Are Some Pet People TOO Pet Crazy?
The other day, in the Living section of The Leaf-Chronicle, there was an article about the billions of dollars people spend on their pets. Not just food and vet care, but on all kinds of frilly, fantastic, over-the-top pet items. And even though I generally prefer pets over many people, it bothered me. Why?
Because I wonder why, with so many pet lovers in America, so many pet shelters struggle. If people love pets so much, why not more donations and help to shelters, most of which barely hang on? I know it's hard to get involved with shelters, but sending money now and then doesn't require seeing the many horrors. I've been involved with shelters for years and know my limitations, so I help in ways other than direct pet care. So it bothers me that in a country that spends billions on their beloved pets so little help is given to those on the front lines, especially from city and county governments, and especially around here.
Is it because pet-lovers can't face the horrors and need to keep it out of sound and mind? I always dream of winning a million-dollar lottery so I could fund a HUGE, modern shelter and all the good programs that go with it. Our Humane Society and individuals who run private shelters do great things, but so much more could be done. Where are the community leaders to host big-time fundraisers like they do for other charities? Or are "easy" causes easier?
Picture above is Scooter with a little hat I made for some photo contest long ago--can't even remember what. He is the King of the pack, so needed a crown, complete with glued-on Milkbone for decoration. Doesn't he look proud of himself?
I bet you are all sick of seeing my pets all the time, so please feel free to send me more of your cats and dogs and I'll post them, then Dragon Boy can make fun of someone besides Scooter and Zoe and Peanut. Email to: PetsSpeak@aol.com.
posted by Sandy at 3/16/2007 09:12:00 AM
Pet People
28 Comments:
Sandy, It's funny that you should write about this today. When I first got online today, the first thing I saw was the article about your local Salvation Army getting a check for $50K. The first thing that came to my mind was that you all were upset about the new proposed animal shelter. I have a hard time feeling sorry for people. We are more than capable of helping ourselves if we just got off our lazy asses. Animals are less fortunate and are dependant upon us, but we have all kinds of extra money laying around for people. Where was the Clarksville Rotary Club with there extra $50K when the new animal shelter was being proposed? I do not and will not support the Salvation Army. I have very strong personal beliefs about the treatment of all things; animal or human, and the Salvation Army only thinks about its self. Supporting your local shelter is not that hard and is as simple as buying an extra bag of dog food and dropping it off. When I was trying to find a cat food that Jazzy would eat, I took the unused bags to the shelter. I could have returned them to the store, but chose not to. Like you it makes me mad that we as a society don't do more for all animals. I couldn't work at a shelter, b/c I would want to take them all home, so I find other ways to help out. Maybe that's something we could do as a group? Make a pledge to donate something to our local animal shelter once a month; whether it's money or a bag of food, towels or blankets. Whatever it is that you can afford, every little bit helps!
Adrienne, I second everything you just said! And I am not physically able to take care of the animals either but--- we donate monthly to Cats Are Us, The Clarksville Humane Society and the animal Shelter plus we also sponsor a cat and a dog through a sponship program and ahve for years. I also try to give to Second Chance and some of the other shelters when we can but we can only do so much. I have always said if people who can afford to give whatever they can would help we could eliminate homeless animals. If every family in Clarksville would donate anywhere from one dollar to Plus $100.00 each month according to whawt they can really afford then that would take care of it. Why oh why can't people be more concerned about these precious helpless animals? It ceases to amaze me how they will be willing to give to things like beautification ot something way less important! It more thatn amazes me it grieves my heart! I too am waiting for that big win but untill it does the problem stiil exsists. Dragon when we make it big time with Dragon Enterprises, let's make sure the first thing we all do is set up a ongoing contribution from the profits for the animals. Plus if we all get as rich as I'm sure we can we can also give from that income as well! What do you thin guys? Sound good? To me it would be worth starting the business just for what we can do for the animals alone!
A long time ago I used to make monthly donations to a pet shelter and my dad asked me why I was donating to animals and not people. At first I didn't know how to answer him. I thought and realized that lots of people give to people charities and not so many gave to animals. My money was going where it needed to go, to animals. Some people help people, some people help animals, some people like children, some people like animals, some people dress up their animals, some people don't. There is a place for all of us... do what your heart tells you. I plan to give more now. Thanks for bringing this up and reminding me that a little bit joined by lots of other little bits makes a big deal.
Welcome to our group Pearcehart! You are right about people who help all the different causes. I help both animal and people but the animals causes need more help because there are fewer people who are willing to help the animals and it is heartbreaking! Thank you so much for your committment to help more. God bless you and your tendr heart!
Actually, Pearcehart and Alice are the same person. I am not sure why it used pearcehart this time and not Alice, which it usually does.
Welcome Pearcehart! I understand your desires to help animals over humans. I feel the same way. I stand up and speak out for animals to defend them when I can. I have been upset with Clarksville for many years with their inadequate animal facilities. I was so happy to read in the paper that they were finally getting a new facility only to be taken aback at the response from some people’s comments about the money being spent. They have been running out of the same facility for as long as I can remember and I am 44 years old born and raised in Clarksville. Just disgust me to see the ignorance within my beloved city! I only hope they spend the money well because Lord knows it will be a long time before they get any more from the city!
