claws removed.

2. Apparently not the friendliest of cats when at Blairstown Animal Hospital, BUT, was probably nervous and frightened!

3. Since I have made contact with him, MAYBE I should reverse that, since he has allowed me to make contact with him, it is obvious he was/is a gentle big cat!! Of all seven of my present and previous cats, THOMAS is the only one that does not mind being picked up and carried around!!

Things are going well with both Thomas and my other cats Lucy and Lady, although, there are some sporadic hissing, yelping, an occasional lunge and/or swat at each other!! Although that is just part of having multiple cats!!

He is a beautiful large guy who finally has found a place where he can just enjoy life!!***

HERE IS THE OTHER HALF OF THE STORY!

Our region seems to be suffering through an alarming increase in Pets Being Abandoned!!  My story with Thomas is just one chapter!!  

I am assuming, the basic background reasoning behind this is our economy with inflation, just making it too expensive for some to keep pets!!  I can understand that circumstance, what I don’t comprehend, is the “Just outright abandoning of an animal, with no food, water, shelter etc., etc.!!  AND Then Not notify someone or the authorities of the pet’s location!!!  

OBSERVATION – “AND TO THINK, these were supposed to be a part of a Family!!”  Guess I better go back and check on the definition of a Family!!!

Speaking with various groups and shelters another concern exasperating this situation is the lack of needed volunteers, either at pet centers or as Foster Shelters!!  I don’t claim to have the answers, BUT, DON’T JUST ABANDON!!

Charlie Fineran

Director Open Space    

Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission – Chairman    

Allamuchy Historical Society – President