TAKE an hour or so at any of our parks and beaches and you will see people playing with, and walking, their dogs. Happy creatures bounding along, in peak condition, confident in the feeling that their lord and master will be there for them forever.
Fast forward to the kennels at the SPCA and there is a very different picture.
Visits to the kennels at the SPCA are always traumatic for animal lovers, but a recent visit was heartbreaking. There are many dedicated people who do their utmost to make the animals stay in the kennels and cattery as comfortable as possible. But no matter how hard they try the truth is that each of these dogs and cats wants a home of their own.
A little Dachshund looked at his visitors with a mournful face. There was no wag of a tail, no panting or hope in the possibility that he could go home with these people. He turned and walked away, a sad, depressed little dog, pining for someone who left him there. His longing was palpable and made one wonder what circumstances had brought him to this place. Had his owners packed for new shores? This was the saddest dog I have ever seen.
Close by was a clown with a crooked ear and a body which bore testament to his varied parentage. Lolling tongue and a big smile, he charmed everyone. One could almost hear him plead: “pick me, pick me”. In another kennel was a glossy black Labrador, a magnificent dog with liquid brown eyes begging for someone to love him.
The cattery was full of beautiful felines who wanted nothing more than the warm lap of someone with a kind heart.
There was a dog which had recently given birth judging by her pendulous teats and she, of all those animals wishing for new homes, illustrated why our animals end up in sanctuaries like the SPCA and the Animal Anti-Cruelty League.
People get pets when they are cute and cuddly but forget about the responsibility of having pets spayed or neutered. They forget about having their pets inoculated, forget about love and care. It is an imposition when going on holiday to hire someone to care for your animals, so some people dump them at the SPCA .
There are enough dogs and cats in the world without us indiscriminately breeding more. Dogs and cats need more than food and water. They need attention, time and energy, and money. If you can’t afford the vets bills, the food and the time, do the right thing – don’t get a pet.
It’s a nice idea that a good proportion of people who own dogs or cats could find room in their homes and hearts for just one more. One little Jack Russell, dying to go for a run, or that old lady with the grey muzzle who is in the twilight of her life.
Oh and the cats, playful and plentiful, they are gorgeous. There are beautiful kittens too which will soon be ready for a home.
Think about these animals when you decide to have a furry friend. They will thank you with loyalty and devotion for all their days. Please help them.
