More on Misfit! - P2B

Final P2 Turned in:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/19ahtMMwA05qTqE93sStoP0irkpHBCwAARZh7XHUINnDIcquVGcnPp_0N9tjh/edit?usp=sharing

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I remember my mother so clearly, but then again how could I not? She was so beautiful. It feels like just yesterday I was with her and my brothers. I earn to see them all again, playtime was the most fun and mommy would always call us in and feed us after we were all worn out and tired. Mr. and Mrs. took care of us, played with us and sure did love to take pictures or videos of us for something called a website.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22v36t-4wf0&list=UUXqqxa3SqnPIegi_9kDfkEQ&index=37 2

I remember when Mr. took that video, we had so much fun playing together on the couch and it was so funny when mommy got up with us to play with us!

We always have a great time at home. Every so often new people would come to see us and Mr. would always let us play with them but they always left saying they would come back when we were old enough to take home. This always worried me. I loved when I had new people to play with but I would never want to leave my family. It seems like only a few days passed when Mrs. picked me up cuddled me and gently told me that I would be leaving to go to a new home and that that she would be coming for me tomorrow.  I had never left the house before, nor did I have any desire too. I just wanted to play with my mom and brothers forever and ever.

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I tried to hide for the rest of the night but Mrs. always would find me and bring me back to my brothers. I had to think of something, I did not want to leave my family but tomorrow some stranger would take me away never to see my caring mother again.

4

I couldn’t sleep that night. I walked away from my sleeping siblings and walked to the window. It was raining so hard; I watched the water drip down the glass door as I felt the cool breeze all over my fur from the crack of the door. There I sat in sorrow and sadness when it suddenly hit me! If I ran away for a little while I could just come back in a couple of days and Mrs. would miss me so much she would never want to give me away again! I took a deep breath, and didn’t look back; I walked over to the crack in the door and pushed until my little body squeezed though the tiny opening of the door.

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There were so many scary creatures at night and in the rain. It was dark and I was wet and cold. I do not remember much from that moment on, the only thing I know is that, I was scared, I was alone, and that was the last time I ever saw my home and sweet family.

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Here I am now behind these bars. I would give anything to get out here and be with a family again. I have been lost for too long and I am looking for someone who I can love forever, just like my mother once loved me. There are lots of cats here, but I am determined to get out of here. Every time someone comes into see me I just want to show my visitors how fun I am. While I show them how I used to play with my siblings and toys at my old home. I do not like being behind bars but I do love being safe and warm again. I would do anything to have a home again with someone who will play with me and never give me away. Day after day people come in and out and they all love me but always leave me here. I meow, I purr, I play, I cuddle, what am I missing? Why won’t they take me home with them?

I could feel the weight of his disappointment deep inside as soon as I closed the latch on the door of his cage. A sensation I can say I have never experienced before from a nonhuman being.  An unusual guilty feeling came over me as I walked away out of the shelter to go home knowing that I was free and yet the cat who I played with and loved for the last 30 minuets would be left behind a cage door without one.

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From the moment I first walked into the shelter I was very unsure about what to expect, unsure about how Misfit would react towards me, and unsure about how I might react towards him. I looked around at each cage and as I slowly read the name Misfit on his cage I was greeted with a big meow and his paw out of the cage door, he welcomed me. I nervously put my hand towards his small paw and to my surprise he put his paw in my palm and kept it there. I instantly felt a sensation of not only relief but also acceptance; as if Misfit was telling me it was going to be okay. There I was thinking I would be coming to the animal shelter comforting a fearful cat but instead he reassured and comforted me.
As someone who never had a cat before and have had few experiences with cats, many of which were unpleasant, for the first time I was enthusiastic to know that I could not only reach out to this cat but also spend real time with him. Before I opened his cage, I took the time to watch him and think about how I would feel in the cage. I wanted to put myself in his adorable little paws.  He was so eager to get out, so eager to play, and so eager to be loved by me. Despite being locked up in a cage all day, Misfit was sweet, kind and very lively.  He had already done for me in the few minuets of interaction that I would have ever thought imagined. Misfit was the first cat who wanted to know me. I not only was instantly attached to him, but I was also able to feel sympathy for him and every other cat. How could any being with so much energy be locked up without freedom? How could any being with so much affection towards others be without a home or someone who loves them back? I felt pain and distress for Misfit. I couldn’t help but think he deserves all the freedoms and more that I have.
When I opened the doors of his cage, he let out another loud meow. I couldn’t help but think that was his way of saying “thank you”.  I was hesitant to pick him up but he walked right over to my hand once again reassuring me that he trusted me. How could he trust someone he didn’t even know? I would have a hard time doing exactly that. Before I realized it Misfit reminded me of my spirit animal the White Tiger, who always taught and showed me new things. He soon became impatient with me and was ready to get out. I lifted him up into my arms and he purred. I was honored by his purring and held him close to my heart as I carried him to the playroom.

