Support Animal Rescue

One thing that is extremely important to me is animal rescue.  I’m a big advocate of adopting shelter animals and supporting local rescue organizations.  There are millions of animals just waiting out there to be loved and to make someone feel special.  My adopted furry boys have brought more joy to my life than I could ever imagine.  They are wonderful companions and I think that they are snugglier and sweeter than ever, because they recognize that they were given a second chance at life. 

So it was with a heavy heart yesterday that I read about the needless and cruel slaughter of sled dogs in Canada.  The fact that this heinous act happened in the first place is absolutely deplorable, but the fact that it came to light because someone filed for benefits due to post-traumatic stress syndrome is even more sickening.  How could this person who filed for the benefits have lived with himself knowing that he tortured these poor animals for no reason other than supposedly economics?  And then he had the gall to seek government financial assistance to ease his guilt?  It is simply unimaginable.  http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/01/after-mass-dog-slaughter-stressed-man-files-wokers-comp/

I am sick at my stomach thinking about these poor animals and the cruel and senseless crimes that were committed against them.  It is my sincere hope that the public outcry will result in criminal charges against the monsters who killed these beautiful dogs.   I don't know anything about Canadian animal rights laws, but, in the U.S., I think the laws are entirely too lax against people who torture animals and run puppy mills.  I mean, Michael Vick paid a very small price for torturimg pitbulls and now he's back making millions in the NFL and getting endorsements.  What kind of message does that send to people committing crimes against helpless animals?  Maybe the publicity surrounding this news story will start a renewed dialogue about the importance of animal welfare regulations.  If there is one positive thing that can result from this awful crime, then it is public awareness.

We hear a lot of bad news reported about a variety of topics, but we rarely hear all the good news about things going on in the world.  As I write about this topic that is so close to my heart, I want to take this opportunity to thank my beautiful cousin for all of the work she does at the local animal shelter where she lives in Italy.  I applaud her for her unyielding volunteer work to help find their wonderful animals a forever home.  It makes my heart soar each time I see her Facebook posts about a dog being adopted and leaving the shelter with their new family.  Those adoptive families have no idea how lucky they are and the joy they’re about to experience by opening their home to a homeless animal.  Kudos to you, sweet Cathy.  Thank you for all you do.