Question/s Regarding Blacktown Animal Holding Facility, Need quite urgent advice/assistance... Options

[kittyclaws]

Update: I'm still unable to reach Beth but I'm going to keep trying. I tried to contact another rescue agency found off the petrescue website but received a stern response that they don't rescue cats and even if they did, it would be unrealistic of me to think they'd help out; if I was to help this cat, I would have to do it myself. I have to say, that did deter me from my efforts but, if it's for a life, then I'll keep trying...

[Furkidz]

If you sre dead set on rescuing this kitty, why do you need the help of a rescue group?
Can't you adopt him directly from the pound?
Didn't you say you were going out there to visit with some friends on the weekend??

[kittyclaws]

Update: I've reached Beth (: Just had a nice chat with her about her rescues/how her kittens are etc. She said if she had time she'd be able to scope this little one out for me' something which I really do appreciate.

@Furkidz: About that. I think I've mentioned this before but well, I'm only 17; 18 in January. That means my means of help are very limited (you know, with the whole parental consent requirements). Plus exams.

As for the outing this weekend, because none of us can drive, we'd have to take public transport (there's 3 of us interested in adoption, me for the cat, the other two for a dog); that would take approx. 2 hours from where we live; time we should spend studying and hence there's reconsiderations in terms of this outing.

I know I probably look really dumb; under-age and all but completely obsessed with cats (my friends' think I'm nuts) but with limited means of help; well, if it's helping then well, I don't mind "helping" as I do. After exams, I'm going to see if I can help out/volunteer at some places and see where it goes from there.

[Lara]

Hi Kittyclaws. I just wanted to say that it's great that you are going to such and effort and I hope it works out. I know that there are lots of cats out there, but you can only do what you can do, and if this little guy has captured your attention then you have to follow it through now or you will forever wonder about him.

I adopted my Levi from a photo on a rescue site. I had him tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Aids before I would let him anywhere near Willow. He is absolutely gorgeous!!

[sazzabell]

where abouts in Sydney are you-? I just saw his picture he is gorgeous
When were you thinking was a better time to adopt him? Have you asked yet about his temperment? Have you got the OK from your parents yet?

This post has been edited by sazzabell: Nov 4 2009, 09:51 AM

[kittyclaws]

Thanks so much for the support, Lara (:

@Sazzabell: I'm located in the Bardwell Valley region and was hoping to be able to adopt him sometime after my exams; that would be after next week, give or take. When I called/emailed the volunteer, I had asked about his temperament but they said they were too busy; with +50 cats there, I understand how it'd be hard to keep track of every single one. My mum & dad are aware I'm pushing for another cat but they've kept up with the 'maybe'; it's hard to tell whether it's leaning to a definite yes or no at this stage :/
My grandma, after her recent visit, however, has left me some money for the costs of the cat and has told me to wait until after exams to ask for a definite answer. (:

[sazzabell]

@Sazzabell: I'm located in the Bardwell Valley region and was hoping to be able to adopt him sometime after my exams; that would be after next week, give or take. When I called/emailed the volunteer, I had asked about his temperament but they said they were too busy; with +50 cats there, I understand how it'd be hard to keep track of every single one. My mum & dad are aware I'm pushing for another cat but they've kept up with the 'maybe'; it's hard to tell whether it's leaning to a definite yes or no at this stage :/
My grandma, after her recent visit, however, has left me some money for the costs of the cat and has told me to wait until after exams to ask for a definite answer. (:

I remember when I was your age, I got a cat at 17 from an animal shelter :P so I can relate to your situation... So if his 'due date' is on saturday , you won't hear until after this date if you are allowed to adopt him- and by then it might be too late? Do you know if they foster cats?

ps: I might be able to help in some way if needed

This post has been edited by sazzabell: Nov 4 2009, 01:53 PM

[kittyclaws]

I remember when I was your age, I got a cat at 17 from an animal shelter :P so I can relate to your situation... So if his 'due date' is on saturday , you won't hear until after this date if you are allowed to adopt him- and by then it might be too late? Do you know if they foster cats?

ps: I might be able to help in some way if needed

Ahh, the boundaries of being 17; and not being to wait till I'm considered a responsible adult, heehee.
I have just called the Blacktown facility and they told me about the tender system and how I have to be +17 to be able to adopt (I was expecting that); when I asked about his due date, whether that would also be his date for PTS, they told me they didn't do that there...
Anyhow, I asked about rescue and they said, nope, can't help there unless a rescue agency find this cat suitable for rehoming so *shrug*
Sazzabell, if you could foster him for a while till I am able, that would be a miracle... (lol)

I was just wondering though... does PTS stand for anything (besides a term for being euthanised) because the person on the phone sounded a bit peeved I'd used that term and asked me where I heard it from (oops...) Sorry if I sound really insensitive here.

[sazzabell]

Ahh, the boundaries of being 17; and not being to wait till I'm considered a responsible adult, heehee.
I have just called the Blacktown facility and they told me about the tender system and how I have to be +17 to be able to adopt (I was expecting that); when I asked about his due date, whether that would also be his date for PTS, they told me they didn't do that there...
Anyhow, I asked about rescue and they said, nope, can't help there unless a rescue agency find this cat suitable for rehoming so *shrug*
Sazzabell, if you could foster him for a while till I am able, that would be a miracle... (lol)

I was just wondering though... does PTS stand for anything (besides a term for being euthanised) because the person on the phone sounded a bit peeved I'd used that term and asked me where I heard it from (oops...) Sorry if I sound really insensitive here.

