I have a philosophy about orphaned animals:
I believe that it’s imperative that true advocates for abandoned and homeless pets actively surround themselves by these unfortunate animals by visiting shelters and volunteering their time for their cause. And no matter how depressing and how sad their bleak situation may be, it’s our obligation to suck it up, put on a smile, and genuinely be a positive force for them.
Why? Because negativity is contagious and prospective adopters looking to adopt a pet don’t need your sadness and desperation. What they need is a positive, comforting guide to help them find their new family member.
Just as importantly, it’s also important that you be a positive force amongst the animals. Dogs, cats, rabbits… they’re all very empathetic and know when the people around them are upset. How many times have you had your pet rub up against you or lie with you quietly when you were sick or crying? They don’t need more sadness around them than that which they already have so don’t contribute to the problem.
But most importantly, it’s important to remain positive for yourself. You can’t subject yourself to a cause daily that simply makes you sad and unhappy all the time. So if you care about homeless animals, and you want to make a difference, you have to change your attitude perspective to one that’s positive – one that simply appreciates the animals for what they are.
And then at 3:32AM in the morning, I read articles like this and this. And for all my principles and philosophy before me, I can’t help but cry uncontrollably in front of my laptop.
What in God’s name is this world coming to?
I don’t believe anyone else has said it better than Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) on the Senate floor, on the topic of Michael Vick’s indictment:
At one point, Byrd began shouting and pumping his fist:
"Barbaric!," he yelled. "Let that word resounding from hill to hill, and from mountain to mountain, and valley to valley across the broad land. Barbaric! Barbaric! May God help those poor souls who’d be so cruel. Barbaric! Hear me! Barbaric!"
"I am confident that the hottest places in hell are reserved for the souls of sick and brutal people who hold God’s creatures in such brutal and cruel contempt," he said.
"One is left wondering," he said. "Who are the real animals: the creatures inside or outside the ring?"
kurtsh
Kurt's Thoughts 