“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged
by the way its animals are treated.”
Mahatma Gandhi
The picture above is of Hercules, now named CeeLo by his new mom. She reports that he is a very happy kitty since she adopted him. And he loves his canine sister Lacy! Hercules was obviously crying out literally for a home, as he was rescued four times from abandoned ones! Such a happy ending!
If every individual did a small act of kindness, we wouldn't have as much suffering of our homeless animals as we do now. If everyone placed a plastic bin with dry warm straw in it, and placed a bowl of food and water down some where protected, and if everyone took responsibility for neutering JUST ONE cat, our country would be a better place to live in, knowing the population of sick and homeless cats is dwindling.
According to estimates, tens of thousands of homeless, stray and free-roaming cats live on the streets and in alleyways, back yards, and abandoned lots throughout the city. Many of the cats live in groups known as “colonies.” The winter months are particularly difficult for these cats, when bad weather creates serious and life-threatening challenges, including finding food, water, and shelter. Shelter is vitally important, especially during the cold winter months.
FUN FACTS: Lifetime TV did a survey in 2008 and here are results.
87% consider their pets members of the family (THATS ME)
59% would risk their lives to save a pet (THATS ME)
13%, if stranded on a desert island with just one companion, would choose a pet over a person (THATS ME)
28% name their pets as the best listeners they know (THATS ME - AND they don't talk back!)
12% have sacrificed relationships for their pets (hmmmmm... no need to sacrifice, wouldn't be with a person who could make me choose in the first place!)
28% put their pets' needs before their own (uh huh)
49% allow their pets to sleep on their beds (and kick em off if overcrowding occurs!)
I reiterate my creed:
"I am an Animal Rescuer. My job is to assist God's creatures. I was born with the need to fulfill their needs. I take in new family members without plan, thought or selection. I have bought dog or cat food with my last dime. I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand. I have hugged someone vicious and afraid. I have fallen in love a thousand times and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body. I have Animal Friends and friends who have animal friends. I don't often use the word "pet." I notice those lost at the road side and my heart aches. I will hand raise a field mouse and make friends with a vulture. I know of no creature unworthy of my time. I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven, but I believe there are. Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind? We may be master of the animals, but the animals have mastered themselves-- something people still haven't learned. War and Abuse makes me hurt for the world, but a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind. We are a quiet but determined army, and making a difference every day. There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan, nothing more rewarding than saving a life; No higher recognition than watching them thrive. There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play who only days ago, was too weak to eat. I am an Animal Rescuer, My work is never done, My home is never quiet, My wallet is always empty, but my heart is always full. In the game of life, we have already won."
AMEN. Have a great day!
What a lovely creed. I aspire to this because of your example Janine, that so much can be done for these abandoned cats, by just one. It is true, "one" can make a difference.You do this in so many ways, getting the word out to people who would otherwise not be aware, passing the information from one to another, it all adds up, it all helps some where, sometime, some neglected creature that cannot speak.
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