Quote:
Originally Posted by mom2twins2  Why the heck didn't you tell us all the 'background' before you asked what we thought you should do???
I don't know if I'd give the cat back now or not. If it's kept up in a bathroom all the time, it causes allergies to the sister in law and her child, plus they've had and given away 9 dogs over 3 years... well, that might change some of our opinions!! |
I didn't give that background info because some people (IRL) were telling me that it didn't matter - that I should just give the cat back anyway, regardless; yet others were telling me that it did matter. So I initially tried to make myself believe that it didn't matter; therefore, I omitted that info.
My own mother wants me to give him back to my brother (to avoid family conflict). She agreed with what most said - that I should go and get another cat, from a shelter.
My husband is leaving it up to me and said that he supports whatever decision I make.
Two of my sisters (including the one who was supposed to have taken the cat if he wasn't able to get along with my two dogs) think that I should not give him back. But my other sister is like my mom, and avoids conflict at all costs. She said that she would give him back, but that she supports me and realizes that my keeping him would be the right thing to do.
My brother has four kids, ages 8 and under. His 4 year old daughter cried when she found out the cat was gone. That is why he called and told me to give them back the cat. They didn't let their kids know they were giving him away. My mom said that she (the 4 y.o. dd) just likes knowing that the cat is there [in the bathroom].
So, yes, there is background info and I feel that it's morally right that I keep the cat. I also know that I am not objective in this situation. My emotions are involved. I'm a huge cat person but haven't had one in years because one of my brothers-in-law & one of his children are very allergic. (But they just moved out of state permanently... first thing I told them when they moved was, "I'm gettin' a cat!" lol)
I wanted opinions and advice without emotions involved - so I came here. I tried to be as vague as possible. I questioned whether I had a valid right to judge how they treat their pets. I wondered if it was MY love for this cat (and cats in general), and my girls' love for this (and all) cats, that was causing me to want to keep him.
In other words, I was and am confused as to what I should do. I know what I want to do - but is that what I should do? Do I follow the advice of some, or others? I need to make a decision today. *sigh*
Thanks for "listening." I'll update when I decide.