Reader Karen has been commenting a lot recently and I haven’t had the opportunity to respond to as many of her comments as I’ve wanted. I’m bringing this one up since it has a number of issues to be addressed and I think will be of interest to everyone.
Karen wrote:
What a shame to be so closed minded to believe that there is only one way to make change and one answer. We have to agree to disagree.
I keep an open mind and would be very happy to hear there is another set of programs or path that has been proven to end the killing in open admission shelters. Just because I haven’t heard it yet doesn’t mean my mind is closed to the possibility. If anyone knows of a way for a community to become no kill that is different from the No Kill Equation, please share.
There are worse things that happen to animals than being humanely euthanized in an Animal Control facility.
There are no fates worse than death. That’s PETA-speak. There are horrible things that can potentially happen to homeless animals but so long as they are alive, there is hope of rescue, education, and improvement. Where there’s life, there’s hope.
you CANNOT turn your back on the legal governmental system in our county and how it is run and how the changes are made. If you don’t realize how it is run – that is a big part of the problem I have read all of Nathan’s books – follow his blogs – and heard him speak. I simply feel that unless voters put their votes where their mouths are then every State and County Government will continue to do what they want to. The proof is in the vote. Emailing and blogging helps some – but it certainly doesn’t get the powers in charge to change. And it certainly doesn’t get the work done either.
I understand how government works. I support animal advocates lobbying for CAPA in order to force shelters to work with rescues and remove the discretion of shelter directors to kill animals. If there is another piece of legislation you are referring to, please let me know.
Pose this question to your readership? How many hours a week or dollars a month do you spend at your local Animal Control or in contact with your lawmakers to help care for the animals or advocate for change?
No. I won’t be doing that. Firstly, I know my readers. They have shared stories of volunteering at shelters, fostering animals, donating money and attending public meetings. Secondly, it’s insulting to imply that people here are only interested in reading a blog and not actually helping shelter pets in any meaningful way. Thirdly, not everyone chooses to advocate for animals in the ways listed.
Karen is hardly the first person to make this type of comment. In fact, I’ve heard it more times than I can count. The bottom line is this: If I, or any other animal lover, chooses to help shelter pets by doing something that does not involve their local shelter, that is A-OK.
This comes as a shock to some people, especially those who make the “If you’re not volunteering at your local shelter you have no right to speak” type comments, but there are people who love animals and feel compelled to avoid contact with their local pet killing facility. Every individual has a right to operate in accordance with his/her personal value system.
Speaking only for myself, I can not foster, walk, or bathe an animal who is possibly going into the dumpster tomorrow. I can not physically be near those pets. I can not look at their faces, I can not touch them, I can not listen to their vocalizations. Some might call me weak but I don’t think that. I am too deeply committed to saving shelter pets’ lives to do something I know would crush my soul and render me non-functional.
For those who can and are volunteering at places that kill animals, I respect your choice and I know that you are doing it because you love pets. If you are able to advocate for reform while volunteering, more power to you. All I ask is that you don’t condemn those of us helping in other ways. There is lots to be done and a place for everyone who wants to help.