Our planet has become over run with pets no one wants. We in our wisdom as a society decide the only way to handle it is to sweep the problem under the rug. I say this because instead of getting out there and strengthening animal welfare legislation, and then following through by enforcing animal welfare laws the government simply sanctions mass murder. If I had a nickel for every time I have heard someone say "it's just a dog it doesn't have feelings," I would be very rich and would have many more dogs. Why would I have many more dogs? Simply this, to save their lives.
Animals as pets have a purpose in life, they are there for companionship, some help us in the work we do. They comfort you when you are at your worst, and celebrate with you when times are good. They are loyal, and protective, two traits that require an emotional attachment. They are living breathing cognitive beings. We as humans act as if they as animals are not as intelligent or civilized as we are. Ask yourself this question however, "are we truly more intelligent than they, or do we simply not recognize their intelligence because we can not communicate with them?"
I share my life with multiple dogs as many of you are aware. I know my dogs quite well because I work with them on a daily basis. They think, they feel, and they have a society structure as we do. As a matter of fact the pack mentality is not that much different from our own idea of family. The old teach the young, the pack is run by a patriarchal alpha male, and each member has a social position. When you think of them in this manner it is very difficult to justify the mass euthanization of "unwanted" animals that is carried out in our so called "civilized" society.
Where are the efforts to stem the tide of abusively bred puppies flooding onto the market from the operation of puppy mills? Where are the serious efforts of authorities to close these operations? Why are more organizations not looking to shelters and rescue agencies for trainable service dogs? Why are there not more community organizations with programs that involve dogs? The therapeutic benefits of animals have been scientifically proven. Could we not introduce social programs that saw us training rescued animals to work with different special needs groups? I have a million questions, and a million answers, but I need help to make a difference. I have saved many on my own, but I won't be here forever. We need to educate the next generation on responsible pet ownership, and responsible breeding. We must toughen legislation, and mandate enforcement of said legislation. Once again I guess what I am saying is we must get involved. I ask you all to join me. I welcome discussion on how to begin to take the steps necessary to improve the future for animals everywhere.
Remember animals have a purpose they are living breathing, cognitive beings and should never be treated as a commodity. We wouldn't farm children for adoption, and we shouldn't farm puppies for sale.
I owe my life to a dog, I don't want recognition, I don't care who knows my name, I just want to save lives. After all, such a sacrifice should be paid forward. I wouldn't have it any other way.
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