Passing the message along
Since Jackie touched me so deeply with her words I wanted to pass them along.
Helping hands meets loving paws
With bell ringers on every corner, in every shopping mall and store, it is
hard for us *not* to be reminded of the tremendous need of those less
fortunate than ourselves. Families without homes, people in need...
the hopes and prayers of many resting on the shoulders of the selfless
volunteers of the Salvation Army and Red Cross. Many of us will spare the
change from our pocket, or donate to the Toys for Tots or Harvest for the
Hungry.
But in this season, we should not forget the silent prayers of our homeless
four legged friends, each hoping to be loved, each hoping to find a home.
They have no voice to tell us of their need. Only the hope and sad longing
in their eyes speaks of the deep need to be loved and cared for, and the
promise that they will love and care for us in return. The wagging tails,
the warmth of a purr, the nuzzling, licks and hugs of furry friends - the
nicest gift to humanity - unconditional love on four legs. In our pain they
love us, in our despair they give us hope, and in our joy they remind us of
all that is good about being human. And they are the forgotten victims of
these hard economic times.
A family who loses their home often must also lose the family pets. These
dogs and cats are turned over to the animal shelters, but more frequently I
fear, they are abandoned or left locked up in the empty house with no heat,
water, or food. Hurting, afraid, and alone they cannot understand what has
happened to them. The "fortunate" ones sit forlorn in cages at the animal
shelters, hoping against hope that their People will come for them and take
them home. The less fortunate... well...
While it is my wish that these animals might find a home, I absolutely do
not advocate a spur-of-the-moment adoption of a cat or dog. Pets - like a
child - are something that take a great deal of consideration and planning,
and therefore it is not something to be rushed into. I do, however,
encourage you to volunteer your time, donate food and toys, and if possible
money to your local no-kill shelter. Help them help the furry children -
the lost, the abandoned, the unwanted and unloved. No-kill shelters are
dedicated to saving pets, keeping them warm and safe until new homes can be
found. But they need our help, for they too have been hit by this
Depression we find ourselves in. A quick Google search of your state
no-kill animal shelters and animal rescue volunteer groups will yield an
abundance of websites. Most shelters will take donations of toys, blankets,
money, your volunteer time for playing with the animals, and even pet food
and kitty litter (shelters may have special requirements for that). If you
can give nothing else, remember that every dollar helps, so please give what
you can and make a difference to a fur child near you.
If you like this LJ post and want to convince others to help to, please
consider re-posting this in your LJ or linking people here.
Best,
Jackie
Helping hands meets loving paws
With bell ringers on every corner, in every shopping mall and store, it is
hard for us *not* to be reminded of the tremendous need of those less
fortunate than ourselves. Families without homes, people in need...
the hopes and prayers of many resting on the shoulders of the selfless
volunteers of the Salvation Army and Red Cross. Many of us will spare the
change from our pocket, or donate to the Toys for Tots or Harvest for the
Hungry.
But in this season, we should not forget the silent prayers of our homeless
four legged friends, each hoping to be loved, each hoping to find a home.
They have no voice to tell us of their need. Only the hope and sad longing
in their eyes speaks of the deep need to be loved and cared for, and the
promise that they will love and care for us in return. The wagging tails,
the warmth of a purr, the nuzzling, licks and hugs of furry friends - the
nicest gift to humanity - unconditional love on four legs. In our pain they
love us, in our despair they give us hope, and in our joy they remind us of
all that is good about being human. And they are the forgotten victims of
these hard economic times.
A family who loses their home often must also lose the family pets. These
dogs and cats are turned over to the animal shelters, but more frequently I
fear, they are abandoned or left locked up in the empty house with no heat,
water, or food. Hurting, afraid, and alone they cannot understand what has
happened to them. The "fortunate" ones sit forlorn in cages at the animal
shelters, hoping against hope that their People will come for them and take
them home. The less fortunate... well...
While it is my wish that these animals might find a home, I absolutely do
not advocate a spur-of-the-moment adoption of a cat or dog. Pets - like a
child - are something that take a great deal of consideration and planning,
and therefore it is not something to be rushed into. I do, however,
encourage you to volunteer your time, donate food and toys, and if possible
money to your local no-kill shelter. Help them help the furry children -
the lost, the abandoned, the unwanted and unloved. No-kill shelters are
dedicated to saving pets, keeping them warm and safe until new homes can be
found. But they need our help, for they too have been hit by this
Depression we find ourselves in. A quick Google search of your state
no-kill animal shelters and animal rescue volunteer groups will yield an
abundance of websites. Most shelters will take donations of toys, blankets,
money, your volunteer time for playing with the animals, and even pet food
and kitty litter (shelters may have special requirements for that). If you
can give nothing else, remember that every dollar helps, so please give what
you can and make a difference to a fur child near you.
If you like this LJ post and want to convince others to help to, please
consider re-posting this in your LJ or linking people here.
Best,
Jackie