Lucky in Las Vegas

Aah, Las Vegas!  I had no idea that in the short amount of time there our deep-rooted passions would be stirred; our psyches would be elevated; our heroics would be praised; and we would became re-energized to make us forces to be reckoned with.  Yet, after only three days in Sin City, we felt ready to return to our respective homes to awaken those around us out of complacency and to provocatively challenge creative ideas.

All these raw emotions came out at the “No More Homeless Pets” conference that I and 1,400 others from around the globe recently attended.  Participating in this three-day conference held in a Las Vegas hotel and put on by Best Friends Animal Society was one of the most invigorating trips I, personally, have gone on.  It was not about leaving the country, dining in fancy restaurants, or returning home feeling rested.  In fact, we barely stepped foot outside the hotel; we ate meals that, some thought, were somewhat bland; early morning wake-up calls were necessary; and tears were occasionally shed, both happy and sad. 

Still, what made this trip so invigorating were the attendees who came from all over, eager to gain knowledge about bringing about a time when there are “no more homeless pets.”  The vast array of workshops to choose from, such as voicing your opinion to public officials and through the media; fundraising events; bringing spay/neuter efforts to under-served communities, etc. manifested the passions and powers within us to continue to save lives.

One of the speakers asked us to raise a hand if we considered ourselves heroes.  No one did.  Conversely, the speaker defined a hero:  it is the fire fighter who will go into a burning building to save a life; it is the layperson that will stand up to bullies; it is the dog trained to protect and save police officers and service men and women, etc.  Why, then, he asked, shouldn’t the 1,400 of us at the conference and the thousands of others who have saved the life of even one homeless pet think of ourselves as heroes?   After all, these beautiful beings breathe, provide therapy, feel pain, cry, know sadness, etc.  It was a lightbulb moment that made us humbled and full of pride!

We were told that progress has been and continues to be made, to some degree, in several parts of the country, because of new laws that protect animals, educating the public about proper animal welfare, closing down illegal puppy mills and backyard breeders, and organizations that provide low/no-cost spay and neuter.  All of these endeavors are leading to fewer animals being destroyed in our
shelters. 

I would like to believe that there are animal advocates amongst you with a desire to help save the lives of the innocent, homeless pets, but you might not know where to begin.  In previous blogs, I have offered a few suggestions, which bear repeating: 

1.  Discuss with children the importance of empathy and respect for animals, as well as the need to be responsible and committed when a pet is brought into the home.  Pets should be looked after like a family member and treated kindly, the way we all like to be treated. 

2.  Reach out to local shops and ask the proprietor if a collection jar can be placed for people to donate towards a local animal shelter or rescue organization.  

3.  When celebrating a birthday or holiday, ask that a gift to a local animal shelter or rescue organization be made on your behalf. 

4.  Have a collection drive for blankets and newspapers that can be taken to a local animal shelter so the animals have some warmth during the winter months. 

5.  If you or someone you know owns/manages property that is not pet-friendly, please reconsider.  Many people have lost their jobs and homes, and their pets are the only family they have.  Most often, pets make better tenants than screaming youngsters and teenagers who enjoy blasting their music and slamming doors. 

6.  Do you have a vacant storefront?  Why not let a rescue organization utilize it?  Pets tend to draw crowds, so if the store is in a mall, it could be a win-win for everyone, especially if a pet finds a home. 

7.  If you are not able to commit to adopting a pet, perhaps you will consider fostering one.  Every rescue organization is looking for dependable, temporary foster homes, as are the city shelters.  Think how great it would be for a homeless pet to be able to spend the holidays inside a warm home instead of a cold cement cage. 

8.  Realize that the overpopulation of dogs, cats, and rabbits is a serious problem with the most serious consequences – the deaths of thousands upon thousands of adoptable shelter animals. 

The ways to help save lives are innumerable, and I believe that each one of you has an innovative idea that can be added to the current resources being used to stop unwanted animals from being destroyed in shelters. 

“Imagine it...Achieve It” was the theme for the conference.  I say that if we work together, we will achieve the goal to have no more homeless pets, and it can be accomplished right here, at home. 

Lastly, to all the unsung heroes who have helped save the life of a homeless pet, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!