300 Writing Prompts: The Worst Possible Outcome

This one is kind of tricky.

I've seen a pet die (a newborn puppy) which was traumatic.

But I might have inadvertently sent my old pets to their deaths, which is even more traumatic.

Back when I lived in Columbus, my boss was moving and was desperate for someone to take in her 3 cats. I, not knowing any better, including how to properly care for animals, agreed to keep them as pets (in my tiny studio apartment!). I was quickly overwhelmed. My rent went up. Cat food was expensive and they were super picky eaters. I was buying all of these pet supplies from scratch. And I hadn't even figured in taking them to the vet or anything.

The cats, as gorgeous and friendly as they were, became unmanageable. I couldn't find anyone to take them in, so I took them to a pet shelter for them to be adopted.

After the fact, I learned that it was a kill shelter, and if they didn't find homes, that would be the end.

I cried and cried and cried, feeling like I was the worst human being ever. Because of this, as much as I love animals, I don't think I deserve to be a pet owner again.