I bet if we were talking about a seeing-eye dog, there would be no question, that the dog could stay.

If this cat is honetly helping the woman's mental health, and I believe it probably is, and she arranges for it's care, 1 cat in her room should be a non-issue. I hope a good lawyer can help her keep her cat!

Let the cat stay. Make the administrators leave.

How terrible! The woman has a is very ill and basically the cat is improving her overall well-being. What a no-brainer situation, let the cat stay! Patients like Shapiro need to have something to improve their mental well-being. Often times animals provide that to a patient like Shapiro. I guarantee that if they remove the cat she may experience a decline in health as a result.

Why do we have to read about these idiots? People are so extreme with how they handle situations. What ever happened to compromise?

Yes, I caught my error in the second sentence. I guess I had an idiot moment too!

I agree OhioVoter - get rid of the administrators and let this woman live in whatever peace she has left. The cat is not hurting anyone. If this was my family member I would be looking for a facility that accepted her and her cat. Start pulling money away from this place and see how fast they change their minds.

Shame on you Michael Demadall. I will certainly keep your facility, Windsong, on my list of "who NOT to patronize", should I ever be in need of such services.

More non-news...blah, blah, blah.

Bilbo.....Here is a news flash for ya....it's called a human interest story, idiot!

I AGREE SHAME ON MICHAEL DEMADALL. IT IS PEOPLE LIKE HIM THAT ARE A DISGRACE TO SOCIETY. IF THEY WANT TO HAVE NO PETS, FINE, JUST LET IT BE TO NEWCOMERS, NOT THE ONES THAT ARE ALREADY GRANDFATHERED IN. ALSO IT IS PEOPLE LIKE HIM THAT HAVE NO COMPASSION FOR HUMAN LIFE... IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU M.D. HARDLY ANYBODY CARES ABOUT THE VETERANS, DISABLED OR THE ELDERLY. YOU KNOW, WE WOULDN'T BE HERE IF IT WERN'T FOR ALOT OF THESE FINE PEOPLE. I HOPE YOU (Ansje Shapiro) CAN BEAT THIS ONE LEGALLY.

''I was told it's a liability issue,'' Grob said.


Is a fat lazy cat anymore of a liability than a patient with MS? What the hell has happened to human compassion?

"Why do we have to read about these idiots?"

Because the Beacon Journal prints this garbage so idiots like you can react to it in the way that you do. How does it feel to be an easily manipulated simpleton?

why does the Beacon print stories like this? It is refreshing to read about people trying to do the right thing for someone. (in contrast to the daily thug reports). I do hope the cat gets to stay.

"Why do we have to read about these idiots?"

Who says you have to? Don't if it's that much of a problem for you, just pass up the story. There is no reason to complain about it. You are readin it online so it isn't like you're wasting you money on buying the newspaper.

This is when our elected representatives should begin cutting off funding. We provide these facilities to help people, not for the career advancement of administrators. If This is where Windsong chooses to dig in his heels, he is more than welcome to resign.

Write those reps.

A few questions - Who actually cares for this cat? Who feeds it and changes it's litter box. (Does this fall upon staff?) Does Johanna have a private room or does she share the room with someone else that may have lung issues or an allergy? And - How is the cat confined to the room? (Does Johanna's door have to be closed at all times? - Which could result in a safety issue for her.) If the cat does get loose - Who chases it down and keeps it from getting into someone else's room that may have lung issues or an allergy?

I am sure there is much more to this story ...

I agree with Hey There - Start pulling your monies out and see what happens.

Bilbo - to quote you "How does it feel to be an easily manipulated simpleton" look in the mirror because you are reacting to these also.

I'm not a cat fan.

Please dont judge this facility without knowing the entire story. I have had loved ones in a nursing home and trust me you want them concentrating on the patients and not animals. The nursing assistants try to provide wonderful care to the people, not to pets. Why cant the family could bring the cat in. Please dont be so quick to judge!

