Cynthia Henley - Defender of those who cannot speak for themselves

One of my passions is helping take care of animals - specifically Boston Terriers - who are abandoned or recovered from a breeding pit. It just amazes me how absolutely cruel people can be. For example . . .

Today there was a call from a girl who was allegedly moving to an apartment & couldn't keep her dog of 11 years! 11 years!!!!! She was threatening to take it to a kill shelter (in an effort to make those who volunteer feel compelled to jump & figure out what to do. We are above capacity - we have a shelter, we have our own kennel & many, many of us foster while the baby waits for their forever home.)

How could someone who has had a dog since it was a puppy just move to an apartment that doesn't take pet - 11 years later - & decide the apartment was more important that the pet. This loyal animal who depended on her - who welcomed her home every day with loving licks & yips of excitement. This BT who thought that his owner was the best of all - because she loved him.

I cannot write more on this because frankly, it makes me so sad I cannot deal. It makes me want to punish (which is weird for me) the offender - to take this girl down to the kill shelter & lock her in the cage & say, "Is she next?" [Actually - that sounds familiarly like what we do to people, especially in Texas.]

I have nothing for this girl - nothing. I don't know her but I'm trying not to hate her, not to wish bad things on her, not to send her bad vibes & kharma. She is not like those who lost their homes & have nothing (which I STILL do not understand abandoning a pet to starve to death which is happening a lot in foreclosures.)

I have a few names I'd like to call her & a couple of things I'd like to do, but instead I'll share with you -

PLEASE - spay, neuter, don't take a pet that you don't intend to keep to the very end. (You don't want to be thrown out when you get old, do you?) Adopt, don't buy. And, take care of your pets - this is heartworm country here in Texas. If you don't want to spend money on them - DON'T GET ONE.

Kripes, I'm pissed.

A Pet's Point of View - a different type of blog from me

I stole this from someone at the BT Rescue group I volunteer with but thought it quite good. If you love your pet, it should bring a tear:

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Separations from you are likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your
voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you. (Think about this one seriously.)

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if
something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I
have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. (It may be hard, but you love them & they need comfort.)

So you all know, I adore my babies & am a foster mother to a BT displaced by the Hurricane Ike. He is still waiting for his forever home. I've worked with him to help him overcome many anxieties - and he was definitely a biter. He is SO much better now, and looking for someone who deserves him.

We have many adoptable pets, and there are many rescues. Remember - adopt, don't buy. Check out petfinder.com for all kinds of pets.

Have a great day, & hug your furry loved ones.