In our Pocono community, pets are abandoned every day due to financial difficulties, moving, and owner negligence. We have rescued animals deserted in empty homes and apartments with no food or water. We have rescued animals dropped off in the pet store bathroom and shopping carts where we hold our adoptions. We have rescued animals left in the streets to fend for themselves. We have rescued animals from hoarding situations. This is a story written through the eyes of one rescue cat named Jean. Jean, a Siamese mix, was out in the streets of a community in East Stroudsburg called Penn Estates. A call was made to Naomi Gauntlett, president of ACT, to help with this poor unfortunate cat. This is just one call out of hundreds every year…to one small rescue trying to make a difference.

Why Did You Leave Me?

I was your friend and I loved you. When you left, I waited for you, but you never came back. I got hungry and cold and cried for you. After awhile I started looking for food anywhere I could. My blue eyes got infected and now I am blind. You never had me spayed, so I have had many litters of kittens.
I am a good mother, but I am getting tired.
When my last litter was born, someone put some food out and I was brought to a rescue. I can't eat anymore. My teeth have all rotted and I am in a lot of pain. The rescue people brought me to the vet. They say all my teeth are very bad and my gums are terribly infected. I was tested, and now they say I have Feline Aids. My kittens have a 30% chance of getting the virus too. I don't know if I will be able to produce milk for them anymore.
Eating is so hard.
I am friendly and sweet. I try to be a good kitty and a good Mom. I still love you…but why did you leave me?

Jean is currently at the vet receiving medical attention in the ICU. The liaison at Creature Comforts Veterinary Service, Linda Breitlauch, is using her resources to find a placement for Jean when she is well. We are presently contacting the local newspaper hoping they will run a story so that people will be educated about abandoning their pets. Some believe that letting their cats out is better than taking them to a shelter. Jean is just one example of the terrible health issues and suffering associated with abandonment. There will be more pictures to follow Jean's progress.

UPDATE: Jean had extensive dental work done and is feeling much better and eating. Her kittens seem to be doing well.