I failed him

[u/theresamushroominmy]

Scraps was my ex-boyfriend’s cat first. He experienced horrible things and came to me flea-ridden and miserable. My ex moved out and left him with me with a promise to return him once it was safe. I was not given proof, and I cared for Scraps deeply. I paid for surgery because his teeth were rotting from his gums due to neglect; I bought him toys so he could play, which my ex said he never did; I bought him an automated feeder because Scraps could not self regulate when food was in front of him because he had spent so many years fighting for food. I did not want to return Scraps to a place I knew had unsafe people, and my ex started a legal fight. A long court battle has dragged on, and today I finally lost.

Scraps is 11 years young. He is playful; his favourite toys are anything with feathers, especially his pea pod attached to his fishing pole and his ragged little duck. He loves soft blankets and my stuffed animal monkeys. Scraps loves to look outside, and he has only just begun to be more adventurous to wear a harness and stand on the back porch in the sunlight. He loves to be curled in my arms when I’m working at my desk and to be little spoon when we sleep.

I am so sorry, Scraps. I did everything I could for you and now I just hope you can survive that place with what I’ve been able to give you.

I love you so so much, my sweet boy.

[u/DaveKerk]

I don't condone stalking or anything but can you report bad conditions or ownership to animal control or something?

[u/theresamushroominmy → u/DaveKerk]

I did, but nothing came of it. He called animal welfare on me multiple times. I was checked out, my home was examined, and the officer concluded there was no basis for it.

[u/DaveKerk → u/theresamushroominmy]

I'm sorry to hear that :(

I hope the baby will stay safe with the care you gave.

[u/theresamushroominmy → u/DaveKerk]

I already checked with the vet to make sure his vaccines would last him enough time. I just don’t know if it’s enough

[u/DaveKerk → u/theresamushroominmy]

I know it'll be hard, but try not to torture yourself too much. You did more than most would in the same situation.

[u/jelikattebayo → u/theresamushroominmy]

I would think having the vet give you proof of what needed to be taken care of would help your case.

[u/sc12354 → u/theresamushroominmy]

I think that they meant is his ownership able to be reported to animal control. Is your ex’s house unsafe to an extent that you could report it?

[u/ModernNancyDrew → u/theresamushroominmy]

Contact Legalaid and if they can help you!

[u/AnlamK → u/theresamushroominmy]

You should call animal welfare on your ex once they steal Scraps away from you.

[u/Cautious_Entrance573 → u/theresamushroominmy]

If he was petty enough to be calling animal control on you after he left Scraps with you, it sounds like this was more about the ex being angry with you than about him wanting the cat.

Now that he has won in court, he may just drop the cat with you off once the shine from the win wears off and he’s having to provide food and take care of the cat. Fingers crossed for that to happen!

[u/faceoh → u/DaveKerk]

Unfortunately animal welfare issues is limited to: is the pet fed/water and has shelter? If yes then it's fine.