2/13/04

I absolutely hate seeing dogs caged.  While I understand there may be a necessity in it for someone, sometime,  I just can’t help but think there must be another way.  It took me years before I could take both of my dogs to the groomer at the same time, because if I did, it would mean one of them would have to sit in a cage for 2 hours while the other one was being worked on.  My thoughts may be a bit skewed but it’s how I feel and I can’t change that.  I love my dogs and  they love me.  I believe that a pet owner has a huge responsibility, and all too many times they do not think things through when making the commitment.  This is not an item you can just return if you don’t like it.  It’s not something you can take your daily frustrations out on, and it’s not something you can leave outside to ignore for days on end.  But too many times I’ve seen someone buy or adopt a pet, and then for one reason or another end up taking it to a shelter.  And what happens in these shelters?  It’s not left up to the imagination. 

Last weekend, I watched a documentary that HBO did on Shelter Dogs.  For 2-years they followed along as the staff of one shelter in New York took in surrendered dogs, and tried to place them.  Some being unplaceable  (a threat to family safety) they were faced with the moral dilemma of euthanasia.  I can honestly say that I have never cried as much while watching a show as I did that day.  I remember thinking to myself, why am I crying, it’s only TV?  But it’s more.  It’s real life. 

Each year, over 5 MILLION abandoned and unwanted dogs end up in shelters.  Only a quarter of them ever find homes.

This HBO Documentary airs through February.  If you get a chance I urge you to take the time to view it.  It is award winning, and has gotten phenomenal reviews. 

Here’s a link to the site for more information:  Shelter Dogs

*Now I have to go find a birthday present for my uncle.  I do like people too.  🙂