Saturday, August 20, 2016

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

 

We’re still parked in the Sawtooth National Forest at our creekside site north of Ketchum, Idaho. Almost two weeks with no internet or phone, and it really hasn’t been that bad. With George and Tina here we’ve been busy hiking, biking, and enjoying happy hours by the creek. It’s also been stressful due to cat problems, but more about that later.

We took our bikes with us to Ketchum for a ride on the Wood River Trail. Did a loop around  the very upscale Elkhorn subdivision through Sun Valley and back to Ketchum. Lots of hills, but then this is a ski area.

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We hiked the Prairie Creek trail, just a couple miles down the road from our campsite. It’s still been a bit hazy and smoky off and on from the fires.

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Summit Creek, a steep but pretty trail accessed off Trail Creek Rd near Ketchum.

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Jim, Tina, George, Jax and Jessie.

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A ride on the Harriman trail from our site. Jim is loving his new bike seat. He also bought new grips a few days ago and is finally comfortable on an upright bike.

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And now for the bad news. Tension between the cats had been escalating since their last fight in Stanley a couple weeks ago, and we felt like they were just on the verge of attacking each other every time our friends’ dogs walked by. The last straw was when Jax ran by barking and I saw the cats in attack mode, all hairs standing on end looking at each other. Jim had just gotten out of the shower, and I knew I had to separate the cats before a fight broke out, so I quickly picked up Sophie, who was closest to me, and threw her back in the bedroom with Jim. I guess she just had to attack something, and why it wasn’t me is a mystery, but she went for Jim, who was bent over using the squeegee on the shower. Luckily his back was to her, as his butt got clawed pretty good. He had to take the clothes hamper and put it between them to keep her from attacking again. She settled down quickly and within 10 or  15 minutes was back to her sweet self. Elvis remained on edge for the rest of the evening and I finally let them back together during the night. We thought about moving to a spot where we would be alone, but we know we will continue to stay in campgrounds or park with friends who have dogs, so that really was only a temporary answer. I have been putting Bach Rescue Remedy in their food to no avail, and spoke with the vet about medicating them, but we really didn’t want to do that.

The real issue is that two people and two young, rambunctious cats cannot peacefully coexist in only 100 square feet of living space. We have always felt bad about them not having more room to run around, and before all four of us lost our minds, we made the extremely difficult decision to take them to the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley in Hailey, Idaho. Although they don’t normally take in animals from people who are not local residents, I think we were so distraught and desperate they agreed to take them. So on Thursday, after not being sure we could actually go through with it, we dropped them off with all of their scratching posts, beds, toys, litter box, food and litter, and gave them a $200 donation. Jim joked that guilt can be expensive.

We really feel horrible about all this, and I know some people will judge us harshly, but it is such a relief to be free of the stress of dealing with them. Of course we are worried about how they are doing, and whether they will get adopted, but the very kind people at the shelter assured us they will find them good homes, and that is what we are going to believe.

26 comments:

  1. I had a wonderful inside cat for five years. Then developed a serious allergy to animal dander or whatever cats and dogs leave around just by living. The cat had to go as I was constantly having bad flu like symptoms including fever. It was hard to take the cat to the local no kill shelter but it had to be done. It took me several weeks to mostly get over having to leave the cat there. After deep cleaning the house all my symptoms went away, so at least the diagnosis was correct. I feel that you should not feel horrible because if you had tried to keep them I am afraid one or the other or both would have eventually gotten badly hurt during the fighting. To me it seems you have done the right thing for the best interests of both cats. I do feel your pain though.

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  2. So glad you're still enjoying Sun Valley. We miss it already. Very sorry about the cats. I know that's a really tough decision and not one you made lightly,. The Hailey rescue is very good and I'm hopeful they'll find new homes. It's a hugely pet-friendly area. Keep enjoying those mountains for us, please.

    Nina

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  3. So glad you're still enjoying Sun Valley. We miss it already. Very sorry about the cats. I know that's a really tough decision and not one you made lightly,. The Hailey rescue is very good and I'm hopeful they'll find new homes. It's a hugely pet-friendly area. Keep enjoying those mountains for us, please.

    Nina

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  4. We had a dog once that we ended up giving away when she was 16 months old. Until that quilt ridden and unpleasant event, we never understood how anyone could give a pet away. Sometimes things just don't work out and in the end everyone is happier with a new situation.
    That area of Idaho is beautiful. We spent some time there in June - enjoy!

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  5. Tough decision. Must have been agonizing. Xoxo

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  6. There are indeed some great rails2trails in Idaho. But I am sure you will miss your traveling companions. Still laughing tho at the vision of Sophie with claws outstretched flying at Jim.

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  7. I know you made the right decision for your sanity, even though it was a difficult one. I hope you are able to enjoy the rest of your stay in such a beautiful area. I hope Jim's butt heals quickly!

