Interesting this year’s Blitz theme is Thanks. It’s where my thoughts have been. This cache celebrates great pet owners be it dog, cat, rabbit, birds etc. I’ve just spent the last 20 years as a Behaviourist rehabilitating animals, mostly dogs, set to be killed. For 99% of them, their problems were entirely owner accidentally created. And for this...the animal would have paid the ultimate price. All were re-rehabilitated and have gone on to live to old age, always appropriate and with quality lives.
I want to present an article for your reading pleasure. I can’t say I agree with it completely but I do believe in examining beliefs especially regarding relationships. All I’m ever really sure of is the importance of staying open minded and to regularly re-examine one’s beliefs and assumptions. Obviously, many segments of it are difficult to read without being defensive. But if one is able to suspend one's own 'ego attitude' - or perspective - one can see that the writer does reveal many raw truths.
Perhaps, then, in the privacy of one's own mind can they be assimilated and ultimately acted upon. Ego can be a formidable, but not insurmountable, barrier to change. We all are at varying levels of what we believe animal rights to care, socialization, housing, breeding are.
Slaves of Our Affection by Charles Danton DVM: http://www.katinkahesselink.net/other/danten1.html
Quote from another rescuer: "I do a lot for my canines -They do a lot for me. In the day, food, out, walk, poop patrol. If there is 24 hrs in the day tho, the percentage actually spent in active interaction..is? Meeting more than the needs..the wants? The lifestyle I provide is what 'I want". They have to wait on my whims, my priorities, my recognition of their needs. Out to do the nature call. Hungry and wanting fed. Bored to pieces because me sitting on this PC- typing- is not their idea of a good time. But they'll wait, curled up at my feet. No other choice. They'd prefer a walk..oh..lets say...... for most of the day. We may care for them and provide. On a human level. But it is always what we want to provide and when. Or are forced to do, like letting them out for nature calls. Every dog out there, lives its life like this. Some have it better than others. Chained or alone in house all day. Ignored while the TV is turned on. I see dogs as the slaves, not vice-versa."
A heart felt Thank You cache acknowledging all the people who rehabilitate, foster, volunteer and adopt animals that need new homes. To those who spay and neuter. A tribute Thank You cache to the pet guardians I've also had the great pleasure to work who were committed to their animal to fix the problems. This cache will be maintained by such a soul, Ben's beloved.
Aug 5, 2012 Ben left us. He was a bit over 18 yrs old. His indomitable spirit, humour and esprit will always be remembered. And no other dog had 'the baleful' look he could do.