By Mary Jane Anderson

A family gets a healthy puppy and it soon grows into a large, active dog. The children lose interest and the parents can’t be bothered. As a result, the dog ends up on a four-foot chain in the backyard, never walked, never played with, never even noticed, or sometimes left for days at a time.

Because the dog is bored and frustrated, excessive barking begins and the neighbors complain. Finally, the dog goes to the dog pound and is destroyed.

Even if animal shelters could afford to house and feed the 13.5 million unwanted animals across this country each year, making them live day in and day out with only occasional human contact is stressful and cruel.

When a Canine Control Officer resigned, she was asked to comment about the job. She said, “The thing I liked least about being the dog warden is the people. It is animals I feel sorry for. The people make all kinds of poor excuses.”

Over the centuries, dogs have proven to be loyal and versatile friends. Unfortunately, some dog owners have not realized their responsibility in owning a pet. The pet population problem is immense. A large population of animals runs free, unsupervised, resulting in uncontrolled reproduction; tens of thousands of dogs are killed by automobiles each year. Every dog owner must be aware of the problems that do exist and must be careful that they do not contribute to it.

If you would like to become actively involved in helping the animals in your community, the following are helpful suggestions:

1. Inform yourself about the welfare problems, become a member of one of several national humane societies. Volunteer your services or help in their fund-raising events.

2. Scan the newspapers and magazines for articles pertaining to animals and/or animal abuses.

3. Write letters to local and state officials as well as to congressmen concerning animal welfare legislation.

4. Inform others about the plight of animals . . . spread the word. Encourage clubs to undertake animal or ecology related projects.

5. Individuals or groups might wish to donate books on wildlife, pet care, or ecology to a local library or school or hold an animal week featuring a display of responsible pet ownership.

6. Request a humane education program in your local school system.

As a lonely dog would say:

I wish someone will tell me

What is it that I’ve done wrong;

And why I must be chained outside

And left along so long.

 

All I have, you see, was love.

I wish someone could explain

Just why they said they wanted mine

And then left it – on a chain.

Edith Lassen Johnson