The other day I had a posting on my Facebook page about a
dog that had to be euthanized because he/she had maggots. This shocked me. I thought to myself, ‘how does a dog get
maggots…really’? What kind of conditions
and prolonged neglect take place for this to get to a point where the only
option is to euthanize the dog? I didn’t read the article, as I knew it’d only
serve a purpose of making me angry. I
did leave a comment though. I’m thinking in this case it was an intentional
act. After this, I did read an article about how dogs get maggots, but for the
situation to get to an advanced stage without somebody noticing there is some
kind of problem is beyond me. That to me
is outright neglect.
There is so much of this going on, and I know turning a
blind eye to it does not make it go away.
That wasn’t what I was doing when I didn’t read about this particular
dog. I read and see a lot and it sickens
me and most times upsets my stomach when I read articles or watch videos about
abuse and neglect. Social networks have
brought much of this into the light, and it needs to be. By doing so issues and problems get
resolved. Unfortunately, it does not
make it cease completely. Persons who do
these unimaginable deeds to these sweet and innocent creatures, in my opinion
do not deserve to be considered part of the ‘human’ race.
When I see pictures and read stories about abused and
neglected animals I get an overwhelming feeling that I want and need to do
more. It cuts me to my heart to know
this exists. I have shed so many tears
and prayed so many prayers for their protection. Since they are unable to ‘speak’ for
themselves, we have to be their voice, otherwise they suffer in silence, and
this is absolutely unnecessary. I have
stated many times before in my blog how much I love dogs…not just my own, but all
dogs. I started this blog because I
wanted to reach as many dog owners as possible so I could educate them
regarding health, proper nutrition and pet responsibility for their canine
companions. I am thrilled to pass along
the knowledge that I have learned over the past many years, it’s not
information I want to keep to myself…that would not serve a greater purpose.
There are so many resources available to people who have
pets and can no longer care for them.
This is the 21st Century…with the availability of networking,
media outlets and extensive friend and family connections available, there is
simply no excuse for a dog (or any other pet) to be dumped somewhere to ‘make
it on their own’. There are programs
available to assist low income individuals.
Low-cost spay/neuter programs and pet food pantries are springing up all
across the U.S. There are financial
programs that allow for payments should your pet require treatment that you
cannot pay for all at one time.
Should your pet become lost, there are on-line resources
available such as Pet Finder, Craig’s List, Find Fido and many more. I cannot imagine in this day and age of such
advanced technology, that a person wouldn’t know somebody or have some way of accessing
these Internet tools. Microchipping, and
the ready availability of tags for your pets also helps to identify lost pets
quickly. Proper containment such as
chain link and privacy fences, harnesses and leashes are a must. Simply put, this is pet responsibility. I’m not an advocate for the ‘electric fence’,
as they may keep your dog confined to your yard, but it doesn’t keep other dogs
out….which could prove unsafe for your pet.
Then there is this whole issue of BSL, known as breed
specific legislation that bans or restricts certain types of dogs based on
their appearance because they are perceived to be ‘dangerous’ types or breeds
of dogs. I’ll refrain from saying what I
think the ‘B.S.’ means to me…you probably know.
This trend is ridiculous and unnecessary. What I’d like to see is dogs who take bad
owners to the pound. It’s not the dog….it’s
the person who causes a dog to be aggressive.
I can guarantee you if I had a pit bull, he/she would be the absolute
most spoiled, cared for baby on the planet!
The only attack would be one of a slobbering tongue all over your
face. I treat my dogs with respect. I do nothing to intentionally physically hurt
them or to put them in harm’s way. I
feel bad and apologize if I accidentally step on a paw.
Another thing that I just don’t understand is people who
leave their pets (mostly dogs) in a hot car while they shop or do
whatever. Thinking a cracked window on a
90 degree day is enough to ensure the dog’s comfort. In just ten minutes that becomes 109 degrees,
twenty minutes 119 degrees, 30 minutes 124 degrees…you get the idea. Would you be comfortable in a car that hot? How about if your normal body temperature were
100 to 102 degrees and you had a fur coat on?
Under the Animal Welfare Act, you have a legal duty to care for your
animal and if you put your animal at risk, you could face prosecution. It is a misdemeanor to leave your dog unattended
in a hot car, and it can become a felony if the dog dies. You can be arrested, charged with animal
cruelty and face fines and jail time. Get a clue people…leave your dog at home
in true comfort of air conditioning with fresh water available.
As is evident, I’m on my soapbox. But I’m not going to keep quiet about these
things. And I hope those who are regular
readers of my blog don’t keep quiet either.
It is unfortunate that this is so prevalent in a ‘civilized’ society. These loving creatures give all they have,
because we are all they have….why are so many treated so cruelly and with such
disrespect and disregard? We who are
true animal advocates need to be watchful and aware when we are out and about….in
our own back yards, keeping a cautious eye even on our neighbors. If you see an act of cruelty, do not walk
away….act on it, and quickly if necessary.
Like that old saying ‘shoot first, ask questions later’. I would do what
is necessary to rescue an animal in need….because I am every dog’s advocate.
<3
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