07/06/2026
During one of my drop off donations trip, I came across a woman who was actually returning trapping equipment.
Conversation:
Me: “Hi! How did you do? Were you successful?”
Her: “Yes, I trapped the cat, but couldn’t handle the idea of it being in the trap overnight. I trapped it just after midnight and decided to release it.”
It was at this point my heart started racing and my breathing changed. As I bit my tongue . . .
Me: “Oh? Did you notice it had an eartip?”
Her: “No, I didn’t see one.”
My fists were starting to clinch as I slowly turned away towards my car.
Her seeing I was irritated: “Well, I didn’t think it would be okay sitting in a kennel outside with the cold weather.”
(It was a low of 40°!)
Me: “You could put it in your bathroom.”
Her: “I don’t want that thing in my home!”
While smiling (or was I gritting my teeth), I explained to her where to go (nicely) and where the equipment should be left.
I left, filled with anxiety. I realized I just can’t do it any more. It’s just so hard to be nice.
But seriously, I’m sure I can do it. Although I don’t really want to surround myself with these kind of people once I’m able to be active again.
I’d be very happy to get a gig where I could just trap and never talk to a single person, just hand out business cards if they have questions.
