Mickey's story, I'm sorry to say, is far too controversial to write about because many, many people in my area still believe animals are huntable and disposable and simply property. It's a feature of an area that is still somewhat rural
Hi Pat, I live on a farm so I am obviously in a rural area also. But I'm within commute distance to an urban city of just over a million humans. Somewhat the best of both worlds.
We have one animal shelter in our county, the county government dog pound. It is so small couldn't even operate it as a boarding kennel. They do not take cats, which I think is a good idea. People know they can't dump their kittens off there, so more people are prone to neuter them before the population is out of control.
There was a tiny cat hanging out on my farm for a couple of months, friendly but couldn't get near her because I don't go out on the farm without my guard dogs, been threatened (and actually shot at) by poachers. On Christmas eve temps dropped drasticly and into the teens, found her snuggled in my goaties hay. She was pregnant. My wonderful vet examined her the next day and spayed her the next. She has turned out to be the most wonderful cat I could ever hope for. Brought her in the house to recover from her spaying, she has never wanted out since, she is the only pet allowed to sleep in the bedroom. She's stole our hearts in a very unique way. Glad we have no shelter to dump her at, she deserved life.
I don't know what makes some of us more acutely aware of animals and the care to which they are entitled. I would submit that if, as a youngster you have had an attachment to an animal and it is taken from you--for whatever reason--the sorrow of such a loss never leaves.
Perhaps all sorts of reasons? We never lost a pet growing up, except to old age. My father loved animals and took very good care of them. He and my 2 sisters had horses they road and imho obsessed over. Perhaps I care so much today because I had a father who showed me respect for all life? He's a tree hugger too.
sisu of Sisu Farm
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