Another Day In Court

Whenever I leave court for the Leon Teague/Driver case, I am emotionally tapped out. Once again, I left there feeling despair, angry, and bitter. I just don't know how people like this exist. Yet again, I came face to face with the reality of what many animals go through every day. It's too much to handle.
Today, I sat in court and had not only Leon, but his mother and sister directly sitting behind me. To put into words, the barrage of emotions within myself, cannot be done. I listened and heard many things that came out of their mouths that seem so unbelievable to me and yet made it so real that not one of them have any remorse for what was done. Today was just a day in the park for them. I decided that I wouldn't disclose that information here, but I assure you the apple did not fall far from the tree. You can definitely see where he got his wonderful qualities from that make him such a promising person. Horrible.

What I will share is that, I over heard him telling his mother that he is going to choose to Cop out, but he is afraid to plea because of his juvenile probation. When his case was finally called, the judge asked him where his lawyer was (if you remember, the judge told him at the last hearing he had 2 weeks to get a lawyer which is why we were in court today). Leon replied that he was was mistaken and thought the judge told him to bring his parents not a lawyer. The judge was clearly mad and knew this was yet again another tactic and scolded him telling him it wasn't a Mike and Mary, it was a Mary and John, clearly letting him know he knew he was lying. Leon again said he couldn't afford a lawyer, his mom said she didn't have a job and couldn't afford one. The judge then stated that clearly someone is supporting him if he doesn't have a job, and has a roof over his head, clothes on his back, and food in his stomach. The judge said he wanted to take a moment to speak with his mother. Leon and his family don't want to spend the money to hire a lawyer and want to use the Public Defender. The judge yet again denied that motion stating you can use the 1000.00 bail bond towards a lawyer of hire. She nor he wasn't happy about this. So yet we will have another hearing. This time no excuses will be accepted.

When court was over, clearly Leon realized who I was. It was evident in the smile on his face when he walked passed me when I was speaking with the arresting officer Mark, who I am in constant contact with. When I was leaving the court building, he and his family were off to the side and I walked straight passed them to get into my Lyft all the while, thinking how badly I needed a shower from the filth of what is this reality.

I want to take a moment to talk to you about TNR/TNA groups/people. I don't think people realize to the extent of what we do and how much we give. Nor do we get the appreciation we deserve. We are out on the streets late at night, rescuing cats who need medical care, going into alleys that are desolate and areas we probably shouldn't be. We are the ones who are paying for all the vetting and putting in the time. I want you to look at that furry little lovable cat that you adore and love so much that you adopted from the shelter. Where do you think that cat came from? Who do you think rescued him? We did. All of the friendly cats we admit to shelters, we paid for all the vetting and we don't see any of the adoption fees that are given from you to take him/her home and become a part of your family. We are just grateful that we are able to get them off the street and admitted into a no kill. Most people only donate to brick and mortar shelters, I ask that next time you think about donating, you donate to a TNR group like ours or any for that matter. We also really need your help. I didn't just walk away once I trapped Driver. I spent hours, days, and nights continuing to fight and be a voice every step of the way. I attend every court case and will continue to do so know matter what the cost of that is. And I can tell you, that it's not just with Driver, it's with all the cats we come into contact with. This is our life, our life is spent making every bit of their lives better, because they deserve that. So if you can help with that by making a donation, fostering, or doing transport then do it. It's for the better cause. Leave the myth that you have to be a brick and mortar rescue to make a difference behind and recognize the groups who are doing a catastic job and making a difference out in the field behind the scenes. Again, when you hug or cuddle your cat(s) truly think about where did they come from, because I can assure you they didn't just walk up to that brick and mortar shelter on their own.

Peace, Love, and Meows.