To people that either don't have pets or to people who don't put a whole lot of stock into the pet-therapy thinking...you may think this is a silly situation. To this woman it may make the difference between having motivation to get up each day to face her illness and just giving up. Sometimes it may be something as little as a cat to keep you going! Bilbo, you've posted on other topics on here before and with the same amount of disinterest or compassion. Why don't you find a topic or cause that you can actually say something positive about? If my family member needs to move into an Assisted Living facility, it certainly wouldn't be this place because the head honcher has made it clear that he doesn't really care what makes his residents happy. If this woman can take care of the cat herself or with a family member's help...where's the harm? Good luck to her!!!

>>>Why cant the family could bring the cat in. >>> Because a pet is needed when there is no one else around. When a patient is feeling their lowest and most in need of comfort -- that's when a pet comes to the mental rescue of the person. The family agreed to provide all the care of the cat so the nursing assistants aren't caring for the cat. And truly.....I don't trust anyone who doesn't like animals.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
--Ghandi

Ghandi says smother the cat in curry.

hnybny - This woman is not in an assisted living facility ... She is in a long term skilled nursing facility. There is a BIG difference. No doubt this woman has progressed in her illness and needs TOTAL CARE ... Not just assistance.

Don't get me wrong ... I do feel for this woman. However with the care that she more than likely needs ... Much of it could not be carried out in a sanitary or sterile manner ... With a cat about ...

Like I said before ... There is more than likely more to this story ...

Silly, silly comment, that first comment. It's a federal law, a "seeing-eye dog." (Actually, I believe the law states the word "animal," but who cares.) Not much of a "bet," as you put it.

Hey, I'll also bet that the sun will rise in the east tomorrow morning. Gee, I wonder if I'll win, Bear Fan.

If she was blind and the cat had been trained to be a "seeing-eye cat," probably a different story. But she's not blind and that cat is nothing but comfort. Nice, but sorry, not protected by federal law. So bye-bye cat.

If they let her have one, then what's to prevent the next resident to demand one. And then the next resident. And then the next resident. And before you know it, the place has become nothing but one big litter box.

I have two cats myself, but I'd be a complete moron if I got to the point where I needed assisted care and didn't understand that it's a nursing home, not a petting zoo. Life sucks, but suck it up.

@John - It's trivial and contrived human interest (Classic ABJ). Many NHs and ALFs have rules against animals and it is their right. If you don't like it, go to another facility.

@anniec12 - The difference is, I'm not being manipulated like a lemming such as you.

I stand corrected. It just seems like since the cat has been there for so many years, if there were going to be health issues, they would have surfaced by now. Either way...hopefully they can all work something out to where everyone is happy.

Liability issue? You've got to be kidding me. Don't these administrators have anything better to do than worry about evicting a little cat and harrassing an ailing woman? Liability issue - oh brother.

Hmmm, I think the family should move the nice lady to another facility. It may be further away from them, and mebbe a tad more expensive, but one that allows animals in the facility should solve the problem and everyone will be happy.

Bottom line here, is that this is a business and someone made a business decision. No-buddy is makin' the patients stay there.

@bilbo: yeah, go to a another facility if ya don't like it! That oughta teach these no account low-lifes to be getting sick, eating up all that expensive medicine and dying of their fancy diseases.

We're not talking about people complaining about their burger in a fast-food restaurant here, these people are STUCK living in these facilities because they can't take care of themselves.

Fox News had this article and video about three weeks ago and the administrators would not comment then either.
Their online poll showed over 93% of people said she should not get rid of the cat.
If their is an issue I'm sure the state inspectors would have said so.
New administrators just trying to throw their weight around sounds like to me.

"Snoopy, who now calls Shapiro's room home, faces eviction. New administrators at the facility say the 10-year-old feline has to go."

This is laughable.

Number one. Pets are known to be psychologically beneficial to the aged and those suffering from dementia. One assisted living company - Sunrise - even has it as being a matter of policy to have a 'house' dog and cat in each and every home. I've seen firsthand the benefit a 'house' pet brings to a senior living facility's residents. It shouldn't be taken lightly.

