Think of the concept of buying and selling a living being. It reinforces the belief that we are superior to all creatures, that we control their fate.That profit can be made by selling voiceless creatures. It is truly a form of oppression that we've imposed on helpless creatures and even our fellow humans over the ages. And sadly, is totally acceptable in the society we live in. That does not make it right. Holiday time is especially perilous for all the puppies/kittens snatched up as "presents."
1. Living things should never be given as gifts. That implies ownership and a level of control over the living being. I-Pods are gifts. Animals are entitled to a higher level of dignity and respect.
2. Pets should become a part of their new family after making sure it fits in well with all people and other pets in the home. It is a careful process to make sure its a good match and the pet won't be returned. When given as a present, it is only a chance to hope it works out.
3. Holiday time is a bad time to introduce a pet to a household. Either too much attention goes to the pup because its new and adorable, or too little because there's a house full of activity, guests, etc.
But... what happens after the holiday is really unfair to the pet. Kids go back to school and mom and dad to work and here's little puppy, the former center of attention, all alone for 8 hours. No wonder the chewing, crying, peeing, etc. results. Puppies can't understand their new home situation is about to change in two weeks, they can only react to it. There's a reason shelters and rescues are inundated with calls to take animals after the holidays.
Resist that urge to wrap a little puppy and put in under the tree. Think outside the proverbial "box" or present in this case. You may get the reaction from your loved ones that you hoped for. But, living things deserve better.
Let's continue to educate people to a higher level of thinking- respect for living creatures, not superiority over them where they can be sold and traded at the marketplace. Remember, we did this once to our fellow man and that was o.k. too.
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2 comments:
Shout it from the highest mountain....Pets are NOT Presents. Keep upi the great work, fellow rescuers.
Very true - and for as sweet as it was to watch the Charlie Brown holiday special on TV, the whole thing was about wanting a puppy for Christmas. A very bad message.
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