[Blindtlk] Quick introduction and a question for pet owners

Fri Jun 13 04:10:38 UTC 2014

Hi,
This was a helpful post. Thanks, Anitra. 

This shelter PURRson needs a talking to and I am probably going to get on my
soap box. 

I've been owned by cats since I was 7 years old. I am totally blind. My
earlier cats were outdoor or indoor/outdoor cats.I currently have 3 cats.
One sneaks out now and then but is fine when she comes in. I don't think my
cats get out any more often than a sighted cat PURRson's cats get out. Cats
will be cats and that woman needs a reality check.  

Have her read my books:
There's more than one way to love a cat
And
There's more than one way to be okay:a blind woman's PURRspective on life.
Both books include the subject of alternative techniques of blindness and
how a blind PURRson lives with her cats. If you send me your address I can
send print copies to you. The ebook version of the latter is on amazon.com 

It might be a good idea to join the NFB chapter near you. I live in
Fairfield and am an officer in the Canes and Tails chapter, Davis. I'm not
quite sure which chapter Berkeley members attend. There's an East Bay
chapter and a Bay Area chapter. They could help you. 

This is crazy making and this woman is interfering with the quality of life
of you and of this cat's getting its forever home. She shouldn't be working
there if she doesn't shape up and quickly. 
Thanks
Lauren
lauren at catlines.com
Blessings in Jesus’ Name Philipians 4:8
GOD said, "If you will not feel pain, how would you know I'M A HEALER?If you
will not feel sadness, how would you know I'M A 
COMFORTER? If you will not feel like your in the darkness, how would you
know I'M YOUR LIGHT? Child, if life is perfect, would you still know me?"
Advice from my cats:"Meow when you feel like it."
My book:"there's more than one way to be okay":
www.Theresmorethanoneway.com

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Anitra
Webber via blindtlk
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2014 7:54 PM
To: Lucy Sirianni; Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Quick introduction and a question for pet owners

Hi Lucy

When I adopted my dog there was some concern that I wouldn't be able to
handle her with her skidishness because of blindness. I assured the woman
that I coulde handle her. She has now been with me for 12 years!

I have never had a cat so I don't know if this will help. But when I leave
the house I stand in the doorway and throw a treat inside for her to chase
after while I get the door shut. 

Anitra Webber

________________________________
 From: Lucy Sirianni via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org 
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2014 10:07 AM
Subject: [Blindtlk] Quick introduction and a question for pet owners

Hi all,

      I'm Lucy, a doctoral student and graduate student 
instructor in the English department at the University of 
California, Berkeley, and a new member of this list.  I wanted to 
reach out to this group to ask for suggestions regarding a 
situation I'm currently attempting to resolve.  Over the weekend, 
I contacted a local animal shelter who had indicated a need for 
foster homes for its animals, thinking this would be something 
I'd enjoy doing and knowing I met all of the specified 
qualifications.  The staff member I talked to initially expressed 
a lot of interest and immediately matched me with a cat who 
seemed like a great fit with me and who was going to be 
euthanized in a matter of days if no one stepped forward to take 
her (unlikely, I was told, since she's on the older side).  I was 
eager to meet this cat and seriously consider taking her into my 
home, but when I happened to mention to the staff member in 
charge that I am blind, she became concerned and is now uncertain 
of my ability to care for the cat.  Her main concern is that I 
may not be able to keep the cat from leaving my house, despite 
the fact that I have explained to her in detail the measures I 
would take to ensure the cat's safety and assured her that I have 
countless blind friends who routinely and successfully care for 
animals.  I've told her that I would plan to have a bell on the 
cat's collar so I'd consistently know where she was, as well as 
my name and contact information so that she could be returned if 
she were ever to get lost; I've also suggested that, before 
leaving my home, I simply place the cat in a comfortable area 
from which she wouldn't have access to the entrance to my 
apartment.  This is all in addition to pointing out the rather 
obvious fact that vision can't in fact keep a cat indoors and 
that sighted pet owners have to deal with similar worries.  I 
would welcome hearing from blind cat owners who may be able to 
suggest other techniques or allow me to mention their situations 
in further conversations with the people in charge at the 
shelter.  I'd hate to see this cat end up dying because of 
ignorance surrounding blindness.

Thanks, everyone, and I very much look forward to being a part of 
this group!

Lucy

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