It's no secret to those who know me that I love animals... especially dogs. I'm a strong believer that children and animals need our special protection because they have no voice of their own. They enter the world completely full of trust and can be molded and affected completely by those who have the power to do so. And if put into the wrong hands whether through cruelty or ignorance, that power can have horrible consequences.
Fortunately, our society is becoming more aware and less tolerant of abuse against children. Through education and the media, it is more likely that known abuse of a child will be reported now that at any other point in our history. That is less the case for animals.
Some people may notice the dog chained to their neighbor's dog house in the worst cold or the worst heat...and ignore it. Some people believe dogs belong outside. Or that chaining a dog is perfectly acceptable. It's none of their business. Extremists for the cause of animal rights, like extremists of any cause have made some skeptical about getting involved.
As summer approaches, I'm asking you to open your eyes, ears and hearts to the animals around you and be their voice if you spot abuse or neglect.
It isn't acceptable for a dog to be left in a hot car, even if the windows are cracked. It isn't acceptable for a dog to be chained outside with no protection from the elements. If you see a dog chained in the sun, odds are the owner doesn't care enough to keep the water bowl filled either. That animal is suffering and living a tortured life.
Maybe you don't want to get involved. You don't want to be on the bad side of a neighbor who treats his dog that way, right? But there's a lot you can do anonymously. You can call the humane society and make a report so they can investigate. Take down the license number of the car and call the police; or report the car to the customer service center of the store. No one ever has to know it was you that made the call, but you'll feel better.
Last night my dogs were frolicking in my fenced-in yard. I heard a ruckus that sounded like a real dog fight and then a yelp--and I came running. I figured the two "boys" were fighting over a chewy bone again and called them into the house. It was then I saw a large puncture wound on Charlie's left side. The trip to the 24-hour emergency room vet was traumatic. It was heartbreaking to watch him in stress and pain. 8 staples later, we were home, but I found myself lost in thought about "the least among us". Although I don't exactly know how Charlie got his injury, I thought about the many animals who have been purposely abused and injured. Or those ignorant pet owners who may not think they are purposefully causing pain--but they are.
Our radio station, WQMX, has a weekly pet adoption feature on Thursday morning. We have learned of situations that have put most of these homeless animals in their circumstance that most people would find appalling. And in so many cases, there are people who had to have seen something, had to have known. It is our station's goal to not only raise awareness but also find loving homes for these wonderful animals.
If you or someone you know is thinking about getting a pet, before you spend money at the pet store or go to an expensive breeder, visit your local animal shelter or humane society. For a look at some of our featured pets, and for more for information and links to numerous non-profit animal rescue organizations click here:
http://www.wqmx.com/pet_rescue.asp
Note: The 7th annual Pet Expo is at Hardesty Park in West Akron this Saturday June 7th and will feature tons of rescue organizations on location with loveable pets you can take home that day. The Pet Expo is presented by radio stations WQMX, WONE and WAKR.
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