I’m a very blessed person. I still have my KC dog (see picture on right). I have a nice home with a big, well fenced backyard. I make enough money to care for an animal that may need medical care. And as I learned with Toni, I have no problem adjusting my life to care for the life of another. Therefore, I think it is important that I take in the animal others may overlook out of necessity or preference. I realize that not everyone can care for an older or ill animal but I can, so I should. The thought of a dog living out the remaining time he/she has, alone in a shelter is just too much for me to take. How lonely and painful must that be for them? (One dog I’m considering is Bo)
Not everyone agrees with what Gary Francione has to say about animal rights. Even I don’t. But I do like his reference to the dogs he and his partner care for as “refugees”. I’m not going to go into his argument against domestication (you can read his article). However, I do want to provide a few facts about the lives of domesticated animals, specifically dogs and cats in the United States. Sadly the statistics show that animals often end up as refugees seeking refuge not in a foreign country but in a foreign environment so they can avoid abusive, cruel or heartless lives.
Those stats are criminal.
But Bo looks like such a sweetie! I vote for him.
By: Have Gone Vegan on February 20, 2012
at 6:33 pm
Thanks! I have a play date set up with Bo and my dog KC. I so hope it goes well.
By: Debbie on February 21, 2012
at 7:49 pm
I’m sorry to hear about Toni. Big hugs! I’m sure a future companion animal will be totally blessed to have found you. And as an outspoken Atheist, I very seldom use the term “blessed” but it seems appropriate here.
By: warriortoo on February 20, 2012
at 10:51 pm
Thanks! I’m more agnostic than atheist…actually I try to avoid making a decision (amazing how much childhood guilt can control an adult). But I do love the word blessed. It just feels thankful and I am very thankful.
By: Debbie on February 21, 2012
at 7:56 pm
I love your acceptance of older animals! Our family feels the same way and have adopted dogs, cats, and rabbits at many stages of life. Bo or another, I’m sure whoever comes home will be welcomed and loved.
I agree about Francione. His background as a lawyer makes him view issues of ethics as black and white points to be won. This makes him appear accusatory, argumentative, and judgmental – fine traits in a courtroom, but not so for an advocate working with the general public. Despite the many ethical offenses he (and I) feel the public has committed, ethical differences are permitted in a democracy and the public is not on trial. Approaching the public as judge and jury, damning all of us, including vegans because we’re not vegan enough, does little more than make veganism appear less healthy and more extreme to everyone. Until compassion as we define it is a legal requirement we must work with the public to change the world. We will accomplish little by spitting on them.
By: Know Thank You on February 21, 2012
at 4:32 am
I agree with you about Francione’s tendency to look at everything as black and white. But I admit I do love his well reasoned arguments and wish I had the chance to debate him on…well, anything. I wouldn’t win the debate but it would be fun. I think that is one of the reasons I like your bog so much. You too are expert at framing a point of view that encourages feedback and healthy debate.
By: Debbie on February 21, 2012
at 7:43 pm
Thanks
By: Know Thank You on February 23, 2012
at 3:44 am
Bo looks perfect! If he fills your heart with the right stuff then you’ll know he’s the one. KC ought to appreciate the friendship too. It’s sad to leave a single animal without a friend…
And we’re so far away from the possibility of having a future world with no domesticated nonhumans – I wouldn’t even worry about the subject now. Those debates will be settled in your great, great, great grandchildren’s time – If ever. For now… There are the refugees – Yes! Saving Bo or someone like him is a super idea! <3
By: Provoked on February 22, 2012
at 2:30 pm