The Economy: Animals Suffer, Too
Pets Caught in the Crossfire
When a war is fought, it isn't only the troops who suffer. Often it is the civilians. Likewise, in tough times, it isn't just the people: animals suffer. I just received an email from my wife. Her co-worker informed her an unknown kitten has come to their property, and unless it is removed it may be killed by the dogs. Can the local animal welfare group (a special private arrangement) come and get it as it has always done? I called a close friend who is affiliated with that group and helps part-time, when she can.
Calling for Help
Jeanie* informed me that the procedure has changed. The private group can no longer drive out and pick up animals for rescue. Instead, the first respondent must be animal control. This would not be a problem, since the two groups work hand-in-hand. However, animal control, apparently thanks to difficult fiscal times, no longer comes out to pick up animals, unless there is some danger involved, such as the risk of rabies. Instead, the individual must bring the animal in.
No Longer a Phone Call Away
This might not seem to present a problem, except that a trip to animal control can take more than a half hour in time and four gallons of gasoline for the round trip, approximately $14 worth of fuel. In a situation such as this one, what will happen to the animal? Clearly, the economy is affecting the animals every bit as much and maybe more than it is humans. In fact, animals are now being brought in because their owners can no longer afford to feed them, such as a lovely bulldog pup recently brought in by its elderly owners.
So Why Are You Telling Me This?
This article is not written with the notion that animals are better than people are-people must be given first attention. This article is not intended to be a statement concerning the inadequacies of any governmental administration. It exists out of regret that even our innocent friends-our pets-are suffering during these critical financial times. It is written to encourage any that would seek an affectionate family companion, to get into the spirit of "recycling" by visiting an animal shelter and saving an animal that might otherwise be destroyed.
Can You Do More?
Yes, animals suffer..but perhaps you can help? If you do not desire a pet or already have your limit of pets, another way to assist is by donating cans of pet food or other materials to your local animal shelter, or offer to walk the animals or clean their cages if that opportunity is available to you. Some locations such as the one I mention above would be more than happy for your assistance, even if it is only a couple or a few hours a week.
* The name has been changed.
Calling for Help
Jeanie* informed me that the procedure has changed. The private group can no longer drive out and pick up animals for rescue. Instead, the first respondent must be animal control. This would not be a problem, since the two groups work hand-in-hand. However, animal control, apparently thanks to difficult fiscal times, no longer comes out to pick up animals, unless there is some danger involved, such as the risk of rabies. Instead, the individual must bring the animal in.
No Longer a Phone Call Away
This might not seem to present a problem, except that a trip to animal control can take more than a half hour in time and four gallons of gasoline for the round trip, approximately $14 worth of fuel. In a situation such as this one, what will happen to the animal? Clearly, the economy is affecting the animals every bit as much and maybe more than it is humans. In fact, animals are now being brought in because their owners can no longer afford to feed them, such as a lovely bulldog pup recently brought in by its elderly owners.
So Why Are You Telling Me This?
This article is not written with the notion that animals are better than people are-people must be given first attention. This article is not intended to be a statement concerning the inadequacies of any governmental administration. It exists out of regret that even our innocent friends-our pets-are suffering during these critical financial times. It is written to encourage any that would seek an affectionate family companion, to get into the spirit of "recycling" by visiting an animal shelter and saving an animal that might otherwise be destroyed.
Can You Do More?
Yes, animals suffer..but perhaps you can help? If you do not desire a pet or already have your limit of pets, another way to assist is by donating cans of pet food or other materials to your local animal shelter, or offer to walk the animals or clean their cages if that opportunity is available to you. Some locations such as the one I mention above would be more than happy for your assistance, even if it is only a couple or a few hours a week.
* The name has been changed.
Published by Vincent Summers
My secular expertise includes 23 years of experience at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, with a share in NASA's extended Voyager 2 effort. I formerly wrote for Demand Studios, Bukisa, Suite 101, Exa... View profile
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24 Comments
Post a CommentSo true, and I loved your article on Xanthan Gum Gluten Substitute Developed by Female Chemist
Oh, and before I got so depressed I meant to say, yes, Honey, is adorable!
Thank you Vincent for bringing this back to our attention. It's easy to forget that even our social web is no longer holding things together.
I feel so bad for the animals. I worry about them. Our economy is causing so many problems.
It's sad. But then, people are putting baby's in dumpsters. Even skunks take care of their own...
We live in the country, and each year puppies and kittens are dropped off and left to fend for themselves in the desert nearby. We try to find homes for them if they are tame enough. Otherwise we must call Animal Control. We simply cannot permanently care for more than we now have.
I tell my kids: just because she (our dog) can't talk doesnt mean you can't hurt her feelings. They can be mean to our dog in teasing and this statement really helped them understand. Geat article!
A sad reality. I have spent the week since massive flooding here in upstate NY collecting blankets, towels and supplies and distributing them to local animal shelters.
Excellent article you must really make a lot of money writing because every time I see you you've got a suit on lol.
Wow, Vonda... If you were doing all of that, you are going way beyond the expected or the hoped for.