Several years ago, my landlord gave me an ultimatum – get rid of the cats or be homeless. I couldn’t bear to take them to the shelter, where they’d be trapped in a cage until it was time to be put down. I called every animal rescue in town and they were all full. No family or friends would take them, not even temporarily. When my time had run out, I took them to my old neighborhood – lots of prey so they wouldn’t starve (they were great mousers), away from busy roads, and in a residential area so maybe a few kind souls might take them in or give them food.
Not a day goes by when I don’t think of them. I am crushed by guilt every day…and I know I deserve it.