While Tad's condition is heart breaking, and the thought of him shivering under the stars with no hair and no shelter, starving to death, worms eating him from the inside, and mites eating him from the outside breaks our hearts even more...what about all those out there that have not been given such an amazing recognition and support. All the dogs, cats, guinea pigs, horses, cows, pigs...everything.
The thought of all these animals out there, on their own in their horrible homes or running free...I think that breaks me even more. Tad, Patrick, and others have been pulled...they've been saved. There is hope for them...but, where is the hope for those animals in your own neighborhood, your own town, your own county...? Who will fight for them?
I know that many of you probably pass by a house or two every now and then, or every day, and there are dogs chained in the yard...or there are dogs severely overweight that they cannot function or there are cats who make about 20 more cats every year...or there are even dogs living in a fenced off area in the back corner of their family's home living in their own filth...who will fight for them?
So, you don't have money to donate, I get that...me either...but you have a voice. Those animals that you pass, that you know are in need of a voice...let them use yours. Speak out...spread the word. Fight for these poor souls who suffer at the hands of others.
Tad and Patrick, and others like them...are not one in a million...they are the norm these days. You may open your eyes to that truth and accept it, or you may remain in denial. I leave that to you...but, I challenge you...as you drive around living your daily life...and you say, 'I wish I could help...'...be reminded that you can. You don't need money...you don't need toys...blankets...anything.
You have a voice... Speak out...fight for those who can't.
...and when you sit there, on the other side of this screen from me...and you say, 'But there are just too many...' I encourage you to read this story...it's short, and will take less than 5 minutes to read.
The Starfish Story
I don't feel that Tad was 'abused', he was severely neglected, yes...but, I feel there are many different levels of animal cruelty; I've personally seen them all. You can have your emotional cruelty, physical, and even mental cruelty. There are so many ways to abuse...and some of the most unfortunate pets receive all three.
I don't ask much from owners. I only ask that you feed them the best you can, and you love them with as much love as you can...and if you can afford vet care...I strongly encourage that, too.
I know, from being a technician, that there are many types of pet owners out there. There are many ways people 'love' and many more ways people 'care'. I accept them all, as long as I can understand them.
I get it...the economy is bad, you're unemployed, you're a college student...I really do get it. I completely understand.
However, Tad's conditions did not happen overnight...it would have taken months for his skin and intestinal parasites to thrive as they are on and in his body. Don't you think you could go without internet for a month...without TV...without cigarettes or booze...without the club on Friday night?
You couldn't go without that for just one month to help ease the pain and suffering of your only friend who will be loyal, true, and love you unconditionally until the end...no matter what?
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| Tad - 4/1/11 |
