Five til Die

I went to the RSPCA yesterday with a friend to the volunteer’s orientation. It was extremely sad. The buildings are all run down except for the reception area. Parvo is being spread around, little puppies sticking their heads out of the cracks and fences, dogs coming up and wagging their tails at you just wanting to get out, to be petted, and to be loved. The kittens/cats seem to have it better. Maybe it’s in their nature – that they don’t have to depend on companionship as much as dogs, but I still think they need some TLC. I was surprised that there were so many puppies and kittens. I always figured they would be snatched up asap. They were back at home, but the demographics and peoples lifestyles here are different. Income is different. They had a section where dogs come in that people say “have been wandering around their neighborhood” which translates to “I have a dog that I don’t want anymore because I can’t afford it, I don’t have the space, its too much of a hassle, and I don’t want to pay the fee to drop off my own pet.” There were so many of them.

The real kicker: animals that come in, after being vaccinated/fixed/checked out and such, pass/fail a temperament test, and then are only given FIVE DAYS before they are euthanized. Think about it, you did absolutely NOTHING but love your caretakers – maybe piddle in the wrong spot occasionally – but your life is going to end because someone was just so careless and irresponsible. You are no longer going to exist because there isn’t enough care for you in a home, in a shelter, and definitely not on the streets. People wanted to bring you into the world for money, show, etc. and you’re just taken out with the push of a syringe.

I’ve only seen one euthanasia back in the states. It is a sad sight to have seen and definitely is one too many. This is the one thing I dread about going into veterinary medicine. Surgery is fine for me, at least I’m trying to keep them alive, and they have a fighting chance.
I hope I can work there. My friend decided that she won’t have enough time to put in the 4 hours. She said she’d drive me anyway and just go to some nearby place and do work while I’m there. Can I really accept this offer? Is it too much to ask – all the petrol she has to pay for? I’d chip in. Should she have to go out of her way?

BUT – It’s the quality of live I’ll be helping to give to these animals. What is the price on life? Time and money – how much of it would you give to a total stranger? Are they strangers? Dogs and cats are usually going to be a friend even if they have never met you in their life. You walk up and look into their eyes as they wag their tails and initiate you into their life forever. How can you turn down the offer to take a dog on a walk, or play with some cats, just to make their lives that much happier? They make my life happier – time to give back.



On a lighter note:
I’ve been going to the Fisher Shield bball games the past few nights. I never really thought I liked basketball as much as I do now, but I think that’s mostly because my friends are all playing. The girl’s team is doing better than the guys, but they’re both enjoyable to watch. I must say though, the girls are quite vicious.
Pharmers party tonight then Uni club – still debating if I should go.
I’ll figure it out. CLASS TIME NOW!