05/28/2026
This might be a lengthy post, but I feel it’s important to say. Honestly, it saddens my heart that I even need to spend time writing this because it’s time that could be better spent helping animals.
As most people know, rescues and shelters everywhere are overflowing and understaffed. My days are spent answering emails, texts, Messenger messages, and phone calls while also caring for the many animals that reside here. I’m not complaining because this is my choice and I love what I do. But people also need to understand there are only so many hours in a day.
This morning was no different.
I received this message at 12:03 p.m. (name changed intentionally because I have no desire to publicly hurt someone):
🟦 “Hi, my name is ‘Ima Important.’ I adopted a kitty from y’all about two years ago and I need his records for a vet appointment this afternoon at 3 o’clock. I tried to email you with no response but I’m trying to get a hold of y’all. Please get back to me as soon as possible thanks.”
Did you catch that part?
🚨 She adopted the cat TWO YEARS AGO and wanted records for an appointment only a few hours away. 🚨
Now please understand… we DO keep records and I was still able to send what we had. But records from two years ago are honestly of very little medical value today. Vaccines need updating. Rabies vaccines expire. Cats should already be established with a regular veterinarian after adoption.
At the time of adoption, adopters receive all records we have, instructions on registering microchips, and a contract stating they are responsible for future veterinary care and follow up.
When I spoke with “Ima Important,” she complained she had been calling all morning. Repeatedly calling does not magically make someone answer faster if they are already tied up helping others.
Then the situation escalated into threats from her fiancé, including threats to blast Storybook across TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and “everywhere else,” along with claims that we “treat people like garbage.”
For the record, this was Storybook’s professional response:
🟩 “We are sorry you feel that way, and we are certainly not trying to upset anyone. However, there are a few things that need to be clarified.
Apollo was adopted approximately 2 years ago. At the time of adoption, adopters are sent all medical records we have on file. We also include information regarding microchip registration and strongly encourage adopters to establish care with their own veterinarian so vaccines, wellness exams, and future medical records can be maintained properly moving forward.
In addition, the adoption contract signed at the time of adoption states that the adopter accepts responsibility for all follow up veterinary care and acknowledges the animal is healthy at the time of adoption.
Records from 2 years ago honestly make little difference at this point medically. Your veterinarian will still need to perform a current physical exam, administer a new rabies vaccine (which is only valid for 1 year initially), continue/update FVRCP vaccines as needed, and assess Apollo’s current health. They may also recommend routine deworming and flea prevention depending on his care history.
That being said, we have still tried to accommodate your request by sending whatever records we have available. Most rescues and shelters would not typically be able to provide much assistance years after an adoption.
We are glad to hear Apollo is loved and well cared for, and we wish him the very best.”
I’m sharing this not for sympathy, but for education.
Please understand that rescue workers are human beings. Most of us are exhausted. Most of us are juggling dozens upon dozens of emergencies, messages, appointments, transports, trapping situations, sick animals, adoptions, and heartbreaking decisions every single day.
We try SO hard.
We stay up late answering messages.
We spend our own money.
We sacrifice our personal lives.
We cry over animals we cannot save.
And despite all of that, we still try to help politely and professionally.
So when people become demanding, threatening, or cruel over something that could have been handled with patience and kindness, it hurts more than you probably realize.
Please remember there are real people behind rescue pages. A little grace, patience, and respect go a very long way. ❤️
