There is a little ranch house a few miles down the road with two front windows, and we go by several times a month. For years and years we've watched the windows and taken note of kitties peeking out when we drive by. Especially my husband kept track, calling out "One kitty!" or "Two kitties!" as the case might be. Just a pleasant little diversion.

A couple of years ago, the woman who lived there was found to have 55 cats, several blind and/or starving, and at least two or three already dead among the filth. She was/is not mentally competent, but nevertheless.

Now I can't bear to look at the house when we go by. It makes me cry when I think how happy we were to see their little faces, having no idea they were suffering. I just can't imagine how family members can be unaware...or if aware, how they can ignore such a situation.