kittens, kittens, kittens for sale

[if_only_i_was]

I have grown accustomed to reading the newspaper at work. And obviously, since the local paper is all bullocks, I only actually really read the classifieds and do the crossword. I am so sick of seeing ads for free kittens and puppies, and when I say sick, I mean that it makes me physically ill to think of all of those poor animals who are likely going without homes because someone can't take the time or spend the money to get their animal fixed. People don't seem to understand what a commitment a cat is. And everytime I see the same ad, "free kittens", I think, are their lives worth so little that they just get given away with no thought to whom they are given? At least the Humane Society has a way of tracking the animals, and they care about whether the animal is neutered or spayed. Free kittens. Breaks my heart. I paid fifty dollars for my Charlie. I got 30 back once he was neutered. I think that is at least a system that has some accountability. It just seems like one more litter of kittens born into giveaway is one more litter that won't be adopted from the Humane Society, or from other, kinder no-kill shelters, and those places need the money and the support. One more litter of kittens born into giveaway seems like one more litter that may end up at said shelters as less adopted adult cats, because even people with the best intentions don't always realize that kittens grow up, require vet care, which costs money, and most people only want the fun that goes along with a pet.

I have been such a girl about animal issues lately. But it is unfortunately not my imagination that lots of people have no concept of responsibility beyond a giggly whim when it comes to animals, and once that whim is gone, it is the animals who suffer. Maybe I will be the next Bob Barker. "Get your pets spayed and neutered, folks. Save a fucking life or seven."

Grr.
I don't know why I am ranting, I guess I shouldn't have opened the Tribune today.