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  8. Your posts make me want to explore Sun Valley more!
    Sorry about the cat situation. I can imagine that is quite tough on you both. Sounds like you made a very difficult but appropriate decision that is best for all of you. You provided a great loving home for as long as you could.
    Continue to enjoy your travels!

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  9. You lasted longer than I would have. Attacking Jim is a good "last straw," and you should not feel guilty. Hopefully they will have more room somewhere new... and they will be happier.
    That's a great bike path, and I'm glad Jim likes his new seat. I think I see on in my future if it's not too wide such that I can get my butt back over the rear wheel on downhills.
    Crispy weather moving in here... fall is in the air and I'm seeing "RED."
    Box Canyon Mark

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  10. It's kind of hard to imagine you guys without Elvis and Sophie, but it sounds like letting them go was the best option for everyone. The fact is they may end up in a situation that is better for them....like each with a whole house to themselves which is pretty much heaven for a cat. Ketchum and the Sawtooths really look nice. Jim's butterfly photos are great, you must have a real collection of them by now.

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  11. As difficult as it was, I agree you made the best decision for you and the cats. I am sure they will find a nice home where they can take their fight to some field mice or moles.

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  12. No judgement here Jim and Gayle. You did what you had to do.

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  13. So glad to hear Jim really likes his seat. I recommended it to David but he's pretty lethargic about change so I'm going back to find out what the seat is and just buy it for him. So sorry to hear about the cats but I don't see any other answer either. I know it was a very very hard decision. Hopefully as cute as they are, they will get new and separate homes. Good to hear from Nina that you were able to take them to such a good rescue. Lucky you were near there.

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  14. We had cats for years. I so understand your difficulty with two cats in such a small place and having to make this tough decision. You did the right thing for everyone:)

    Too bad those ski areas have so many hills...haha!!! Love the creative bridges that you crossed:) Nice trails:)

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  15. Sorry to hear about the cats but understand the situation and am glad you found a good place. Looks like Idaho is suiting you well.

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  16. Those log crossings look a bit daunting, but the trails are so pretty. Glad Jim has found a comfortable set up. So sorry you had to break up the family, but clearly the cats weren't loving their situation and something had to change. Not every animal or human adapts to small living. They'll find homes that better fit their needs I'm sure. Still, you'll miss them :-(

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  17. Until you have lived with a situation yourself, no one should judge, and we certainly will not. We are sure it was difficult to make this decision about Elvis and Sophie but it was probably for the best. Although we love animals, we made the decision some time ago that our lifestyle, especially spending the time we do in national parks, is not conducive to having a dog, and I have never figured out a good place for a litter box, so no cat. It sounds like you took them to a good rescue. Enjoy your remaining time in Idaho. This is probably premature, but do you have any idea where you will be wintering this year?

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  18. I feel your pain, but sometimes you just don't have a choice. I've brought two dogs back to the rescue place where I bought them, they just didn't work for me. Better to bring them to a good facility where they will have good care and the chance for a home that will work out for them. I know your relief, too - as soon as I walked out of the rescue building alone, I felt such a sense of relief - it was greater than my guilt. I still think about those dogs from time to time and imagine them in homes with people who will love them for who they are, and not for who I needed them to be. No one who knows you or loves animals will judge you harshly.

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  19. We are so very sorry to hear about the furkids. We can only image how you two must feel. Please just know that you did the right thing. Who knows...someone may have been visiting you and they turn on our guest. You did the right thing for you two and the furkids.

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  20. Pete and I send you guys our sympathy, clearly an incredibly difficult situation. It's a treat to keep up with your travels, and see your terrific photos. Hope we get to that area sometime.

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  21. So sorry to hear the bad news about Sophie and Elvis. Such pretty babies they are.

    Show of hands - how many of us have gone through this agony??? I had to give away one of my St. Bernards after three years of having her. Painful. She got along with our male St. Bernard just fine, but terrorized our two poodles, who were about the size of her foot! Long story, but she ended up with a two-acre yard and an air conditioned "dog house" (storage shed in a former life) and a two-year old boy with whom there was a mutual admiration society. I'm sure she never looked back with fondness on her time with us!

    Virtual hugs,

    Judie

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  22. Sorry to hear about your cats, I am sure they went to good homes and will enjoy their new surroundings.

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  23. We both read your blog this morning and talked about it several times. It must be gut wrenching for you. We fully understand why, but so very hard.

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  24. Sophie and Elvis are definitely in a better situation separately. I had a cat too and it broke my heart when I have to give him to my sister.
    The plus side is now you just have Jim to take care of. I hope he is mending nicely.

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  25. So sorry about the kitties. I know they will always have a piece of your heart but needed more than love......space. Not always easy to give that on the road. Day by day less of your thoughts will be consumed with wondering about them. Hoping that they each find a wonderful home and future. Hugs!!

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  26. Blessings to you both. I still carry the guilt with me from something similar many years ago so I know how emotional it can be. Time helps. They weren't happy. I'm writing this late so I know Sophie has found her forever home. Elvis will too. You did the right thing. Much love, db&n

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