( a rough day chasing kitty kats and bugs )
When God set out to create a help mate for man, He began with the animal kingdom. I think there is more being alluded to there in that creation than is readily seen by others - at least that's the way I cipher it. There is no other race that exhibits the same closeness that the white race has for his pets ... our little buddies. Or wildlife in general. Genesis 2 : 18 - 20.
Don't get me wrong , I'm certainly glad He didn't stop and proceeded to relieve Adam of that extra rib - it sure was effort well spent !
But how often have we used that phrase - man's best friend ?
For myself , I've always been a dog loving person ... always had one close by. Had one good ol cat though that would climb up on roofs with me when I was working ... doing her part as look out 'n all. She'd let me know if someone / something was around .
( Pow - Kitty awaiting further marching orders )
( Warning ! Radar has picked up movement !Battle stations ! )
So what is your beef already ?? Well, it's the same every summer and winter - hard hearted and callous people indifferent to the sufferings of others. And I'll mention it too whilst I'm thinking of it .... I've always hated zoo's. Even as a kid I never wanted to go. Who gets delight at seeing something penned up in a cage for the rest of it's life ? Not me. It's not natural.
Do you manage to keep yourself fairly comfortable when it's blazing hot outside - or freezing cold ? Do you have enough sense to keep yourself well hydrated, fed and make use of what shade / shelter you can ? You have the ability to take care of your needs - they don't. We made the choice to place them in our care, they didn't. We have domesticated them and in essence have made them dependant upon us for their very survival.
Do we keep them tied up on a 3 foot piece of chain, in the sun and a bowl of scummy water to drink - if they are lucky ? Leave them night after night out in the bitterly cold elements with a bare box perhaps ? Man , I'll tell ya - some folks are damn lucky I aint the law. For truly what you sow you'd reap. Think about that definition.
I've had many conversations with people over the years about this and know I'm not the only one who feels like this. Then you have the dimwits who try to excuse their coarse, irresponsible behaviour with - well, it's only a damn dog. That damn dog has feelings buddy. When you yell at him, he drops his ears and his tail tucks. When you can't spend a little time loving on him or taking him for a walk ... but you have nothing but time to swill yer beer and watch your stupid boob tube - makes me wonder who belongs on that chain.
And let's not forget them damn cages all the Lowes stores and such sell as dog kennels. Yeah, you try stretching your legs and living your days out in a 4 foot by 6 foot prison. I'd like to beat whoever thought that one up with a 2 x 4 wrapped in barbed wire.
He gets hungry. He gets thirsty. They get heat stroke and croak right easy. No, I'm not on a crusade and you can't save all the critters in the world ... but if the scenario crosses my path, I'll not look away and leave him to his slow and painful fate. Some think me a nut for this at times - ask me if I care. I don't do it for them but for the lil feller who has no say.
I'll usually try and confront the person and try to reason. If they're open, I'll make suggestions, give 'em a water bucket or help find a house. But some are too callous at heart and don't want to hear your BS. They just don't care. Fine.
I know some will call it being a snitch, but I will drop a dime on yer ass in this instance. I will not drive by day after day heading to work or something and watch them suffer a cruel death. I've called the humane society and the dog pound.
The one fat ass lady that used to work there surely got tired of seeing me ( repeat after me ) ... ask me if I care. I told her if she didn't get off her behind and do something, I would. Like put the dog out of its misery. And I would keep coming back til it was taken care of. So far it's worked.
How do people turn their back on situations like this is beyond me. They can explain and make excuse after excuse - but it gets down to the condition of the heart. In my opinion.
Well ... I've had my say. Time for us to take a stroll and check the perimeters.
11 comments:
Well what got you all riled up?
Gotta say, that is one handsome dog you have! I'm a dog person too, not to say that I have not appreciated a cat or two in my life. Nice little furry critters, meow.
Now I don't like my dog living in the house with me normally, but when it comes to bad weather, the doggie comes in. Last year, during hurricane Ike, my neighbor left his dog outside and I was shocked! Hell, me, my son and our dog Keko were huddled together during that storm!(the chickens stayed in the shed, they are filthy creatures)
Now there are times for restraints, but those times are rare IMO. We should all be free.
