Today is October 15th, which means it’s time for Be the Change for Animals. A day when bloggers unite to shine their lights on causes near and dear to our hearts in hopes of affecting real change for animals.
I struggled with this one, I really did. I mean, there are so many things that need to change in animal welfare it’s hard to choose just one.
While driving to a baby shower on Sunday we passed a house with a sign out front that said, “Free kittens.” I thought perhaps I could focus on educating people about the hazards of offering animals for free, whether it be in the paper, online or via a sign in their front yard.
I mean we’ve all heard the stories of puppies or dogs offered for free, only to find out they wound up used as bait dogs for fighting rings, or were tortured and killed. I’m sure those devious folks could find ways to use cats and kittens as well.
I made a mental note to myself to find the petition asking Craig’s List to stop taking ads for free animals.
Yesterday was Hubby’s birthday and I got super busy when I got home, so sadly the post I had planned for today didn’t happen.
But I happened to have this little gem come across my facebook page yesterday and thought it might tie in nicely with Be the Change.
This was originally (as far as I can tell) shared by Ashley Moore a vet tech at Vogel Veterinary Hospital.
Now before you go getting your panties in a bunch, I know that some of you have dogs that are not spayed/neutered. I am also aware that some of you breed your dogs, and you are responsible dog owners that are not letting your dogs run willy nilly wherever they like, humping anything in sight. I know that puppies your dogs are having/siring are NOT being dumped at shelters. I’m cool with those of you who are breeding your dogs responsibly and for the betterment of the breed.
I am not speaking to you.
I am speaking to those who for whatever reason are letting their pets have litter after litter of unwanted animals. Animals that end up in shelters where they are killed by the thousands.
Perhaps they are unaware that there are low cost spay neuter clinics available. If that’s the case and you have a pet that needs neutering and cannot afford to take it to a traditional vet, let me know. I will help you find a low cost spay neuter clinic in your area.
If that is not the case, I beg you to educate yourself.
Don’t be a Dick.
Great cartoon.
Nice graphic! People need to spay and neuter, because having a litter of cute puppies or kittens is not something to do for fun, it is a huge commitment but so many people have no clue!
I’ve been looking at all of the rescue pages in my area for several weeks now, and I am amazed by the amount of chihuahua mixes, pittie mixes and terriers that are looking for homes. I wish I could understand why people don’t take the simple step of having their animal altered (if they are not REAL breeders). There are plenty of low cost clinics and programs available – there really is no excuse. Great post Jodi!
I’m visiting from the Blog Hop. I’ll bet those irresponsible owners aren’t reading this. I used to have a link to buy a t-shirt with that graphic on it on my blog.
I’ve met a few people (and am related to at least one) who think they’ll make money breeding their dogs. They’re insane. There’s a reason responsible breeders are called “hobby breeders.”
Honey’s breeder spends tons of money showing her dogs, getting their hips x-rayed, eyes exampled, and even traveled miles with a van load of puppies (the horror, the horror) to have them evaluated by a breed specialist.
Doesn’t sound like a money making prospect to me.
So my only problem with your posts’s title is that it should be “Don’t be a greedy dick.” 🙂
Love the message, and yes yes I am a dick but I hopefully do it responsibility. Thank you for the message!
Great post. And I have to echo what Julie said – we see SO many pit and chihuahua mixes at the shelter where I volunteer. And then I go to the dog beach (or, well, I used to go) and which dogs are the ones that aren’t neutered (hard to tell with the girls) – it’s almost always little chi’s and the big pits. Especially the big pits that are being walked by “macho” guys. Come on, people! Get with the program!
Thank you Jodi for setting responsible breeders apart from the person who thinks it will be great to have their children experience the miracle of life, the person who says they can’t afford to spay or neuter but allows their dog to roam free, the person who says “what…take his man hood”, the person who, as someone already stated “I am going to make a lot of money by breeding”, the person who says “oh look a designer dog”.
I have been reading so many negative posts and fb pages, comments, etc. about breeders, and how horrible and selfish we are. I will be the first to admit there are good honorable responsible breeders and then there are the, well for a lack of a better way to phrase it “backyard breeders” who do not health test their dogs, are not breeding to preserve and improve on their breed, do not take back dogs, or assist the owners with placement if they do not work out in their new homes.
It is refreshing to read a post like this where you have differentiated between responsible breeders and those who may not even be breeders at all but just let their dogs make babies and giving information on how they can find low cost spay/neuter options. Thank you!
ps sorry for the rant 🙂
Love your title. I am so glad to see a lot of free and inexpensive s/n clinics around the country. Another problem is transportation. Many people in cities rely on public transportation and they can’t take the pets on public transportation. I think most people would sterilize their animals if they had better access.
Great post, Jodi! I must admit that the title drew me to it mostly because I knew you’d have the cartoon in there somehow. Okay, so I’m a little raunchy at times. 🙂
Seriously, though, I’m glad (but not surprised) that you differentiated between the responsible breeders and all the other ones. I get ticked off when I see the negative “I hate breeders” stuff. The breeders I got Callie and Shadow from are both responsible; and I would not have any qualms about getting another puppy from either of them IF I wanted another puppy.
Great post. I have never understood the reasoning behind not getting your dog fixed, “just because”. I personally don’t want to deal with any of the shit that goes along with intact dog, male or female.
Great issue for BTC4A! I struggled this time about what to write. I usually write such downer posts (because the world seems more and more filled with cruelty towards animals). The don’t give away for free would have been a terrific subject, but have to say I don’t want to think about such things these days…
Love it, Don’t Be A Dick
Benny & Lily
Great post Jodi, and right to the point. Wish your hubby a belated happy birthday!
Did you think I would get my panties in a wad?…lol.
Aside from the health implications of early spay/neuter I see no reason not to alter non-breeding animals.
I just wish people were more responsible with their pets. About everything, not just spay/neuter. Violating leash laws, not scooping, not training. All symptoms of the same problem.
Love that cartoon! And love this post. 🙂
Love the cartoon and the way you got your message across! 🙂
Wags to all,
Your pal Snoopy 🙂
i love that cartoon! funny and sends a message.
Absolutely perfect and well-said. 🙂
Great message, and great way to get it across!
That’s a good picture 🙂
Hi Y’all,
Great article. Actually, I speak from experience, the big snip snip really isn’t a big deal; I don’t really remember much about it. Can’t exactly speak for the gals, but it must be easier than havin’ puppies!
Y’all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog