06/21/2026
Anyone who has followed us for any length of time and anyone who has adopted from us knows that we’re very clear on something: these fosters are our babies and we mean that for life. We tell adopters if things don’t work out, please come back to us.
And we have taken cats back - our Lucifer was adopted and returned twice. Hazel came back to us temporarily when her owners found themselves without a home, and we were able to find her another soft spot to land. Sometimes life gets complicated and people have to make difficult decisions. But there are ways to take responsibility even in those circumstances.
That’s what makes this news that much more infuriating.
Badger was a beautiful boy who came to us with his two siblings two years ago. He had the most interesting coat, with a dark stripe down his back. He was cuddly, sweet, and full of love.
Last week our rescue was contacted because a veterinary office scanned the microchip in a cat found outside. It was Badger. And when the rescue reached out to his adopters, do you know what they said?
“Just let him loose. We don’t want him anymore.”
Let’s be clear: when you adopt an animal, that’s your commitment to that animal FOR LIFE. If you can’t handle that responsibility, then it’s on you to find a solution. But dumping your indoor only cat outside and leaving him to fend for himself without a care? You don’t deserve to have an animal ever again.
Angry me wants to post this person’s name. To show up at their house to ask why. To make sure everyone they know is aware that this is how they’re willing to treat a vulnerable creature who depended on them for everything.
But I won’t. They will go on every “do not adopt” list I can find. But instead of spending any more time on them I’ll make sure that Badger knows that there are still good people. People who will love him, look out for him, and do right by him and other animals in their care. Right now it looks like his finder is interested in keeping him, so we’re hopeful that he found his new home already.
If you want to support the work behind the scenes, caring for abandoned pets like Badger, please consider a donation to Cat Haven Rescue Inc.
