As a general rule, there are few things that I feel strongly enough about to post thoughts for other people to read, but this is one of them, so The Shooter cranks one out.
If you have read my profile you know that I am an animal lover and activist whenever neccessary or possible. One day last week my wife comes home with the story of Snowy and relates it to me. Seem that one of the oil-field workers that does some business with their company has a dog to "get rid of".
We currently have three rescue dogs in our home and have lost two of our old dogs this year. One of our remaining three is 15 years old, deaf and blind. The poing being that when we take in a dog, we take it in for life regardless of what comes with them such as heartworms, worms, cancer, mange, broken bones and a host of other ailments common to the species. We fix them, make them well and they live with us the rest of their lives. Stay with me here, I'm making a point.
This person bought Snowy when she was a cute puppy for his children to play with. When she got older he built a 8X8 pen for her in the back yard. Food and watering time were the only times she had any human contact thereafter. The owners say that they are too "busy" to give the dog a home or take care of her. They couldnt remember the last time she had been to the vet and she is three and a half years old, starved for affection.
This scenario repeats itself day in and day out thousands and thousands of times. Most of the dogs end up in a pound where they are promptly killed. I don't use the word euthanized to make it sound good. They are killed. If you do not have the time or inclination to make a life long commitment for the health and welfare of an animal then BY GOD DON'T GET ONE!!!!
Snowy is home with us now. She is one of the lucky ones and has a forever home. She will be spayed, fed, loved and cared for for the remainder of her days. Thousands upon Thousands will not be so lucky. If you have the financial ability pick an animal shelter in your area and become a friend to that shelter. Its not hard. When you buy dog food or cat food for your own animal, pick up an extra bag or an extra few cans and take it to your adopted shelter and say "Here! I thought you might be able to use this" Instead of throwing out your old blankets or beach towels, take them to the shelter and say "Here, these are for you to help make these babies more comfortable". God will remember you for it.
If you want to see pictures of Snowy she is in my photos under "newest family addition".