8

During my short visit with Misfit, I was able to extend my sympathetic imagination to him, something I never thought I could do towards a cat before. I imagined his loneliness and how he honestly believed that every person who walked into the shelter would take him home with them.
 I had always been a dog lover and had an easy time connecting with them and even to other human beings. I easily felt sympathy for these beings without even trying to. Before I interacted with Misfit, I had a hard time connecting with cats or even feeling anything at all for them at all.  He had shown me from the very start of our visit that cats have so much love to give to everyone and anything.  After my visit with Misfit, my views on cats and all other beings, human and non-human, has changed. I feel very connected to all other cats, dogs, and domestic or wild animals that deserve to have their freedom.  Thinking twice about all the other animals in the zoos that, unlike Misfit, have no chance of ever leaving their cages. How I feel about a connection between human beings seems to be bittersweet.  I do not know where Misfit came from, but it is obvious that he once had a home, where someone once loved him. While I was in the shelter I could not help but to be angry and hurt by all the owners who had dropped their cats off in the shelter, “leaving behind the lovesome creatures who would never leave them, had they once given them their hearts.”9 The more time I spent, the less sympathy I had towards human beings and the more I felt connected to non-human beings.
As I walked away leaving Misfit alone back in his cage, back without his freedom. I could feel that I was letting him down. I felt to better than the person who may have deserted him. It felt almost as he could talk and he was saying, “Do not, I beg, abandon me, I have a sure fidelity. I’ll return your love for me, I have a sense of true devotion.” 10 I did not want to leave him behind, although I knew I could not take him home from the start, something he did not know during our special time together. I left with melancholy, mixed feelings, and hope that he would find the forever home he deserved with the love he needs.

Appendix

Misfit’s Bio for the Austin Pet’s Alive! website:

Meet Misfit! Misfit is a handsome Russian Blue Cat with captivating golden eyes and adorable white socks. Always ready for fun, Misfit does great around new people and loves to be touched and played with. As soon as you enter the room, Misfit is ready to greet all his visitors with a big welcoming meow and a paw! 
Although his favorite toy is a pink shiny ribbon, Misfit will play with anyone and anything when given the chance. He adores all kinds of company and will defiantly be there to greet you every time you come home. Fun and kind, Misfit would make an amazing family cat and has excellent litter box habits. At only one year old, he is a very active cat who needs plenty of exercise and will give affection to anyone who comes near him. If you are looking for a cool, playful, outgoing companion then look no further. Misfit is the sweetest cat around town and even likes to put his paw in your hand, how adorable!?
Misfit is new to the shelter and has an unknown history. Perfect to start fresh and create your own history with this amazing cat! He is great around all kinds of people and other cats. APA! Is unsure about his behavior around dogs. This sweet kind and loveable cat not only is fun but could be your next lifetime companion. Austin Pets Alive! is giving him all the love they can, but only you can give him the home he needs. Misfit has the option for a pre-adoption which means you can come pick up this handsome cat today, but must come back to get him spayed.

All APA! foster kittens/cats are litter box-trained, tested for FeLV/FIV, vaccinated, treated for worms/fleas, microchipped and come with a 30-day health insurance plan. If you have additional questions about the adoption process, please email adopt@austinpetsalive.org.


