I’m Just Here For Cat Food

Is October the “hand-out” month? I thought it was in the spring, but maybe they’re so successful in the spring that they’ve gotten greedy and want to over take the fall, right before the holiday’s.

I was at Tractor Supply (TSC) for cat food. It turns out the Monsters share their food with every animal that visits their domain. Domestic and wild, alike. Although, I thought about letting them starve today, I couldn’t, in good conscience, do that. I do have a heart, you know. lol. Okay, so I walk into TSC and I have to walk right past a table, with a covered tent with two older kids. They smiled and greeted me. I knew they were going to catch me on the way out because they’re right at the entrance, but whatever. I go get the 40 pounds of food, hoist it over my shoulder and walk to the register. The lady at the register was chatty with the cashier. They talked about chickens, the weather, the weekend specials and something else… and then she dug in her purse for the checkbook. I patiently waited. She’s probably very lonely and it was my fault; I was caught off guard by the greeters and rushed right past the carts, but figured there’d be no line… well, I was wrong.

I get to the register and the cashier asks me if I’d also like to purchase a very handy tarp for only $2, in addition to the cat food. I said, “no thanks, I’m just here for the cat food.” and then she pushed a 4H sign in front of me and asked if I’d like to give to the local 4H kids organization? I replied, “um. no thanks. I’ve given to enough kids organizations this month, along with Breast Cancer and the Junior Diabetes Research.” The gentleman behind me chuckled and she didn’t know how to respond, but I cannot walk into any place right now without them asking for donations. I realize it’s her job and, I have no doubt, she has to ask, so with that said, I hope she doesn’t get bombarded with rude customers today. That could ruin her spirit, all in the name of 4H. lol.

As I’m walking out the sliding glass doors, the 19 year old stepped in front of me to ask if I’d “like to make a generous donation for a faith based youth organization?” I was chanting, to myself, “they’re just kids, don’t be rude. Don’t be rude. Just say no.” …. I stopped, walked around him and said, “no thanks, I’m just here for the cat food.”

I know I’ve been on a tirade lately, but good lord, I just want to walk into a business without being asked for donations. Not to mention, I don’t think it’s right that TSC has allowed a faith based youth group to set up shop outside of their establishment.

Last week the Boyscouts knocked on my door. That’s right, they came to me, at my home. Next week who know’s who might be knocking on the door.

Okay, so, do you guys give a standard- “no, not today” response, or do you walk by them and act as though you didn’t hear one word of what they said? I’ve done that before and I have to say, I feel like an asshole either way…