Friday, March 9, 2007

"Humane" Society

Yesterday I paid a visit to the Humane Society (www.hsus.org) here in Omaha. It is only approximately 1 mile from where I live. I needed to go there in order to renew pet licenses for my cats for the year. It's always a very bittersweet trip into that building. I have very mixed emotions when I see animals in each their own kennel without homes. Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful that there are institutions that will house and feed and take very good care of helpless cats and dogs... through no fault of their own. And in case you were not aware, most times these facilities are run purely on donation and volunteers who take time from their own lives to help take care of these homeless pets. But on the other side of the fence, it's sad to see them with such wanting in their faces. They're just waiting for someone to come over and pet them or talk to them. Even an occasional scratch behind the ears or a simple pat on the head. And if you look closely enough, you'll see genuine sadness deep in their eyes....more so as you walk away from them again.
Attached to each cage door or window is a sign. On the signs you'll find information for each respective animal. It has their name (if known), age, breed and what kind of home would be best suited for that particular animal. It also states the reason the animal was brought to the facility and just exactly how long the Humane Society has been their home. I saw some pets that were taken there because the former owners had health issues and could no longer take care of them. Or another instance would be that they were found injured by some nice soul and brought there for healing. And of course, there is always a handful of cases where the animals have been mistreated by the owners. And humans are often referred to as the "Humane Race." It amazes me how people can treat others, including animals. Regardless of whether that animal has a good self-defense system or not. UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!
I encourage anyone that reads this post to browse the humane society web site. It's very interesting to say the least. Even if you don't have pets, or can't have pets, donations are always welcome there. These facilities are what keeps the animals from roaming the streets. It also gives our "Humane Society" an opportunity to get acquainted with an animal that they may have in interest in adopting. And if you, as an individual, decide to actually adopt a particular pet, that animal will never let you forget just how much your love for them is appreciated! I for one, as a future home-owner, plan on adopting a dog! I can't wait for that beloved day!

7 comments:

Kevin Moberg said...

I like your post and kinda hate to ruin the serious mood with this, but here goes anyway:

Reading it reminded me of a tacky sign I saw taped to the side of a delivery van. I don't remember it exactly, but it was something like, "Joe's Animal Rescue Service and Sausage Factory."

When are you getting a house and dog? Do you ever see Elway anymore?

Sandal said...

I hope to be in a house before the end of July. That's when the lease on my townhouse expires. I will start looking in about a month or so.
I haven't seen Elway for roughly 2 months. He's gotten more rotund!

Kevin Moberg said...

The house right across the street from us is for sale . . .

Sandal said...

still? awful long commute!

Kevin Moberg said...

DIK has an airport . . .

Kevin Moberg said...

Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport

Anonymous said...

To go along with Kevin's mention of the house across the street still being for sale, the property I showed you on not far from our house is still available for rent and would make an excellent scrapbooking/craft store :-)