Excursion..

Today we had a class excursion to the AWL shelter. Thankfully, we didn't see anything die and it didn't seem like a sad place to be- that was probably my worst fear about going- that I'd get emotional, or end up coming home with an extra pet I really am not in a position to handle!! But I must say it got me thinking. It is awful to think that so many of those dogs and cats are homeless, most because their owners just didn't want to be responsible. Plus, to think of all the ones who were euthanized because they had no chance of re-homing. Why do people think animals are disposable objects? Why don't they understand that yes, if you fail to care for and train your pet, it WILL act up? And WHY don't they love them? Imperfections and all, I believe animals can bring out the best in us. They teach us patience and nurturing, they give us unconditional affection and laughter. They complete our families. Next time you pass a pet store and look at the cute little face in the window, think before you act.. Think of the average $40 000 it will cost you to care for that dog over a 10 year period. Think of the hours you'll have to spend training it, the illnesses you will have to nurse it through, the things it may destroy in your home... can you do all that and still love this creature unconditionally?
When I got home I watched the Dog Whisperer episode on puppy mills. Wow. That was sad. I had no idea how many of these places operate, locking dogs in tiny cages where they spin in circles going crazy, covered in their own poo and wee...never allowed out, never allowed any fun or freedom... dogs only 2 years old who have had 4 litters forced out of them already. And these are the places supplying pet stores. I know from today that there are many sweet dogs just waiting for you at the pound, if you want one. Someday when it's the right time for me to get one, that's where I'll go.
Apart from the seriousness of today I'm frustrated that I now have more worksheet assessments to do. :S And a Jack Russell puppy jumped on me and I fell in the mud. We also watched a behavioral assessment, looked at the premises and walked dogs.