The Ultimate Betrayal: Declawing & Abandoning

There’s a particular kind of betrayal that animals should never have to endure – the betrayal of trust, of safety, and of love. For so many cats and dogs, abandonment isn’t the beginning of their suffering; it’s the final blow after a lifetime of mistreatment. Declawing, neglect, and ultimately discarding an animal is one of the cruelest forms of abandonment, and it leaves scars that go far deeper than the physical.

Nomi’s story is a powerful example. She was found outside our rescue, left alone in a box with no way to protect herself. She cried softly, frightened and confused, her helplessness breaking our hearts. We opened the box and saw a cat who had been stripped of every defense – Nomi had been declawed on all four paws, left completely vulnerable. Declawing isn’t just a cosmetic procedure; it’s a painful amputation that removes not just a cat’s claws but part of the bone, leaving them with lasting pain, trauma, and fear. For Nomi, it meant a life where she couldn’t protect herself, even if her very survival depended on it.

To declaw and then abandon an animal is the ultimate betrayal. It’s a stark reminder of why we fight so hard for every animal who comes through our doors. Thankfully, Nomi’s story has a hopeful ending. She found her forever family with the Costellos, who have surrounded her with the love and security she so deserves. But not every animal is so lucky. For many, abandonment is the final chapter, with no one to step in and save them.

We need everyone to stand up and say “no more” to this kind of cruelty. Animals like Nomi can’t speak up for themselves, but we can. We can advocate for their right to a life free from unnecessary pain, fear, and betrayal. Together, we can create a world where animals like Nomi are valued, respected, and loved from beginning to end. Thank you to every person who joins us in this fight – who adopts, donates, volunteers, and speaks out. Together, we’ve already made a difference for Nomi, and we’ll keep making steps towards a kinder world for all animals.