Number two. Evidently the new Windsong administrators are HORRIBLE business people as anyone with half a brain could have seen the backlash the terrible PR this would bring upon a company. Yep - they have every right to establish their own set of rules. But the public has every right to ridicule them and avoid patronizing them for those decisions.

Nicely played, Windsong. This could have been the ultimate 'feel good' story for you, but you blew it.

Johanna's family - talk to a Sunrise facility. Pets are not only welcomed, they're in fact mandatory.

That's ridiculous. Cats are clean animals. They're also very quiet.

Here in the Canton area my father was in one for Alzhiemer patients and there were no issues about it what so ever. It is very successful. The cats are clean and well cared for and loved by everyone. People who do not care for cats do not have to pet them or care for them. There are enough of the others who do to carry the small burden it is for the happiness of the majority. God created the animals before He created man and He loves them. He gave them to us for a reason. Keep in mind that before the first sin, no one was eating them either so that was not their purpose. Obviously someone started a complaint at this facility or it would not have turned into the sad story it is. Some people seem to have a passon for making others miserable.Others merely love to bicker and take issue with every little thing.

Cats give off toxoplasmosis in their fecal matter. They have no business around humans who have compromised immune systems. It is not ridiculous.

I hate cats. Getting rid of them is a good thing.

cats meow.

THIS IS A CASE OF I HAVE THE POWER. NO MORE NO LESS, OTHER THAN BEING CRUEL.

It's a very heartless world we live in, its all about control, what a shame after 10 years one person wants to change it all, maybe he needs to be all alone with no one, and denied freedom from an illness...there is always a whiner, you people dont have to live with the cat so keep your negative thoughts to yourself, BILBO AND OLD GEUMP you two must be related.

Let the cat stay! Or better yet, if the family takes the cat in then the cat can visit.

People who are not pet owners basically have no clue.

"Windsong officials have not responded to calls seeking comment."

Has anyone asked the employee's who work there if there is a problem?
Or have they been told to be quiet and not talk to anyone?

I agree with Class of 73; there must be much more to this story that is not being told

@john, are people allergic to people with MS? No. So your statement makes no sense. But people can clearly be allergic to cats. Also, depending on illnesses they can be more susceptible to illnesses caused by the presence or scratch caused by a cat.

@Sparkle, it was only two weeks.

http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-nursing-home-cat-fight,0,1973114.story

I am a cat and dog owner. But if they own the facility, they have every right to make their own rules within the restrictions of the law. The family just needs to move this person or suck it up and obey the new rules.

OK you guys are right! Get rid of the cat and make the patient miserable and depressed all so some orderly doesn't have to sneeze when changing the bed sheets......you moronic people really need your own planet where you can embrace one another in the name of stupidity.

Welcome to the future of all healthcare--AUTOMATONS in Washington over-riding the patient's doctor, who is actually witnessing the patient's physical and emotional condition.

Several points here.

1. I do feel sorry for the lady.
2. Cats are disgusting. I don't like them.
3. I can understand why a business would not want a cat in the building.
4. Snoopy was a dog. Strikes me as an odd name for a cat.

I wish her well. Obviously people get attached to pets and even though cats are not my thing, I understand how it could be tough for her.

John - An allergic reaction to a cat or any other allergen is not as simple as someone sneezing while changing the bed sheets. Someone who is allergic can have a reaction that includes itchy eyes, itchy skin and hives, wheezing, shortness of breath. Plus they can go into a full blown asthma attack due to exposure. (Which can be very serious)

Boo to Windsong Care Center. Pets are therapeutic & good for a person's well-being. We need to pass pet legislation and get all landlords to allow pets & all residential facilities to allow pets.

@Nancy D, if you want to own pets buy your own house. We do not need more legislators telling owners what to do with their property. We have too much of that now.

This is truly ridiculous. I feel that Snoopy belongs with Ms.Shapiro. I hope that the Windsong Care Center will let the two stay together.

heeeere kitty kitty kittttty

the cat should be grandfathered in, the new administration has their manager hats on too tight. There are bigger things to worry about. Let this woman keep her cat.
Why are people so selfish? These newbie administrators need to take some human compassion classes before they start at a nursing home.

