Animal Cruelty
I've been tuning into Michael Vick's "documentary" on BET and trying to decide how I feel about it and whether or not I believe he's sincere about regretting how he tortured and murdered dogs.
I believe he regrets what he did because it landed him in prison but I wonder if he really feels bad for the animals that suffered and died.
I'm a total softee when it comes to animals...especially since I got my dog Chopper 4 years ago. He has changed how I view animals. In years past, I never wanted to own a dog..though I had a few in my family growing up. I never paid much attention to them except to play with them off and on and feed them...if I was told to do so by my parent(s). Chopper, however, has changed my world. I think actually owning a small dog and taking care of him from the age of 5 weeks caused my maternal instincts to take over.
I never knew how smart, sensitive, and loving dogs were. Unfortunately, like a lot of people, I felt they were "just" dogs. Having Chopper has made me realize that they are more like us than we realize. They get lonely, they get sick, they express sadness and happiness. The biggest thing I've learned is how social they are. They travel in packs and when they are removed from their environment (their mother and their litter of siblings), they still long for companionship. And once we take ownership of them, we are obligated to provide that companionship.
It frustrates and angers me to see owners who leave dogs completely alone all the time. They believe that putting food and water out is all they are obligated to do. My question is, "what is the purpose in owning your pet if you don't show them love and attention?" I just don't get it. And then when their dogs run away...they are shocked and surprisingly saddened. Why are you saddened by the loss of a pet that you completely ignored and never even walked?
One thing I know for sure is that Chopper will never run away. This is one happy dog and it makes me happy to know that he is getting all the love and care he deserves. He didn't choose me...I chose him so I owe it to him to do my best.
I absolutely agree with everything you said. I watch Ellen daily and she often comments on how much she loves pets (especially dogs) and how much they are like humans, even smarter than us, so I agree with how you feel. I think you would have to be a pet owner before you can relate, but I also feel that everyone who reads your post will understand the importance of pets and how they need love just like we do. No human wants to be left alone, so why should pets?
ReplyDeleteThanks Ro! Girl, it kills me to see animal abuse. Its second to child abuse. They are helpless and rely on us for everything. Love 'em or leave 'em the hell alone!
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