I just recently read in our paper here in GA that our animal control facility was built new in 1997 (I think I am correct with the year) and they have already outgrown it and are in the planning stages of building a new one! Now that is progress people, not forcing overcrowding and death of animals over inadequate funding! Sure some animals are put to death here as well, (sad but true) but with a better facility, they are able to get more healthy animals into loving homes…
And call me cold blooded but I don’t believe anyone that cannot properly take care of an animal should have them! If you cannot pay for a Vet bill, food or toys for proper stimulation of an animal, then you do not need to have a pet! Pet ownership is not a given but should be a privilege to those which can properly afford them!
I believe in helping humans as well but only those in which are willing to help themselves! I do not believe in giving free hand outs to people too lazy to educate themselves with all the free programs available to them. The animals on the other hand, were domesticated by us humans and rely on us for their well being. Therefore, I would rather see my money going to help the homeless animals over a drugged out homeless human!
Just think of all that money the government wasted on FEMA trailers. How many animals’ lives do you think that money could have saved? Just a thought...
Oh my, I just read my letter and boy do I sound like a bad person today! I am sorry but my feathers really get ruffled where animals are concerned. I better say a prayer for myself before I go into town or I might bite off someone’s head that gets in my way…
Skeeter, you don't sound like a bad person to me, just a passionate one. You are so very right. When I heard that evacuees couldn't take pets with them, I was outraged! I would never leave my babies. Thankfully someone realized what a stupid rule that was and now evacuees can take pets with them. Reminds me... I need another cat carrier...
Education is key. The statistics show that only 1 in 9 dogs dies with the original owner.....which means that 8 of those dogs are thrown out or given away like an old sweater. Parents want to give their child a puppy much like a goldfish and when they get bored they can't flush it down the toilet. The cat situation is worse.
The best plan of action is to not only donate to shelters, but to demand education programs where they teach the next generation in schools that animals need FOREVER homes and it costs money and takes time to properly care for them. The importance of getting your animal neutered needs to be stressed...and if possible low-cost neutering clinics need to be funded AND PROMOTED.
The word needs to get out!
Our Humane Society, since losing it's shelter a few years ago because of lack of support, funds, help, etc. now does all prevention programs, education and foster homes when they can find them. They help people with spay and neuter if they can't afford it and also with vet bills. They hope to lobby the city for anti-chaining laws.
You are right Daisy, got to prevent this and be proactive, not reactive.
And Skeeter, I feel the same as you about things, so no need to pray for yourself. Pray instead for the fools who mistreat and discard animals and their needs.
Scooters hat reminds me of something funny that happened to me today. I was walking through a parking lot and my hands were a bit chilled from the nippy wind. I put my hands in my jacket pockets and I felt something. Nope, not a “surprise” 10 dollar bill but two milkbone dog treats! I had to laugh and the really funny part is, we don’t have a dog! I must have put them in my pocket a while back to give to one of the many neighborhood dogs that come into our yard for visits and treats and no dog arrived that day. I guess the bones have been in there for over a month as I have not had that jacket on since then! You all know I was riled when I went to town from my last posting so I needed this little laugh. Those two milkbones made my day…
Well you are all right about the education thing and unfortunatly that takes awhile but it is being done here now with the humane society and thier programs.
Skeeter the only thing about Fema and the trailers is that there were a lot of needy people ( I mean really needy people who were without homes or even any kind of shelter to go to ) and that didn't have anything to do with what they can do to help the animals in this case really. The thing is as what Alice ( our new pearcehart friend , right Alice? Ha ) said, how could anyone ahve left thier precious pets behind? I can't imagine that! I would never leave my babies behind either. I'd be one of those people that everyone calls stupid to do everything in my power to save them along with myself. If I could find a way to leave then my babies would be leaving with me. I think a lot of people cared somewhat about thier pets but not enough to do whatever they could to save them! Those people should not be reunited with them. Think about this though, people like that usually are waiting for someone to take care of them as well. I know there are situations where things can't be helped and I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt but I've seen so much of those who want the rest of us to take care of them. And Skeeter the only bad thing about those who have a hard time of taking care of pets ( and I agree you should be able to afford them first ) is the poor little kids who can;t help it if thier parent s can't afford a pet yet they still want one. That is a sad situation.
One of the memories I have of Katrina is news footage of a goat left behind totally enclosed in a cage. They showed the footage of the cage and in my mind I could feel the terror of that poor goat. I could see it in my mind trapped and pawing against the cage. It chilled me to my soul that someone could leave pets trapped like that. They could have opened the cage to give them a chance... It still makes my heart ache...
Alice, don't you think that when they found that goat like that surely they rescured it and took it to safety? I mean how cruel that would be to leave a animal in that situation once you find it? They must have made sure it was taken to a safe place after finging it.