I think a persons health should supercede everything. If the cat has all of its innoculations and is basically confined to her room, there really shouldnt be a problem....in reality. The problem is that in society now we have a sue now and ask questions later.

Obviously this administration doesn't care about anything but the bottom line. So who is going to be affected financially? I wouldn't want my relative in a facility with such a heartless outlook. If they pick one a sick persons cat, what kind of care will they give my loved one? Spread THAT word and hit them in their pocketbook. Someone out there high enough in administration to make a difference needs to wake up.

Call Scott Bauer at Windsong and tell him how disgusted you are with him and his decision.
330.66.7373. Windsong has a website but email address is given.

I am a cat lover a dog lover and a people lover, let the poor lady have her comforting pet. People like Bilbo should be shipped off to a deserted island so none of his cruelity will rub off on those of us who are true human beings. If you or anyone else does`nt like cats, stay away from them but leave those of us that do enjoy them. I feel sorry for someone like you whose heart is a chunk of ice. Michael Vicks dogs would spit him out!

I don't think these places should be thought of as "businesses". This lady LIVES there. My elderly uncle had a cat at his retirement home. So did a few others.

Let this woman keep her cat. If this woman's family fails to keep their end of the bargain, then get rid of the cat. This whole mess is personal, and now the car center looks bad.

Let the woman keep the cat. I mean how often does it happen that someone has an animal in one of those places? This is the first time I ever heard of it.
People in that position (admin.) should make the changes needed so the woman can keep the cat. Every case should be looked at differently Cats are not a big deal to keep clean.
Slydog

"Cats give off toxoplasmosis in their fecal matter."

Strawman argument.

So do some humans - up to a third. It's a matter of proper training and employing good sanitary methods.

"They have no business around humans who have compromised immune systems."

There is FAR more risk of contracting diseases typically carried by humans such as influenza, C-diff, TB, etc. - in a nursing/assisted living home environment than the relatively minuscule chance of contracting toxoplasmosis from someone who forgot to wash their hands after cleaning the litter box.

Would you likely ban every resident that drools, or sneezes, has vomited on themselves or soiled their adult diaper too? That would certainly lower the risk of infection/disease being transferred to another resident with a 'compromised immune system'.

bilbo: Why do we have to read about these idiots?"
Because the Beacon Journal prints this garbage so idiots like you can react to it in the way that you do. How does it feel to be an easily manipulated simpleton?... BILBO.... YOU seem to be the No.1 Idoit! You obviously are the easiest to manipulate of all the simpletons!
Windsong officials - get a life. Allow this woman to have one too. I hope the public outcry will force the facility to rethink its position, and perhaps restaff its officials with one that will put the welfare of its patients first.
As for the health hazard, that would only apply to her room, (if there even is one) and the family is willing to accept the consequences. GET RID OF THE CURRENT WINDSONG OFFICIALS!

rules are rules.. we had a cat at my job once and a customer came in that was so allergic she almost couldn't breathe.. and that was withing 15 minutes. you can't endanger the lives of those around you, especially those with the job of keeping you healthy. sucks that the cat has to go, but it does.

Seeing-eye dogs are called service animals. People are allergic to dogs, too, but they're still protected by law. Cats are much cleaner than dogs and require less maintenance. Wonder if it would be possible for Ms. Shapiro to seek an injunction against the cat's removal while she petitions to have him certified as a service animal necessary for her treatment? Any sympathetic attorney out there willing to take the case?

Just a thought ...