Images and Video of Misfit:
 

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Meet Misfit Video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lo3qTLJTLY14

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Bio for another Cat, Velcro also on the APA! website:

Introducing Velcro! Velcro is an adorable orange tabby cat with golden green eyes. Without a doubt Velcro is the cuddliest cat around, as soon as you look at him he even will begin to purr. Gentile and sweet Velcro loves affection and will gladly return it to anyone who spends time with him. He is very friendly and loves to be held and rub against you. He is very calm and just wants a chance to win your love.
Velcro was recently brought into Austin Pets Alive!, without any previous knowledge about his past, so it is unknown how he acts around dogs. He is very patient and careful, perfect for a family with or without children. Velcro loves to lounge around and if given a cozy window he could lounge around all day! Although, he isn't too quick to play around his favorite toy is a large soft plush carrot with a white string on top. He loves to hug and nibble on it. 
Do not be fooled, although Velcro may be very calm and collective he is none the less very curious. He loves to explore and walk around seeing new things. At one and a half years old, Velcro is very healthy. Litter box trained and respectful, this kitty is ready to go home with you today. You can pre-adopt Velcro and give him a home right away, however you would need to bring him back to get spayed. Lovable, kind, and gentile, this gorgeous tabby cat has all the love and affection you would ever need, all he needs is a home. Will you adopt him?

All APA! foster kittens/cats are litter box-trained, tested for FeLV/FIV, vaccinated, treated for worms/fleas, microchipped and come with a 30-day health insurance plan.
If you have additional questions about Velcro, or the adoption process, please email adopt@austinpetsalive.org.



Images and Video of Velcro:

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Velcro's Video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TriddaS1DjM 19

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1 Im9, "Russian Blue Cat Wallpaper", http://im9.eu/picture/russian-blue-cat-wallpaper-1366x768

2 "Gatos Azul Ruso - Russian Blue Kittens", YouTube video, 3:54, posted by "deLlandrichBlaus", January 15, 2009, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22v36t-4wf0&list=UUXqqxa3SqnPIegi_9kDfkEQ&index=37

3 Tumblr, Think Chocolate,"Blue Russian Cat",http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/blue%20russian%20cat

4 Tumblr, kyosunlover, "Blue Russian Cat", http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/blue%20russian%20cat

5 1This is 1 Nation, "Frog vs Cat in Rain", http://1nation.eu/post/1215645764/frog-vs-cat-in-rain

6 Photo of Misfit taken by Whitney Head

7 Photo of Misfit taken by Whitney Head

8 Photo of Misfit taken by Whitney Head

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10 "“ The Cat's Prayer” by Maillol Animal Humanities, ed. Jerome Bump (Austin, Texas: 2013), 837. "

11 Photo of Misfit taken by Whitney Head

12 Photo of Misfit taken by Whitney Head

13 Photo of Misfit taken by Whitney Head

14 "Meet Misfit!",YouTube video, 0.35, posted by "Whitney Head", http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lo3qTLJTLY

15 Screenshot of Austin Pets Alive! website taken by Whitney Head
16 Photo of Velcro taken by Whitney Head
17 Photo of Velcro taken by Whitney Head
18 Photo of Velcro taken by Whitney Head
19 "Velcro",YouTube video, 0.35, posted by "Whitney Head", http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TriddaS1DjM
20 Screenshot of Austin Pets Alive! website taken by Whitney Head

Misfit Part 2

I could feel the weight of his disappointment deep inside as soon as I closed the latch on the door of his cage. A sensation I can say I have never experienced before from a nonhuman being.  An unusual guilty feeling came over me as I walked away out of the shelter to go home knowing that I was free and yet the cat who I played with and loved for the last 30 minuets would be left behind a cage door without one.

From the moment I first walked into the shelter I was very unsure about what to expect, unsure about how Misfit would react towards me, and unsure about how I might react towards him. I looked around at each cage and as I slowly read the name Misfit on his cage I was greeted with a big meow and his paw out of the cage door, he welcomed me. I nervously put my hand towards his small paw and to my surprise he put his paw in my palm and kept it there. I instantly felt a sensation of not only relief but also acceptance; as if Misfit was telling me it was going to be okay. There I was thinking I would be coming to the animal shelter comforting a fearful cat but instead he reassured and comforted me.