The first thing I can say is-- Poor Scooter!!! How humiliating.... Sandy, you've got to stop this. Your poor dogs are going to be too embarrassed to actually meet any of us!
Stacey, those dogs are lovin' evry minute of it!
Well pam, the sad thing is that they couldn't rescue animals like that goat. I saw a picture of a dog who crawled into a cage surrounding an air conditioner to get away from the rising water. He was photographed 4 days before he could be rescued because there just wasn't enough manpower. A lot died waiting. People were forced to abandon their pets. The picture I saw was heartbreaking. Is there a way we could add pictures to our posts or is Queen Sandy the only one with the power?
Queen Sandy has all the power, so email pictures to me and I'll post them for you. Oh, and I prefer Your Royal Highness to Queen.
Hmmmm.....I thought it was Royal Hindass......oops, can I say that on the blog?? Oh, I guess I just did, huh???
Serious note here. This is copy and pasted from an email I received from the Humane Society. It has links to the complete lists of the recalled pet foods.
"Many of you have probably heard by now… but several varieties of dog & cat food (specifically “cuts & gravy” style foods in can & pouch varieties) manufactured by Menu Foods have been recalled after several animals became ill and/or died. Menu is the leading North American manufacturer of wet pet food products sold by supermarket retailers, mass merchandise, pet specialty retailers & other resale/wholesale outlets… so this covers NUMEROUS brands."
See full press release here: http://www.menufoods.com/recall/Press_Recall_03162007.pdf.
See recalled cat food list here: http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_cat.html.
See recalled dog food list here: http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html.
Sandy, I don't know what is up but two times now I've sent things to you on the PetsSpeak site and one time I heard nothing back from you and the other time it came back to me saying it couldn't be delievered. I thought I had the right address too. I'll try again and make sure I have the address right for sure
Pam, sorry to say they found the goat dead with it paws trapped in the wire at the top of the cage. They showed the picture. It will haunt me forever.
Oh Alice, Just the thought of that haunts me! Poor little darlin'! I pray God gave it mercy and it died as quickly s possible in that situation!
Daisylouu, you're right about some people being forced to leave thier pets but can you even imagine what hell that ws like to do that? At least in most cases anyway.
Are Some Pet People TOO Pet Crazy? Yes! I need to go into the dog Psychologist field. This dress up your animal thing will bring me a lot of clients. If you are interested, please just post here and we'll set up appointments for your pets.
Stacey, nice of you to post web sites of the recalled pet food. I had made a list for all of you but now you have the web site.
Speaking of recalls, I would say that all of you would be utterly shocked at the number of recalls that come out every week that involve people food. Suprisingly, the one area where there are the fewest recalls are the fresh meat and fresh produce. The recent incident with the bag spinach was very rare. Most recalls come from processed foods, meaning canned and frozen foods. The reasons for recalls will blow you away. Everything from metal shavings to broken glass and "other foreign objects" in the product. Also, bacterial contaminants and chemicals found in the product. Most of these recalls you will never know about. The industry doesn't publicize them. They notify the stores that sell the product, and some stores will post a small notice somewhere in the store. Not neccesarily where any customer can see it. And in some cases, the stores are not required to post anything at all. They just pull the product they have in stock. But this does nothing for any of the product that you may have at home. You are just unaware of any potential hazard. It only gets publicized when many people get sick. For example--the Peter Pan peanut butter recall. It actually was on the news before the retail stores received a recall notice.
Two of the areas with the fewest recalls are pet foods and baby foods. Basically, because Scooter can't tell you when his dog food tastes bad or there is something in it that shouldn't be there. It's the same for baby food. Little Junior can't tell you that his smashed peas and carrots taste funny because he can't communicate that there is something wrong with his food. So, most pet and baby foods don't get recalled until dogs and babies start to get very sick. There is no way for them to know.
Just so you'll realize that I know of what I speak, I work in this field. I have many years of experience seeing recalls. As I said before, fresh meat, fresh produce, and dairy products have USDA inspectors on-site. This prevents many potential problems before they can even happen. Food processing plants MAY have random spot inspections at most. They are much less regulated.
Don't want to scare the beejeebies out of anyone, but I thought you would like to know.
Dragon, I know what you are talking about here. I gave up my nursing career to be a stay at home Mom but having a medical background I can tell you I have seen just about everything there is to see and not a lot surprises or shocks me. ahve heard of the animals droppings and many other contaminants in foods and other products over the years. I also know that so much percentage of droppings and etc. is actually allowed which is really disgusting but it is the law.
You are right in the fact that babies and animals can't tell us the things that could prevent sickness before it spreads unfortunately.
It is good that you brought this to atention because many people possibly even on our blogg do not know this. Good thing this is your expertise!
Dragon,Just had a thought, could you be my long lost brother? My dad was quite the wild one in his day and it seems we do have a lot in common. The more we talk the more it seems we are alike.
Oh my. I understand that Dragon has sent Sandy a picture of his favorite pet for the blog. I can't wait for you all to see this.
Maybe Scooter and Zoe will now have someone to make fun of.....
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