In my younger years, when I could move a little faster, I was involved in the “permanent” borrowing of dogs from bad owners a few times. Some would call it “stealing”, but we called it “saving”.

I will never understand how month after month after month, neighbours would listen and watch dogs and cats, physically and mentally being neglected, even abused, yet, noy one if them did a thing to save that animal from the hell they were living.

How did we (we women) know that? We were very careful to investigate, and find out how many complaints the authorities were notified of. Some complaints never even budged the authorities. Some were visited once by the SPCA, some twice, but many were NEVER followed up. I will always live with the sadness of the poor souls we were unable to get to in time.

How can this happen in a world where it’s been “scientifically” proven that companion animals have strong social needs for the company of humans and that they are not only sometimes our "best friends" but are good for our physical and mental health too.

How can this happen, when it’s been scientifically proven that many in the prison system, who abused animals as children, went on to be some kind of sick killers?

How can we, as a society, let this happen? Humans base so many things on, “un-scientific” data, “un-proven” programs, and “half-baked” theories, how can we possibly ignore this?

I commend the women who put themselves out there and take the enormous risk to save the lives of an animal. I've been there, I know how scared you are. I also know the complete joy of saving those who have no power. Those who have no say in our world.

I say....You Go Girls!

Jill Oakley
Chelco Farms BC / BCX Rescue & Rehabilitation Society
Victoria BC