If you are going to keep an animal, it is a full time job. That means making sure there is always plenty of water and food, along with a nice comfy place to "hang out", take a snooze if you please.
My pets, Keko and the dirty, crazy chickens eat before I do everyday.
Don't get me wrong, I like those chickens, but they are dirty and stinky.
Awesome post Jeff! And you know by now I think your dog is gorgeous. The motorbike though, yours? We can catch up on that later.
I love animals way more than humans, and I won't bore you with the reasons why.
I reckon one can learn a lot from how a person might treat you by looking at the way he or she treats an animal, regardless of whether they are animal lovers or not. [I don't like humans, does that justify me going on a shooting spree down main road?]
Interesting though, maybe even ironic, if you look eg at a dog's ability to love unconditional, to forgive, to be honest and sincere .. to name but a few. And we don't teach them that. They just know.
Compare that to humans who claim to have logic, who hold on to their Bibles and Dr Phil and Oprah books for dear life .. and then you compare their so-called 'knowledge' which manifests in their words and thoughts ... to their deeds.
I rest my case. Take care Jeff.
Yeah, I know Joy ... my stomping around in a circle, fuming 'n raising a dust storm kinda got outa hand.
I think it was the speaking of Michael Vick on Orion's blog the other day that primed this pump again.
I've seen so many inhumane situations, as I'm certain others have, and it happens every year without fail. As mentioned, the lil fellers can't file a complaint for themselves.
Dotty thanks ya kindly for your compliments. When the lads are younger, they always name their dogs tuff sounding names - Killer, Max, etc.
Nowadays I just kinda let it ease itself into existance.
Did you notice that "M" brand between her eyes ? It was so distinctive when she was little, kinda blended in now.
Couldn't come up with anything that fit though - Minny, Marauder ... naw.
Yep, chickens are fowl
(yuk ! yuk !) creatures and mess up the OUTSIDE enough.
And no, my doggie doesn't sleep beside me with a feather pillow under her punkin' head either. She is the second Siberian Husky I've had.
(Most of the others have been German Shepards, although I have rescued a few "mutts" from lock up. And I've seen some smart mutts - no criticism meant)
The problem with them in the hurricanes is keeping them INSIDE - she wants out. Had some folks drive by one icy, sleety day and mildly castigate me for the dog being in the elements.
She was curled up in the open yard, covered with a glazing of ice. I told them - hey ! There's her snug lil house right there. She wont go in it when it's freezing cold. This weather reminds her of back home and she's just reminiscing !
As you say, taking care of them is plain common sense. Being retained is one thing,
having a life that never varies from 3 foot of existance is another.
Almost forgot one point - I had one cousin when we were little growing up, always ready to fight me 'cause I wouldn't watch my step and I was continually
"murdering" God's ants. C'mon man ! There is a point of diminishing returns and I understand this !
.....................
(I think Dotty just sent Keko an American Greetings doggy card ... she does stuff like that !)
Hello Elf and thanks for stopping by.
"I reckon one can learn a lot from how a person might treat you by looking at the way he or she treats an animal, regardless of whether they are animal lovers or not."
This has long been my belief and more often than not has been proven true.
All these compliments Dotty is receiving has her prancing about on her tippy toes - thanks ! She's a little over 2 years but thinks she's such a big girl now !
Some folks can't really comprehend how close of a relationship one can have with an animal.
They each have personalities and it's fascinating to me to cultivate it.
The screamin' demon is a Kawasaki. Doesn't sound as good as a Harley but I'm more into stealth these days. Nothing can clear the head and set ya right like a cruise.
Take care and swing by when ya can.
Joy said - "My pets, Keko and the dirty, crazy chickens eat before I do everyday."
I had no doubt you cared for yer critters. Your words here reminded me of something though.
Incog had a recent post and the pic was the late Marine General Chesty Puller.