I hate Betamax, get rid of him.
class of 73, POX to you, i'm sure you treat old people and children mean.
This cat brings quality of life to this woman and love and comfort to her.
The owners of windsong must be missing this in their lives and are jealous that snoopy doesnt love them
Leave the cat alone for god's sake and while you're at it, the smell is from dried human urine, not cat p**S

In my experiences of helping people as well as personal experiences, I know that animals (cats, dogs) are good therapy cats. My dad is retired and watches my dog during the day so she is not home alone ... she is good therapy for him. Also I noticed a homeless man reach depression because his cats were found missing also a grown tall black male cry because his puppy was hit by a car (he was homeless and his friends let the puppy loose one day) ... they should have the cat liscensed and registered as a therapy animal so she can keep it (even not she should be able to keep it) ... my cousin works in a nursing home and brings her dog to work every day ... I hope she can keep the cat

The key to all this is the reason she moved there in the first place. It's because of the cats. The article states "The family chose Windsong because it was home to two resident cats"

So if the cats have been there all along while all of a sudden do they want to get rid of the cats. I can't believe other residents are not outraged as well.

Who cares about this? Why is this news?

My mother in law had been dead in her bed for over an hour at that facility before the staff found her. I think the admin. should concentrate more on staff rather than if a person's cat can be with them. At least she won't be alone. Go to other nursing facalities and see how much compassion and company a resident pet give the people. Some of which don't even get vistiors. At least they have something alive and breathing with them.

And as for the Beacon Journal writing these human intrest stories. GOOD FOR THE BJ! People complain about the BJ reporting bad news, sad news, LeBron news. Is there nothing the keep readers happy?? This is why the newspaper industry is going under. People complaining no matter what is written. Animal stories are always read even if world and local news is bypassed. It gets the attention and action needed!

Let the lady keep her cat, and I hope that the new Administration at the Windsong Care Center in Copley Township loose their jobs; I would never recommend this facility to anyone.

mayfiesh - "Class of 73 - POX to you, I'm sure you treat old people and children mean."

Boy are you off base. It must be nice to have the ability to JUDGE people you don't even know ... I happen to be a Nurse in a Long Term Skilled Nursing Facility (Not Windsong) and have dedicated my life to working with your so called / referred to "old people." Those "old people" are not just my patients, they are my adopted family! We share our laughs and our tears on a daily bases. I buy them Christmas presents and other gifts through out the year. And I am the one that sits at their bedside when they are dieing.

As for children - I have four of my own and eleven grandchildren who will attest to my love and care.

The next time you judge someone - Try looking in the mirror first. You just might be ashamed of what you see ...

As for the cat ... I really do feel for this woman and her cat. However ... I still say that there is MORE to this story ...

I hope that a representative of Windsong comes forward and states their side of the story.

Beachin - People complain that the ABJ doesn't accurately report the news. For example, if you look at the ABJ, you get the sense America is for Obama's Porkulus Plan. But the polls show people prefer tax cuts.

If you look at the ABJ, you think Iraq was lost. But the Iraqi's just had a wonderful election.

The problem with the ABJ is it is SOOO SLANTED and the editorial staff - Mike Douglas - thinks he is so smart. He's a chump working at a low level paper and can only spit out Move On and NYT jibberish.

The Ohio Administratice Code for Nursing Homes & Residential Care Facilities states - "Each nursing home that allows animals or pets to reside in the nursing home shall establish, in consultation with the medical director and a veterinarian, and implement a written protocol reguarding animals and pets that protects the health and safety and rights of residents."

My guess ... Someone elses family or other residents have complained about the cat.

Boot the new administrators, and keep the felines.... How rediculous !! Theropy is theropy..

"My guess ... Someone elses family or other residents have complained about the cat."

Maybe. But it sure seems to coincidentally be timed with the new administration taking over. I'll vote policy mandate of the the new administration.

:)

Mrs Shapiro is my wife's sister. Mrs Grob, another sister and my wife take care of Ansje every day at Winsong.
Facts
1- The cat never leaves the room even if the door is open. The cat loves Ansje.
2-The two sisters feed and take care of the cat's needs in terms of sanitation and innoculations, etc.
3- The staff of Windsong support Ansje in wanting to keep her cat. The "new" administration is/was the problem.
4- Thanks to the Akron Beacon Journal and so many supporters in our community the recently released news today is that Snoopy can STAY with Ansje.

Hooray! So glad she gets to keep her kitty! Thanks to all who supported her-people have power if they remember to use it!

All's well that ends well ... Glad the cat gets to stay ...