Don't be Cruel

I didn't really plan on writing about animals, but as I watched my cats play this morning, I was once again aggravated by the circumstances which brought me the second cat, "Stitch".  I never wanted more than one cat, but I am a huge sucker.  Especially for babies.
It was about 3 months ago, and I was Christmas shopping.  Luckily, my husband was a huge help.  He walked my cart out to the car, loaded everything in and went to put the cart in the corral.  Suddenly I heard him say: "Hey, look.  A free tackle box".  I turned around and saw what appeared to be a brand new tackle box sitting in a parking spot.  "Surely not", I thought to myself, as I approached to pick it up.  As I bent down, I saw movement and knew it wasn't a tackle box.  It was a very small animal carrier, with two kittens inside.  They were so cute, and so young.  I was sunddenly infuriated.
One by one, people started stopping to se what was going on.  These kittens were so sweet and lovable, I had to do something.  My husband and I both knew we were going to end up with another cat.  However, already having a cat at home, "Echo", I couldn't just take them home without them being checked for sickness.  I was also told I only got to keep one, which I understood.  Luckily, our animal shelter is a no-kill shelter (without valid reason), so off we went.
I filled out all the necessary paperwork, they checked and spayed the cats, and in less than a week we had our new addition.  They also assured me they would have no trouble finding a home for the other kitten.  Both kittens got a clean bill of health and were as lovable as they could be.
"Stitch" took instantly to her new forever-home.  As the months have gone by, she and "Echo" have become best of friends.  They provide all-day comedy for me.
For some reason, as I watch them play this morning, I am taken back to that parking lot.  "Stitch" is so healthy, playful and lovable that it breaks my heart to think about what could have happened.  I do realize these kittens weren't "mistreated".  They were healthy and friendly, so they had to be cared for.  What I don't understand is how someone can take a totally defenseless animal, put them in a box and just dump it somewhere?  I don't care that they were taken to a very busy store where it was guaranteed they'd be found.  There's no guarantee WHO will find them, and some people are very cruel to animals.  I understand not everyone can keep and animal, for whatever reason, but there are other alternatives.  Shelters are not usually a great option, but if that's all there is, use it.  Don't risk dumping an animal for it to possible wind up in a worse situation.  These kittens were lucky, but I have seen animals not so lucky.  At least at the shelter they get food, shelter and a hope at adoption.  Dumped in the elements, who knows?
If you're an animal lover, and your shelter offers it, volunteer for the foster program.  It's a great way to do your part.  Check with your local shelter.