Lovable and Looking

There’s an email that’s been doing the rounds now for years. It shows a singles ad that was reportedly listed in the Atlanta Journal, which in fact isn’t true. Someone sent it to me again recently. Read it first, then I’ll give my comments.

“SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I’m a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I’ll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Call and ask for Daisy, I’ll be waiting……

Please scroll down.”

Photo is courtesy of Lisa D, of Barrie, Ontario.

While this is admittedly rather funny, please take it for what it is – a joke! I’m all for getting people’s attention when it comes to pet rescue but an ad of this sort is not likely to attract the right kind of pet parent – someone who makes an informed choice after careful deliberation.

The Rescuer’s Creed

I promise I will take your unwanted animals.
I will heal their wounds, their diseases, their broken bones.
I will give them the medical attention they need and deserve.
I will nurture their starvation and give them a warm place to sleep.
I will spay and neuter them, vaccinate them against the diseases that can harm them.
I will treat them and honor them.
I will buy them toys, blankets, balls, and teach them to play.
I will speak softly to them.
I will try to teach them not to fear, not to cry, and not to hate.
I will whisper sweet, kind, gentle words into their ears, while gently trying to stroke their fear, their pain, and their scars away.
I will face their emotional scars and give them time to overcome them.
I will socialize them, potty train them, teach them to be obedient, show them dignity, and hold their paws, and stroke their ears if they have endured too much and walk them over the Rainbow Bridge, BUT most of all I will teach them LOVE.
Author Unknown

Sponsor A Pet

The Brits are way ahead of us on this idea. During a recent trip to the old homeland I saw a news segment about the Sponsor a Dog program run by Dogs Trust and it occurred to me that we have nothing as comprehensive as this in the USA.

The principle is the same as the sponsor a child programs you see advertised all the time, only in this case you get to pick a needy pooch. In return for your weekly contribution you get a variety of “goodies”, including your sponsor dog’s picture and regular updates on his status.

Here’s what I’m thinking. You know those rent-a-dog companies that started a while ago? They’re pretty much shut down now (that’s a whole other discussion – the concept wasn’t entirely bad).  Well, here’s a way for those part-time pet owners to still have a relationship with a pup. I mean, who could resist a face like Mr Magoo’s? And he, along with many of his brethren, really need help. In fact, sponsor programs could be set up for any type of critter.

In searching the net I found only a few local organizations offering sponsor programs. One guy says he chooses a dog or cat on Petfinder and then sends a donation to the appropriate shelter asking that it be used for that particular pet. This isn’t the same thing, though. While it must be gratifying, there’s no special relationship with one needy animal.

Rescue organizations would do well to study the Dogs Trust program.

Speaking For Those Who Cannot

What to Do If You Witness Abuse or Neglect

A parakeet set on fire, the object of a cruel teen prank, caught on videotape.

A hamster put in the microwave by two teenage girls who just wanted to see what would happen. He would later chew three of his feet off, unable to take the pain of his burns.

A rabbit, no longer wanted, left to fend for herself in a city park.

Every day pets across the United States are neglected, abused, and abandoned by those who are supposed to care for them. Small animals like hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable. They cannot cry out for help themselves. They cannot save themselves from those who hurt them. It is up to those who witness the abuse and the neglect firsthand to stand up and save them: We are the only voices of the abused and the neglected.

Photo courtesy of Sue R B

But, how do you know when an animal is being neglected or abused? It’s not always as obvious as the hamster put in a microwave and the parakeet set on fire. There are, however, telltale signs that an animal is likely being neglected or abused:

1.    Have you seen the pet being abused or hit?
2.    Does the pet have fresh food and water? If she does not have one, either or both, it’s time to step in and take action.
3.    Are there cuts, sores, or bruises on the pet? For example, does the rabbit or ferret have sores on the bottom of her foot?
4.    Is the pet housed in a cage that is much too small for her?
5.    Is the pet too skinny? Can you see her ribs?
6.    Is the pet visibly injured?
7.    Does the pet have patches of fur missing?

Write down everything you can about the abuse that you’ve witnessed, including:

•    How the pet has been abused or neglected (i.e. a rabbit stuck in an outdoor hutch that is so small she can’t turn around)
•    The names (if you know them) of those who are responsible for the abuse or neglect
•    When (the date or dates) you witnessed the abuse or neglect
•    The address or location where you witnessed the abuse or neglect

If you have witnessed or suspect a pet is being abused or neglected, it’s important to take action. All you have to do is call your local animal shelter, the local SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), or the Humane Society. Jotting down the above information will make it easier when you call for help.

However, if the situation is so severe that there is no time to jot the notes down, just call the SPCA, Humane Society, or your local animal shelter as quickly as possible. No one will ever have to know you reported the abuse or neglect: You can remain anonymous if you choose, but you may want to ask that your name remain confidential. That way, the investigating organization can contact you to let you know what action has been taken and to update you on the case.

“The basis of all animal rights should be the Golden Rule: we should treat them as we would wish them to treat us, were any other species in our dominant position.”
Christine Stevens

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