As someone who never had a cat before and have had few experiences with cats, many of which were unpleasant, for the first time I was enthusiastic to know that I could not only reach out to this cat but also spend real time with him. Before I opened his cage, I took the time to watch him and think about how I would feel in the cage. I wanted to put myself in his adorable little paws.  He was so eager to get out, so eager to play, and so eager to be loved by me. Despite being locked up in a cage all day, Misfit was sweet, kind and very lively.  He had already done for me in the few minuets of interaction that I

would have ever thought imagined. Misfit was the first cat who wanted to know me. I not only was instantly attached to him, but I was also able to feel sympathy for him and every other cat. How could any being with so much energy be locked up without freedom? How could any being with so much affection towards others be without a home or someone who loves them back? I felt pain and distress for Misfit. I couldn’t help but think he deserves all the freedoms and more that I have.

When I opened the doors of his cage, he let out another loud meow. I couldn’t help but think that was his way of saying “thank you”.  I was hesitant to pick him up but he walked right over to my hand once again reassuring me that he trusted me. How could he trust someone he didn’t even know? I would have a hard time doing exactly that. Before I realized it Misfit reminded me of my spirit animal the White Tiger, who always taught and showed me new things. He soon became impatient with me and was ready to get out. I lifted him up into my arms and he purred. I was

honored by his purring and held him close to my heart as I carried him to the playroom.

During my short visit with Misfit, I was able to extend my sympathetic imagination to him, something I never thought I could do towards a cat before. I imagined his loneliness and how he honestly believed that every person who walked into the shelter would take him home with them.

 I had always been a dog lover and had an easy time connecting with them and even to other human beings. I easily felt sympathy for these beings without even trying to. Before I interacted with Misfit, I had a hard time connecting with cats or even feeling anything at all for them at all.  He had shown me from the very start of our visit that cats have so much love to give to everyone and anything.  After my visit with Misfit, my views on cats and all other beings, human and non-human, has changed. I feel very connected to all other cats, dogs, and domestic or wild animals that deserve to have their freedom.  Thinking twice about all the other animals in the zoos that, unlike Misfit, have no chance of ever leaving their cages. How I feel about a connection between human beings seems to be bittersweet.  I do not know where Misfit came from, but it is obvious that he once had a home, where someone once loved him. While I was in the shelter I could not help but to be angry and hurt by all the owners who had dropped their cats off in the shelter, “leaving behind the lovesome creatures who would never leave them, had they once given them their hearts.”¹ The more time I spent, the less sympathy I had towards human beings and

	the more I felt connected to non-human beings.

            As I walked away leaving Misfit alone back in his cage, back without his freedom. I could feel that I was letting him down. I felt to better than the person who may have deserted him. It felt almost as he could talk and he was saying, “Do not, I beg, abandon me, I have a sure fidelity. I’ll return your love for me, I have a sense of true devotion.” ^2. I did not want to leave him behind, although I knew I could not take him home from the start, something he did not know during our special time together. I left with melancholy, mixed feelings, and hope that he would find the forever home he deserved with the love he needs.

Animal Research

Strong Cartesians believed that animals were merely just machines, or "breast-machine", that cannot feel pain. A Jansenist describes the action of the Cartesians and cruelty when quoted that,  "They administered beatings to dogs with perfect indifference, and made fun of those who pities the creatures as if they felt pain...They nailed the poor animals up on boards by their four paws to vivisect them and see the circulation of blood..."(576). Just for knowledge these men act cruel towards innocent animals and find ways to justify their wrong actions. For years these painful experiments have continued on and even when the times changed, the experiments did not stop, they just changed direction. Professor Thomas Aquinas "cut open a pregnant dog, removed the puppies, and then hurt them in front of the mother. Ignoring her own pain, she tried to comfort the pups."(577) He did the experiment in public and "The juxtaposition of life and death  pain and pleasure, conveyed a powerful emotional impact, and the fact that sufferer was animal rather than human did not diminish the impact"(577). He showed people that animals have compassion and care and theat humans need to act more like the animals. "Thomas Aquinas had declared that being cruel to animals could lead to being cruel to humans."(577) A message that people need to know, being cruel to innocent animals will only lead to cruelty towards friends, family, peers, and humankind. However, "Thomas did not condemn the suffering of the animal as morally objectionable in itself"(577). This is such a contradiction because how could someone learn that it is wrong to hurt animals while performing the act over and over again to teach other this lesson?

