The psychology of animal hoarding

[gritsar]

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Good point. I was discussing that issue with friends during the recent hurricane strikes. I was pleased to see that some municipalities were allowing pets to be brought to the evacuation shelters, but not all do.

The other thing I consider is who will take care of my animals if and when I no longer can. We, my DH and I, have already decided that "the boys" (our two GSDs) and the cats will be the last ones we own. There is no one we would trust to provide them with the type of life they now have should DH and I pass within a short time of each other.

So, I just called the vet to get the boys their heartworm and flea meds. mailed out to us. Well over a $100. Would I rather spend that money on something else? Sure, but I made a commitment to these dogs from the day we brought them home. I would give up the internet, satelite TV and many other personal needs or wants before I'd have them do without.

 

[Souperchicken]

When I worked in a veterinarian's office years ago, I remember at least two people were animal hoarders. Also, I am friends with an animal hoarder who no longer has all her dogs(against her will).
One thing seems the same with all of three of these people. They were "different", as in you could tell there was something not quite right about all of them. All three seemed to have awkward social skills as in they were a little brusk in conversation and seem to have a chip on there shoulder(not very happy people). At the time all the hoarders were over 60 year old. I know this isn't the case(age and social problems) for all hoarders- just stating my experience. Oh yeah, one other thing...they all lived by themselves.

I especially remember the one man from years ago had over 100 cats living in his house and I believe he was arrested. It was in the local news and I remember before the arrest it being awkward when he would come in. He wasn't a pleasant person to be around.

My friend, and older lady, had 18 chihuahuas living in her small trailer. She was abused throughout her childhood and marriage. She is no longer in contact with any of her family, because they don't get along. She is brusk when she talks and certainly has mental issues. Her pets are her family. I think she pushed everyone out of her life and found comfort in animals.

I really think these people are doing their best for whatever mental state they are in and need professional help.

 

[Imp]

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Actually, the empathy factor of animal hoarding, is, in the hoarder's mind exactly the opposite. They truly believe that no one else could ever love these animals more than they do and that they have dedicated thier lives to saving them from awful fates. Many express a very "special connection" to their animals which they are sure could never exist for any other human.

gritsar - The reason that this behavior is classified as a psychosis is because it defies what would be considered rational thought. Those who truly have the disorder and aren't just sane people being irresponsible, can be looking at a grossly injured, ill or dead animal and tell you with complete confidence that everything is just fine. The old line that people who are truly insane don't know that they are - is sadly quite applicable.

Actually, this statement just proves my point. It's like peeling an onion ,the thought process is more than what is on the surface. They can state they are the only ones that could love the animal, but that is not reality. They don't really love the animal.
If they were really truly empathic they would be thinking and saying things like, "I can't afford to take care of this animal, I will take it to a shelter." & "If I take this animal home it will get sick & die".

Imp

 

[redhen]

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THIS... there is always some excuse why they HAD to get the animal...

 

[KDailey]

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I'm sorry but I can't agree with this part of your post.

I think they definately love the animals and it's not just about them. Most think they are helping the animals by picking them up off of the street so they don't get hit by cars or it was a super skinny stray and they just wanted to help it.

Right now I have 5 horses, 1 foal, and 1 yearling jack. One of the horses we "rescued" because she was in bad shape and she actual had a foal back in may that was not expected. Turns out she has a stifle issue and is pretty much useless as a riding horse or even a broodmare (she's not registered or anything, don't even know her breed) and she's not the lovey dovey friendly type that would be a good pasture pet for someone that doesn't ride. So guess what? We're practically stuck with her now. We did it out of the kindness of our hearts.

A lot of hoarders start out like this but since they're "saving" small animals like cats and dogs that are a dime a dozen it's much easier for them to find themselves overwhelmed. The intention was probably to help the animal and rehome it but lets face it: there's not enough homes in the world for all the unwanted animals. They find they can't rehome the animal so they keep it.

Here is where hoarders differ from other people. Take me for example: Next time a see a horse in need I'll take it to a rescue or call a rescue instead of taking it in myself. The animal has been helped but I'm not out any money and I don't have to worry about the animals issues. Hoarders get to where they are because they still want to help the animals but take them in themselves instead of to a shelter. This is fine until they can't find homes for all the animals. Here is where a normal person would say, "You know, I can't afford to be taking in all these animals." and they stop. Hoarders can't see that fine line.

But this doesn't mean they don't care about the animals or that they're only fulfilling their own selfish need. It's because they love the animals but just can't see (for whatever reason) that they are not enough for them. That the animals need something more.

You're right, you probably shouldn't have a dog if this is how you are.

 

[redhen]

I could care less how MANY animals people have. But when you start to neglect their basic care and vet care... then you are a sick animal abuser and should not be allowed to ever own another animal.
If you have 8 cats (like me), you better have money enough to at least bring them into a vet to be seen in case of sickness. I cant afford expensive treatments... but i always have enough money to have any of my animals brought in to a vet and put down humanely, if needed.
How some people can get an animal (knowing they have NO money for vet care).... is beyond me. So no, i'd say they truly do NOT have empathy for the animals, because they let them suffer instead of bringing them to a vet. They act like animal lovers to the outside world, but in reality they are animal abusers.
Totally sickening...

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Actually, the empathy factor of animal hoarding, is, in the hoarder's mind exactly the opposite. They truly believe that no one else could ever love these animals more than they do and that they have dedicated thier lives to saving them from awful fates. Many express a very "special connection" to their animals which they are sure could never exist for any other human.

gritsar - The reason that this behavior is classified as a psychosis is because it defies what would be considered rational thought. Those who truly have the disorder and aren't just sane people being irresponsible, can be looking at a grossly injured, ill or dead animal and tell you with complete confidence that everything is just fine. The old line that people who are truly insane don't know that they are - is sadly quite applicable.

Actually, this statement just proves my point. It's like peeling an onion ,the thought process is more than what is on the surface. They can state they are the only ones that could love the animal, but that is not reality. They don't really love the animal.
If they were really truly empathic they would be thinking and saying things like, "I can't afford to take care of this animal, I will take it to a shelter." & "If I take this animal home it will get sick & die".

Imp

Exactly!! If you TRULY care you do the RIGHT thing by the animal...

 

[EmtheFishLady]

I agree Red. This coming from someone who spent over a thousand dollars on a Chihuahua with heart issues...

But I gladly paid it. That dog hated me...but he was mine and I felt I owed it to him.

 

[3goodeggs]

The most difficult and kindest thing a person can do for their beloved animal is to have them euthanized when they are in pain.
They will not get cured of old age no matter how much effort you put into them. If they can not get up, drink for themselves, feed themselves, or relieve themselves without help, then it is time to start thinking about putting them down. It hurts. It is awful, but when you really CAN feel their pain -when you are truly empathetic, it will cause you to hurt to see them suffering.
The hoarder that I know will not do that. That is not empathy.
It is a mental illness that tells them that they have power over that animal. They think they have the power to cure, or the power to care for... but they do not. That is delusional, not empathetic.

Maybe not all hoarders are like the one I know. Maybe some really love their animals... individually... each one of the 100.
But, again, we are talking about a mental illness. It can not be made to make sense.

 

[redhen]

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Yep.. if i have enough money at the time, i will gladly pay it to save my animal. Sometimes i have it...sometimes i dont.. *sigh*
BUT if i dont have a grand at the time, i WILL bring it in to be seen and if needed put down so it doesnt suffer.