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As
I wake up cozy and warm on this bitterly cold December morning,
I find myself anguishing over the same thoughts once again. Since
the weather turned to subzero temperatures, I cannot eliminate the
overwhelming feelings of empathy and desperation for the countless
animals forced to endure a torturous existence by the hands of cruel,
sadistic "owners" who willfully neglect their basic physiological
and psychological needs. I wish I didn't care as much as I do because
life for me would be far more enjoyable living ignorantly and blissfully.
But alas, I am surrounded on a daily basis by selfish individuals
who take care of themselves without ever extending an act of kindness
towards other living, breathing creatures.
Whilst
preparing my breakfast, I glance over and admire my two glorious
dogs snoring on the couch, and I tiptoe over to give them a kiss
without disrupting their peaceful sleep. Their coats are shiny,
bellies well nourished, bodies warm and spirits filled with a joie
de vivre. This is how pets should exist in our world. I feel lucky
to have them, and I cherish their presence.
Driving to work, I recall the most influential narrative concerning
the treatment of animals to have ever been relayed over the radio.
Listening to my favourite local station, I became profoundly moved
by a story entitled "How Could You?" by author Jim Willis.
I sobbed inconsolably as the on-air radio personality struggled
his way through the powerful words. This time, I quickly push the
memory to the back of my mind in order not to arrive to work crying.
I suddenly shudder from the cold air absorbing deep in my bones
and crippling my extremities, so I immediately turn up the heat
in my car. How fortunate to have instantaneous relief. I gaze out
the window at the barren countryside and become stricken with disbelief
at the never ending sight of helpless farm animals wandering aimlessly
without any visible shelter. Goats, cows and horses standing in
complete abandonment. I look at my watch and notice that it's only
6 a.m. Have these animals been enduring this frigid climate all
night? As I pass one farm, I glare at a frighteningly dilapidated
barn house with apparent movement inside. Surely there aren't animals
inside this exposed shack? It seems that no matter where I look,
animals would appear. Stray cats running across the road, dogs chained
to tiny wooden huts in already fenced-in yards. "What is the
matter with people," I think to myself. "How can they
sleep at night with the knowledge that animals in their possession
are suffering?" It's beyond comprehension.
Arriving into town, I drive around the neighbourhood and remark
the same observations: a total disregard for decency and blatant
lack of compassion for animal welfare on one of the coldest days
this year. As I park my car at my place of work, my attention is
drawn over to the left at the sight of a dog wagging his tail. The
sun has not yet risen, and the home attached to the enclosed yard
housing the dog is unlit. My heart sinks with the insight that this
innocent dog has spent the night outside in the blustery wind and
arctic temperatures, all the while his human counterparts slept
contently indoors, snuggled comfortably in their beds, without once
considering the painful effects of such inhumanity on their loving
dog who craves nothing more than a kind hand and companionship.
I walk over to the dog and perceive that he is, of course, tied
to a dog house. Perhaps the owners realize that the life they're
providing for their pet is so unbearable that given a chance, the
dog would rather jump the fence and become homeless than be treated
as an inanimate lawn fixture. The closer I get to the fence, the
more excited the furry tail becomes. From a few feet away, I witness
the look of anticipation on his face. I know he's hoping that someone
has finally come to take him away from this misery. He jumps up
and barely places his front paws on the fence; as much as the length
of the chain will permit. He is shivering wildly and is cold to
the touch. Tiny icicles have formed around his whiskers. A backyard
light from the neighbour's house provides sufficient luminescence
for me to view the dog's stainless steel bowl filled solid with
ice. The inside of his dog house is covered with snow. The yard
has never been shoveled. Children's toys are scattered throughout
the yard. "Great," I think to myself. " They're also
teaching children by example."
My
sadness turns to rage. How could they do that! Why do such heartless
people own animals? Pets or farm animals, there is no excuse for
this merciless neglect and intentional maltreatment. As the glacial
wind howls in the moonlight, my ears feel like pins and needles.
I begin to whisper words of comfort to the dog. I tell him how much
I love him and express my sorrow for his predicament. My tears of
rage turn to ice, similar to the feelings of animosity I maintain
towards the dog's owners. With a gentle pat on his head, I regretfully
turn to walk inside my workplace with innumerable thoughts whirling
in my mind. Each step I take away from the dog, I imagine his desolate
look of devastation for having been forgotten and ignored. The heartbreaking
image consumes me as I initiate my first plan of action and contact
the humane society to rescue this pup.
As my core body temperature warms up, I identify with the thousands
of animals suffering in silence. Life is unjust. A coworker spots
me from a distance and quickly comments on my visible air of distress.
I recount the events of my morning arrival, and I watch his face
turn pale. The familiar look of another animal lover. He assures
me that he will keep an eye on the fenced dog to make certain the
canine is taken away from the home. Within the hour, the humane
society arrives and removes the dog. I follow up by telephone and
am told that the dog will eventually be placed for adoption. I find
myself relieved to have been able to help one animal, but what about
the myriad of others? Like chained animals, I feel as though my
hands are tied by feeble anti-cruelty laws and public apathy. As
human beings, our conscience implores us to assist animals that
are physically abused and emotionally denied by altering public
perception and strengthening animal welfare bylaws. My purpose for
channeling these thoughts into writing is to avenge such inexcusable
affliction with the commanding honesty of words by advocating on
behalf of those unable to communicate in a language recognizable
by people, with the greater goal that more individuals extend their
humanity to animals.
—Cherine
is a teacher in Canada who has been published in her local newspapers
on animal issues. To contact Cherine, please email: doolexa@hotmail.com
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