Hi kittyclaws. I just gave them a call - just asking if they fostered out animals- they said no, and that I would have to adopt the cat then transfer the ownership to someone over the age of 18.


Do your parents have transport? Maybe you should try to meet the little cat in case he doesn't have the personality you're looking for?

This post has been edited by sazzabell: Nov 4 2009, 03:42 PM

[kittyclaws]

Hi kittyclaws. I just gave them a call - just asking if they fostered out animals- they said no, and that I would have to adopt the cat then transfer the ownership to someone over the age of 18.


Do your parents have transport? Maybe you should try to meet the little cat in case he doesn't have the personality you're looking for?

Yes, my parents have transport. Still stops me from getting out of the house until after exams but.
I've asked the advice of some friends in that the reponse to adoption from my parents is not a definite yes or no; now I feel foolish in case my parents do end up putting their foot down and give out a definite no; after all this effort & potential.
I guess I'll still endeavour to save this pretty cat's life whether he be one day my future kitty or someone else's beloved feline...

In terms of temperament, I've spoken with a Beth from Shine who said if she had time, she'd scope out the temperament of the kitty first because I am unable to at this stage. I'll wait and see...

This post has been edited by kittyclaws: Nov 4 2009, 06:42 PM

[joanne76]

Kittyclaws PTS stand for 'Put To Sleep"
Im shocked to hear they have told you they dont pts on site because they do!!!!!!!
Ive had a few conversations with a lovely volunteer out there, she goes through each cat and tells me when they are "due" and begs for me to help them.
If they dont euth then what does "due" mean and what happens after the "due" period is over?? If they dont have a foster system and are relying on adoptions and rescue where do the animals go once "due" when they are no longer on site???
Sorry Kitty Claws I'm not asking you these questions im just at a loss to understand why they dont tell the truth.

This is how Blacktown works.-Its a pound or also called an animal holding facility.
Blacktown have a tender system which is kind of like an auction. You place a bid if your interested in the animal and when the due date comes the highest bidder wins, they also have a desexing programme which is a really good thing.
If the animal receives no tenders and isnt taken by a rescue group the animal will be euthanised. Sometime during winter months or when they pound is not so full the cats can be held over past its "due" period. This wont happen at this time of year as it is kitten season and all pounds will be bursting at the seams.
If a rescue group put their name to him they will usually give a day or 2 leway in collecting him. Since i can only get to the pounds on the weekend they always hold dogs over for me past the "due" date. This may also depend on how full the cattery is.

My advice to you would be to seriously ask your parents for permission. If they say yes and this is the cat you want then you need to get him tomorrow. I assume he will be a family pet so while you are studying over the next week or so your parents could help care for him,couldnt they?
I dont think you have much chance of a rescue group taking him and holding him for you, we are all full at this time of year and struggling with flu and the like.
I hope i havent come across as harsh as i dont mean to I just wanted to give you a clear idea of what happens at Blacktown. Beth is amazing and she may be able to help you from a rescue point of veiw otherwise i think it all depends on your parents.
Good luck and i hope you can save the little guy.

[kittyclaws]

Kittyclaws PTS stand for 'Put To Sleep"
Im shocked to hear they have told you they dont pts on site because they do!!!!!!!
Ive had a few conversations with a lovely volunteer out there, she goes through each cat and tells me when they are "due" and begs for me to help them.
If they dont euth then what does "due" mean and what happens after the "due" period is over?? If they dont have a foster system and are relying on adoptions and rescue where do the animals go once "due" when they are no longer on site???
Sorry Kitty Claws I'm not asking you these questions im just at a loss to understand why they dont tell the truth.

This is how Blacktown works.-Its a pound or also called an animal holding facility.
Blacktown have a tender system which is kind of like an auction. You place a bid if your interested in the animal and when the due date comes the highest bidder wins, they also have a desexing programme which is a really good thing.
If the animal receives no tenders and isnt taken by a rescue group the animal will be euthanised. Sometime during winter months or when they pound is not so full the cats can be held over past its "due" period. This wont happen at this time of year as it is kitten season and all pounds will be bursting at the seams.
If a rescue group put their name to him they will usually give a day or 2 leway in collecting him. Since i can only get to the pounds on the weekend they always hold dogs over for me past the "due" date. This may also depend on how full the cattery is.

My advice to you would be to seriously ask your parents for permission. If they say yes and this is the cat you want then you need to get him tomorrow. I assume he will be a family pet so while you are studying over the next week or so your parents could help care for him,couldnt they?
I dont think you have much chance of a rescue group taking him and holding him for you, we are all full at this time of year and struggling with flu and the like.
I hope i havent come across as harsh as i dont mean to I just wanted to give you a clear idea of what happens at Blacktown. Beth is amazing and she may be able to help you from a rescue point of veiw otherwise i think it all depends on your parents.
Good luck and i hope you can save the little guy.

Thank you for the response joanne76 (:
I think Blacktown is mainly concerned for its reputation (perhaps also because a reputation of being known as a kill-shelter would deter people from adopting from there); which is probably why they use terms such as 'due' date and don't mention what happens to cats should they not find a home from there.
The thing is, until I finish exams (next week), my parents will not give me a straight answer; exams are first priority; after that, I can ask about whatever I want. And I don't want to push too hard right now because the answer will end up being an automatic no.
I've talked to Beth about it & she's inquired via her friend in Blacktown; I'll let you all know how it goes after I get word of what happens. Understandably, considering it's kitten season,
And no, you haven't come off as harsh. It's the reality and well, better a reality than a beautiful lie.

[joanne76]

I wish you and this boy luck. Let us know the outcome and good luck with your exams.
jo