January 8, 2026

𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟖: 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐨-𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥

The rain kept most visitors away today, leaving the shelter quieter than usual. We did celebrate two kitten adoptions, but otherwise it was a steady day of continuing care for our existing medical cases—nothing new to report on that front.

With the slower pace, I thought I'd take a moment to explain what "no-kill" actually means. It's a concept many people misunderstand.

Being a no-kill shelter doesn't mean we never perform euthanasia. It means we don't euthanize for space or behavior. We have mercy on those whose illness has run its course, or when a patient needs treatment they won't tolerate and would suffer without it.

When we have to put an animal to sleep, it's never done lightly. When there are no other options, we all gather around and feed them whatever they want if they're still eating. We shower them with love and make sure they know their life mattered. If they're bonded to another cat, we make sure the surviving cat gets to see them so they understand they're gone. We do ink paw prints for all our angels, and we put a print on our skin somewhere to remember them. It lets others in our lives know we've had one of those rough days.

We have a plot at the local pet cemetery where our cats' ashes are scattered so they can remain together for eternity. I visited a couple years ago to understand their afterlife care, and it was very peaceful and comforting to know they're all still together.

What few people know is that as the head vet tech, I perform a large percentage of the euthanasia's. These are always done with permission from our doctor. Since she's only there one day a week, she won't allow an animal to suffer and wait until she's available. It takes a great emotional toll on me, but I think it's important to relieve them of their earthly bodies when it's their time to go. I consider it a gift. I'm thankful to be part of their entire process.