I'm a complete sap

[Ood Sigma]

Something happened the other day that really affected me, and I can't seem to stop thinking about it. We were driving home from dinner and my wife started reading this post from her Facebook which was about a dog from a shelter who was about to be euthanized the next day. Obviously written by a human, but it was from the point of view of the dog. Intellectually, I know it was written with the intention of being as manipulative as possible, using phrases like "I'm afraid to die", describing the pain and suffering the animal was going through, etc. Normally I dismiss things that are written in such a manipulative style... and yet, it occurred to me as my wife's voice broke, that manipulative or not, it was all true. That dog (and surely hundreds more) was going to die because it had been mistreated and no one wanted it. And it has made me profoundly sad.

As for this specific dog, it was located hundreds of miles and about 3 states away. We already have 4 dogs, 2 of which are still puppies. We could not handle another. And indeed, even if we could, the abuse and neglect applies to many more animals.

I am not sure what to do, but I feel like I must do something. I have considered volunteering at a shelter. I'm afraid that not just reading about but actually seeing these animals will break my heart even further. Perhaps I could donate money to the ASPCA or other animal groups, but I don't want to be one of those people who thinks throwing money at a problem will solve it, or at least make me feel better about my part in it.

Any other suggestions about a way that I can make a difference? I'm still considering both of the above options but I'd like to think of other possibilities as well.

 

[TerokNor]

Well...here in the shelters euthanizing healthy animals is forbidden. They get only euthanized, when they suffer and there is no way to make them better.

I am not sure what you can do. Volunteering surly is good and giving money too, but when the law in your home country allows to kill healthy animals, only because they cannot find a new home in a certain amount of time (unless I understand it wrongly, what you wrote in your post), then this will not solve the problem.
Maybe you could join an organisation that is against this practise, if there is one and support them with what they do?

TerokNor

 

[Ood Sigma]

Well...here in the shelters euthanizing healthy animals is forbidden. They get only euthanized, when they suffer and there is no way to make them better.

I am not sure what you can do. Volunteering surly is good and giving money too, but when the law in your home country allows to kill healthy animals, only because they cannot find a new home in a certain amount of time (unless I understand it wrongly, what you wrote in your post), then this will not solve the problem.
Maybe you could join an organisation that is against this practise, if there is one and support them with what they do?

TerokNor

We do have non-kill shelters but there are many out there that have no choice due to space.

As for this dog, part of what tugged at the heartstrings was that he was not completely healthy... very malnourished, unable to eat as much as he needed to put weight on, so skinny that it hurt the dog to lay down, etc. The dog is only a year old but I guess the shelter felt that he was not going to live a good life. So I think in this case they were looking for someone who would be willing to take the dog in despite its health issues. It just makes me so sad to think of a creature who has only been alive for a year and has known little but pain and suffering...

Like I said, I'm a complete sap...

 

[nevermore]

You could donate time and/or money to a no-kill shelter that rescues animals from the kill shelters. There are some, like Bidawee, that specialize in taking in animals needing medical care. Once your puppies are grown a bit, you could also volunteer to foster animals that come in like this dog, malnourished or abused, and needing special care to be adoptable.

 

[Kestra]

I volunteered at a no-kill shelter and even though I couldn't give them a home, I enjoyed the time we spent together. The dogs were so appreciative of the time spent with them. I'd really suggest looking into it.

 

[Misfit Toy]

We have had five shelter dogs over the last 25 years. I understand what you're going through. The sad reality is that you can't help all of the animals that need help. Money and/or time at a shelter is a good choice, and so is making sure that your pets are spayed or neutered.

 

[Tom Hendricks]

The problem is not the the shelters. It's puppy mills and pet stores that sell them. If I had my way, puppy mills and pet stores would be illegal. (pet stores that sell animals, not the ones who provide supplies) You could only "buy" a puppy through a licensed breeder or adopt.

 

[Ood Sigma]

I've been thinking about it some more and I really want to get involved with a no-kill shelter. I won't be able to take any dogs in but if I can spend some time making their lives better I want to do that.

And all our dogs (and cats) are spayed/neutered. It's a shame with full breeds (we have a Yorkie and a Bichon) but overall it's for the best.

 

[Mr Silver]

I think its barbaric that people are allowed to kill animals just because they cannot find them a home, its completely out of line. I have a for and against opinion for euthanizing 'Dangerous Dogs' but still, I think we take Pets for granted way too often and its sickening that they are essentially threatening to kill the poor thing unless a new owner is found... So if you are a Sap my friend, then I guess i'm with you!

 

[Sector 7]

Some animal shelters are very barbaric. Like this one.

 

[Subcommander R.]

Hate to say it, but I think starving children, homelessness, and child abuse are better things to stop.

 

[RJDiogenes]

^^ Then get to work.

Like I said, I'm a complete sap...

If the world had more complete saps like you, there wouldn't be any animal abuse and neglect to worry about.

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

I know two dogs and two puppies who already think your doing a lot.

Hate to say it, but I think starving children, homelessness, and child abuse are better things to stop.

It's not an either/or proposition.

 

[Kestra]

Hate to say it, but I think starving children, homelessness, and child abuse are better things to stop.

Why would you even feel the need to make a statement like this? It's not as though there is only one bad thing in the world that deserves attention. Sympathy for animals in no way detracts from other issues. It's not something that was an issue in this thread at all.

 

[Danoz]

Hate to say it, but I think starving children, homelessness, and child abuse are better things to stop.

Why would you even feel the need to make a statement like this? It's not as though there is only one bad thing in the world that deserves attention. Sympathy for animals in no way detracts from other issues. It's not something that was an issue in this thread at all.

Agreed. Just because you care about other living things in this world doesn't detract from other important issues in the least... if anything, it compliments respect for all life. Agree with Kestra that post was rather unnecessary...