Something to think about today.
Our local animal shelters are no-kill shelters. Which made it easier for me when I had to take that stray dog in there last year. Thinking in terms of individual animals it makes it easier to know they aren't going to die.
BUT... Our shelters are full a lot of the time, and they just turn people away. There aren't enough adopters. I heard a story today that really opened my eyes to why this isn't good. There was an older person who was so overrun with cats it had become a health concern. Some well-meaning neighbors took the time and expended the effort to catch the cats (with permission from the owner), and they took them to the shelter. They were turned away. No alternatives offered, just turned away. So the cats were taken out and shot. Humane? I'd prefer a lethal injection. But then I don't think euthanasia is that big a deal. The critter doesn't fear death, doesn't even know what death is. In most cases it's painless and it is very quick. On the other hand, I don't know how good a shot that person was with the cats. A bullet could go wrong in a lot of horrible ways. How sad.
What do you think about no-kill or kill shelters?
On another note, and a much happier one, I got another job yesterday! Totally out of the blue, thanks to a recommendation from my trainer friend. I'm going to assist our local equine dentist. She travels all over the place but I'm just helping out here at home. It's very part time, and it won't make a huge difference in the bank account, but it will be so much fun and I'll learn a lot. She's a regular vet too, but specializes in equine dentistry now, and I think I heard she was a farrier at one time as well. So there are all sorts of opportunities for learning. Love it!
On another happy note today, I got to spend lots of time with Mama Cat, who has been MIA a lot lately (don't worry, she's spayed). She let me start her annual shearing, and I got about half of her back and legs, and even some of her belly clipped. I just use scissors and stay patient. My clippers don't work right, and I'm not sure she'd tolerate them. She just sat there and purred and loved it, until she didn't anymore, and then she was DONE. That's about how it usually works. :)
Liam rode old Soxy today and Tonka came out to play too. I helped spay and neuter 4 dogs and 6 cats. Made chili for dinner and then shaved the cat. I'd say that's a pretty good day. Oh, and the sun was shining and it was WARM! :)
Congratulations on the job. It would be nice if you could travel a little with her to watch. I LOVE to watch other horse people do their thing. It was sunny here, too, and is now as well. I like the idea of no-kill shelters, if it's practical. That story is haunting. I heard of that done with horses. A few years ago when hay prices were high, the guy couldn't sell them and wouldn't take them to auction, so he shot them on his own land.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good day!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of no-kill shelters, but I have to wonder if it is practical and feasible. What happens when there is no one to take them in, and no funds to feed them? Who is going to rescue the rescue?