I thought of alot of good 'uns when I commented there ... but the atmosphere was not conducive to pro - Puller sentiment.
Chesty Puller was the soldiers best friend. He came up thru the ranks and knew the warrior code and their hardships. He looked out for his own. He was continually berated by his superiors for staying on the front line.
Once he was waiting in chow line, taking his turn with all the privates and lesser ranks. Some uppity officer strolled past and cut in front. That didn't fly at all.
While he was reaming him a new one, another officer in line was further explaining to a surprised private about this General who stood anonymously awaiting his turn.
He said - you should of been with the old man when we served in Nicaraugua (spelling ? aint gonna look it up).
It was privates and mules before officers, and brother - those mules could eat !
I've always dreamed of having acreage where I could just pick up any ole stray and let 'em stay! I love dogs, cats, all kinds of animals. It's our duty to take care of them.
I would love to have a dog right now but I don't want to chain him up and that's why I don't have one. I was thinking of getting one of those runs where he could roam my huge yard but still be tied, but I haven't decided yet.
Mah cat now, Pixi Annie Pu Pu, she stays outside except at night. A cat should be out doing what she does best: Hunt. Haha it's funny to watch her zoom in on some prey.
Yeah, I think that's a wish of alot of us.
I've picked up a few sad cases of strays also. Some of them seem really grateful.
I understand some folks have to keep pets contained somewhat - it's just those that stick them in their spot and pretty much forget about 'em. Man, what a life. And they wonder why they get mean or go mad.
Yep, cats need to be out prowling 'n growling ... that's what they do.
Keep them mousies in check 'n all. They sure can keep themselves entertained !
I love animals! Dogs in particular. I grew up around animals, but when I went into the military I never had time for them. I had to move a lot. Later, when I got out, my civilian job required being on the road a lot, so no time for pets then.
Now that I'm older and settled, I have a dog. His name is Spike. He's my boy!
I take the opportunity to tell people how I came to be with Spike whenever it arises.
I had just moved to Arizona from Virginia. My parents had passed and now it was time to be around my wife's kin folk.
I really wasn't looking forward to this move since my in-laws weren't really my closest of friends (if you get my drift). Anyway, my mother in-law had this dog and she was a mean one. Everyone was surprised at how easily her "baby" took to me. I loved spending time with her dog because she was about the closest thing to a friend I had out here.
One day, I prayed to YHWH to please give me a dog just like my mother in-laws.
Well, don't you know it, the very next day, at dusk, I was driving along and there was this dog in the middle of a busy intersection. Because the sun was going down, I couldn't see very clearly, but the dog look just like my mother in-law's. I thought her dog had gotten out so I called to her. The dog came obediently into my arms and starting kissing the heck out of me! At that point, I realized that this wasn't my mother in-law's dog, but another; and it was a "he".
Spike didn't have a collar so no identification. I couldn't find the owner. We've been together ever since. I thank YHWH all the time for giving me Spike.
There's more I could tell you about this story, but those are the highlights.
I KNOW YHWH GAVE ME SPIKE!
Whenever YHWH does things like this for little 'ole me, it's like treasures I keep stored up in my memory.
JamesTheJust
Very touching story James, thanks so much for opening your treasure trove and sharing this. You've hit a very familiar sentiment with me indeed.
I also try and take notice of all Gods blessings - emphasis on try, for in truth they are without measure and not always given the deserving and proper praise.
Yep, I think alot of us fella's can relate to the condition of
"in law-itis" ! Mine used to work me like a field hand ... but all in all I figured my gal was worth it !
(remember Jacob's labors !)
I know that instant bond you felt when you 'n ol Spike made yer pact, and others scoffing at my expressing the same over the years has never meant a thing to me. A blessing indeed - from BOTH of yer viewpoints !
Take care brother ...
yer passport back home (ol Virginny) is always valid ! :)
Looking over this post again, as I've just now mailed it to a friend ... I do not keep any dog on a chain or rope.
She was on it very temporarily, a couple hours max while I was repairing the fence.
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