Please Pardon My Rant

There is an epidemic in this country that is not getting better.  Shelter statistics are just estimates, but according to the Humane Society more than 6 million dogs and cats will enter shelters this year and half of them will not be leaving.  While these numbers are a significant improvement from estimates 30 years ago, they are just estimates and we are still slaughtering these animals at a 50% rate. 

Aren't we the richest country in the world?  Certainly we can do better than that.  As stated in Mattew 25:40,  "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  As animal-loving individuals in this society, we must take steps to demonstrate our reverence for all life in hopes of shifting the paradigm that keeps these shelter statistics high.

What is it about our society that keeps these shelters so full?  America has become a "throw-away" society that values the new, flashy, and hip, over that which may be perceived as out-dated, out-of-touch, or old news.  We also tend to have very compulsive tendencies when it comes to satisfying our consumerism.  This compulsion often leads to purchases that are not well researched or well-thought out, and are made without consideration for long-term repercussions. 

Long-story short, we want puppies and kittens.  Do you know the busiest months for shelters in this country?  February and March... because people have grown tired of and become frustrated with the animals that were given as gifts over the holiday season.

We value the difficult work undertaken at shelters across this country.  We see it as a response to a problem, not a solution.  These shelters are over-crowded, under-funded, and despite all the creativity and passion in the world, are not able to adopt these pets at a fast enough rate.  What is required is a shift of paradigm that changes how people satisfy their need for animal companionship.  At Homer J's Senior Dog Sanctuary, we want to promote the idea of Re-Purposing in hopes of shifting attitudes about shelter dogs and opening peoples hearts in minds to the value of all life.

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