PETS WITH BENEFITS

On July 18, I opened up the LA Times and Daily News and, lo and behold, both newspapers had information about pets (one of my favorite topics).  In the LA Times, “Focus On Animals” was the main topic in the Health section.  Much of the content discussed service dogs and the therapeutic capabilities they and other animals might provide to people with mental and physical disabilities.

Also in the LA Times Opinion section was an editorial titled “Too many kittens,” which sadly states, “In the 12 months ending in May, the city’s Department of Animal Services took in 9,505 unweaned kittens and euthanized just under 7,000 of them.”  The article brings to light just the unweaned kittens that are euthanized*, but it fails to mention the older cats, puppies, young dogs, and other pets that are “euthanized” simply because of the public’s failure to spay and neuter their pets and the lack of commitment and the irresponsibility by so, so many pet owners.

In fact, on July 14, I got an email stating that since July 1, the South LA shelter had impounded more than 350 dogs.  That is only one city shelter out of five that take in animals, and that does not include the county shelters, all of which often impound 40-plus animals a day.  How many of the precious dogs, if given a second chance, could have become service dogs?

A slightly more upbeat article in the Daily News Local section reported a “Pet Party” this past Sunday at Valley Beth Israel, a synagogue in Sun  Valley.  That event was organized so people could show off their pets, and other pets who need a home could meet potential adopters.  In addition, it was an opportunity for attendees to learn about the various animal rescue programs that are throughout Los  Angeles.

Both newspapers contained articles that might make one ask – Why the discrepant mindset in how people view and treat pets?  On the one hand are those who acknowledge the joy their pet(s) bring to them, mentally and physically.  I, for one, find myself singing and cooing to my dogs.  I would rather be home with them than sitting in traffic or pretending to enjoy a noisy restaurant or concert.  I am more at peace around them, I am less of a housekeeping fanatic, and I cannot envision my life without a pet.  Other people enjoy dressing their dogs up (and most dogs do not seem to mind) and taking them everywhere they can, and cat lovers enjoy snuggling with them and appreciate their independence.  The pet lovers I know carry pictures of their pets and show them off as they would a child. But isn’t a pet a part of the family?

On the other hand are those people who get a pet only to toss it in the yard to live a lonely existence? Some will be tied up for hours on end, with little if any protection from the weather; they will not likely be groomed; seldom will they receive human interaction; and there is little probability that they will get  "fixed” (unless they came from the pound).  Those pets will be set up to fail and when they develop behavioral issues, their irresponsible owners will want nothing more to do with them.  When they tire of having to give food and water to their pet, a family outing may be planned to dump the pet in the pound.  Parents will drag or carry the scared, shaking pet inside the unfamiliar surroundings, their children in tow, and despite learning that they may be sentencing their pet to death in a matter of days, they’ll sign off on the pet and simply walk away.  Some have the audacity to wander through the shelter in search of a new puppy, which in a matter of time will become the next victim to a life of neglect and abuse.  What message are they sending to their kids?  Will the parents fail their children as they have failed their pets?  Why wouldn’t they want to experience the happiness that a pet can provide?

It is time that all leaders and each of us reach out to the children and teach them that animals feel pain, they experience fear, they can think and learn, they will be loyal and forgiving, and they deserve to be treated humanely, much as if people expect to be treated.  We must continue to focus on the plight of the animals, but we must also focus on the younger generation who could change the mindset of those who consider animals to be disposable property.

Please consider saving the life of a homeless pet.  It may not become a trained service pet, but you will benefit from having a loyal companion in your life that will love you unconditionally, forever.

I will continue to reach out to everyone and to all communities to become part of the crusade to help stop the insanity and the inhumanity towards animals.  Are you ready to join forces?  


*[As defined in the World English Dictionary, ‘euthanize’ is “to kill an incurably ill or injured person or animal to relieve suffering.”  Think about it — more than half of the homeless, helpless, defenseless, and adoptable pets are put down in our city and county shelters.  That is just not right!]