Heartbreak in Manhattan: Cat Abandoned with Plea for Help

Senior feline left in stroller finds temporary refuge amid shelter crisis.

A routine afternoon for a Manhattan resident took a poignant turn when he discovered a cat abandoned in a stroller, accompanied by a heartbreaking note. The discovery prompted a call to Animal Haven, a local non-profit dedicated to assisting stray animals.

A Desperate Plea

The individual, walking through Midtown, Midtown, New York, encountered a stroller left unattended on a path. Inside, he found a cat and a handwritten message detailing the animal’s circumstances. The note identified the cat as “Pumpkin,” aged 10, born in 2015, and implored the finder to “Please find a home for Pumpkin.”

The note continued with a somber explanation: “You will get used to other cats in two weeks. I recently was homeless, I can’t take care of it … I’m sorry.”

Shelter Overwhelmed, Yet Compassionate

After finding the cat, the concerned citizen contacted numerous rescue organizations, but each reported being at full capacity. Despite also facing overcrowding, Animal Haven stepped in. “We are also at the capacity limit, but we simply couldn’t leave it on a busy street of Midtown,” the shelter stated in a social media post.

A volunteer from Animal Haven transported Pumpkin to the shelter, providing a temporary enclosure. Though initially scared, the ten-year-old feline proved to be affectionate. Staff expressed empathy for Pumpkin’s former guardian, noting, “It is evident that Pumpkin was loved. We are disconsolate by her, but also by her tutor who, when faced with the lack of home, had to feel that she had no choice but to leave Pumpkin with this Supplica of written handwritten help.”

Hope for a Forever Home

Pumpkin is now being cared for, with staff committed to keeping her safe and warm until a suitable permanent home is found. She is gradually adapting to her new environment, and her director of projects and collaborations, **Kristen Kenney**, shared that Pumpkin “is incredibly sweet, although a bit confused with its new environment in the shelter.” She is available for adoption and has already garnered interest.

A Widespread Crisis

Animal Haven highlighted the broader issue of shelter overcrowding, stating, “We are in a crisis. The shelters are not only overcrowded, but they are reaching record levels of excess capacity.” They emphasized that Pumpkin’s story is not unique and that shelters nationwide are in urgent need of support. The organization advocates for adoption, fostering, donations, and spreading awareness about animal sterilization.

In the United States, animal shelters reported an average of 4.5 million animal admissions in 2023, with many operating beyond their capacity, according to the ASPCA (ASPCA 2023 Data).

Animal Haven remains hopeful for Pumpkin’s “happy forever,” continuing to provide her with the affection she deserves while urging the public to assist in addressing the ongoing animal welfare crisis.