Lewis Caroll argues against vivisections (like in the picture shown above) and that it needs to be stopped. Carrol states that there should be a " total suppression of Vivisection, in whose manifesto is placed in the same category with Slavery, as being an absolute evil, with which no terms can be made."(589). I can remember in high school and middle school having to dissect a  baby pig in class. Both times my teachers stressed the importance of the lab and made it very difficult to get out of even if you felt uncomfortable. I rember one day tellling my teacher that I could no longer disect it, becuase I was so grossed out and upset by the lab. The penalty for this was to watch my group dissect and  had to document in great detail everything that occurred as well as getting points deducted from my grade.

The picture above shows that today it is taught that the experimenting on animals is okay and is taught to kids of all ages. Although these animals were dead, the concept is not a good one to teach to students and there should be alternatives for learning biology. 

Watch this video of brands and companies that do animal testing and vivisections:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d-ociITXjo&playnext=1&list=PL97AE9D0DAC2DEA79&feature=results_main

Introducing Velcro

Introducing Velcro! Velcro is an adorable orange tabby cat with golden green eyes. Without a doubt Velcro is the cuddliest cat around, as soon as you look at him he even will begin to purr. Gentile and sweet Velcro loves affection and will gladly return it to anyone who spends time with him. He is very friendly and loves to be held and rub against you. He is very calm and just wants a chance to win your love.

Velcro was recently brought into Austin Pets Alive!, without any previous knowledge about his past, so it is unknown how he acts around dogs. He is very patient and careful, perfect for a family with or without children. Velcro loves to lounge around and if given a cozy window he could lounge around all day! Although, he isn't too quick to play around his favorite toy is a large soft plush carrot with a white string on top. He loves to hug and nibble on it. 

Do not  be fooled, although Velcro may be very calm and collective he is none the less very curious. He loves to explore and walk around seeing new things. At one and a half years old, Velcro is very healthy. Litter box trained and respectful, this kitty is ready to go home with you today. You can pre-adopt Velcro and give him a home right away, however you would need to bring him back to get spayed. Lovable, kind, and gentile, this gorgeous tabby cat has all the love and affection you would ever need, all he needs is a home. Will you adopt him?

To see more of Velcro, check out this video:

Save Velcro!

All APA! foster kittens/cats are litter box-trained, tested for FeLV/FIV, vaccinated, treated for worms/fleas, microchipped and come with a 30-day health insurance plan.

If you have additional questions about Velcro, or the adoption process, please email adopt@austinpetsalive.org.

Screen shot of Velcro's bio on the APA! Website.

you can see it on the website by clicking this link!

Adopt Velcro!

Meet Misfit!

 Playful - Loving - Very Friendly

  

Meet Misfit! Misfit is a handsome Russian Blue Cat with captivating golden eyes and adorable white socks. Always ready for fun, Misfit does great around new people and loves to be touched and played with. As soon as you enter the room, Misfit is ready to greet all his visitors with a big welcoming meow and a paw! 

Although his favorite toy is a pink shiny ribbon, Misfit will play with anyone and anything when given the chance. He adores all kinds of company and will defiantly be there to greet you every time you come home. Fun and kind, Misfit would make an amazing family cat and has excellent litter box habits. At only one year old, he is a very active cat who needs plenty of exercise and will give affection to anyone who comes near him. If you are looking for a cool, playful, outgoing companion then look no further. Misfit is the sweetest cat around town and even likes to put his paw in your hand, how adorable!?

Misfit is new to the shelter and has an unknown history. Perfect to start fresh and create your own history with this amazing cat! He is great around all kinds of people and other cats. APA! Is unsure about his behavior around dogs. This sweet kind and loveable cat not only is fun but could be your next lifetime companion. Austin Pets Alive! is giving him all the love they can, but only you can give him the home he needs. Misfit has the option for a pre-adoption which means you can come pick up this handsome cat today, but must come back to get him spayed.

All APA! foster kittens/cats are litter box-trained, tested for FeLV/FIV, vaccinated, treated for worms/fleas, microchipped and come with a 30-day health insurance plan. If you have additional questions about the adoption process, please email adopt@austinpetsalive.org.

Follow this link for a neat video about Misfit! Meet Misfit!

check out Misfit on the APA! website!
http://www.austinpetsalive.org/adopt/available-cat-details/?ID=19541461