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�sonly 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.
Go on to Woodstock, NY
Becomes Latest City to Adopt "Animal Guardian" Language
Return to 15 February 2004 Issue
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