Dogs Deserve Better - an essay
A DAILY REALITY
By Cherine Bissinger, Copyright 2003
As I wake up cozy and warm on this bitterly cold December morning, I
find myself anguishing over the same thoughts once again. Since the
weather turned to subzero temperatures, I cannot eliminate the
overwhelming feelings of empathy and desperation for the countless
animals forced to endure a torturous existence by the hands of cruel,
sadistic "owners" who willfully neglect their basic physiological and
psychological needs. I wish I didn't care as much as I do because
life for me would be far more enjoyable living ignorantly and
blissfully. But alas, I am surrounded on a daily basis by selfish
individuals who take care of themselves without ever extending an act
kindness towards other living, breathing creatures.
Whilst preparing my breakfast, I glance over and admire my two
glorious dogs snoring on the couch, and I tiptoe over to give them a
kiss without disrupting their peaceful sleep. Their coats are shiny,
bellies well nourished, bodies warm and spirits filled with a joie de
vivre. This is how pets should exist in our world. I feel lucky to
have them, and I cherish their presence.
Driving to work, I recall the most influential narrative concerning
the treatment of animals to have ever been relayed over the radio.
Listening to my favourite local station, I became profoundly moved by
a story entitled "How Could You?" by author Jim Willis. I sobbed
inconsolably as the on-air radio personality struggled his way
through the powerful words. This time, I quickly push the memory to
the back of my mind in order not to arrive to work crying. I suddenly
shudder from the cold air absorbing deep in my bones and crippling my
extremities, so I immediately turn up the heat in my car. How
fortunate to have instantaneous relief. I gaze out the window at the
barren countryside and become stricken with disbelief at the never
ending sight of helpless farm animals wandering aimlessly without any
visible shelter. Goats, cows and horses standing in complete
abandonment. I look at my watch and notice that it's only 6 a.m. Have
these animals been enduring this frigid climate all night? As I pass
one farm, I glare at a frighteningly dilapidated barn house with
apparent movement inside. Surely there aren't animals inside this
exposed shack? It seems that no matter where I look, animals would
appear. Stray cats running across the road, dogs chained to tiny
wooden huts in already fenced-in yards. "What is the matter with
people," I think to myself. "How can they sleep at night with the
knowledge that animals in their possession are suffering?" It's beyond
comprehension.
Arriving into town, I drive around the neighbourhood and remark the
same observations: a total disregard for decency and blatant lack of
compassion for animal welfare on one of the coldest days this year.
As I park my car at my place of work, my attention is drawn over to
the left at the sight of a dog wagging his tail. The sun has not yet
risen, and the home attached to the enclosed yard housing the dog is
unlit. My heart sinks with the insight that this innocent dog has
spent the night outside in the blustery wind and arctic temperatures,
all the while his human counterparts slept contently indoors,
snuggled comfortably in their beds, without once considering the
painful effects of such inhumanity on their loving dog who craves
nothing more than a kind hand and companionship. I walk over to the
dog and perceive that he is, of course, tied to a dog house. Perhaps
the owners realize that the life they're providing for their pet is so
unbearable that given a chance, the dog would rather jump the fence
and become homeless than be treated as an inanimate lawn fixture. The
closer I get to the fence, the more excited the furry tail becomes.
From a few feet away, I witness the look of anticipation on his face.
I know he's hoping that someone has finally come to take him away
from this misery. He jumps up and barely places his front paws on the
fence; as much as the length of the chain will permit. He is
shivering wildly and is cold to the touch. Tiny icicles have formed
around his whiskers. A backyard light from the neighbour's house
provides sufficient luminescence for me to view the dog's stainless
steel bowl filled solid with ice. The inside of his dog house is
covered with snow. The yard has never been shoveled. Children's toys
are scattered throughout the yard. "Great," I think to myself.
"They're also teaching children by example."
My sadness turns to rage. How could they do that! Why do such
heartless people own animals? Pets or farm animals, there is no
excuse for this merciless neglect and intentional maltreatment. As
the glacial wind howls in the moonlight, my ears feel like pins and
needles. I begin to whisper words of comfort to the dog. I tell him
how much I love him and express my sorrow for his predicament. My
tears of rage turn to ice, similar to the feelings of animosity I
maintain towards the dog's owners. With a gentle pat on his head, I
regretfully turn to walk inside my workplace with innumerable
thoughts whirling in my mind. Each step I take away from the dog, I
imagine his desolate look of devastation for having been forgotten
and ignored. The heartbreaking image consumes me as I initiate my
first plan of action and contact the humane society to rescue this
pup.
As my core body temperature warms up, I identify with the thousands
of animals suffering in silence. Life is unjust. A coworker spots me
from a distance and quickly comments on my visible air of distress. I
recount the events of my morning arrival, and I watch his face turn
pale.the familiar look of another animal lover. He assures me that he
will keep an eye on the fenced dog to make certain the canine is
taken away from the home.
Within the hour, the humane society arrives and removes the dog. I
follow up by telephone and am told that the dog will eventually be
placed for adoption. I find myself relieved to have been able to help
one animal, but what about the myriad of others? Like chained
animals, I feel as though my hands are tied by feeble anti-cruelty
laws and public apathy. As human beings, our conscience implores us
to assist animals that are physically abused and emotionally denied
by altering public perception and strengthening animal welfare
bylaws. My purpose for channeling these thoughts into writing is to
avenge such inexcusable affliction with the commanding honesty of
words by advocating on behalf of those unable to communicate in a
language recognizable by people, with the greater goal that more
individuals extend their humanity to animals.
Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Dec 24, 2003