'Cute' animals litter shelter, written by Brigitta MacMillan and published in the Maple Ridge Times, March 25/03

Editor:

I recently had a conversation with someone I'll call Joe who wanted to give up his pet and was looking for a rescue group to take it. It had become inconvenient. But, I was told, it's young, cute, affectionate and good with kids and other pets, so it will have no trouble getting a home.

There isn't a rescue group around that isn't full of young, cute, affectionate animals waiting for homes. And while they wait for homes, their rescuers bear the cost of keeping them with donations - donations that can never, ever meet the needs of every single pet that nobody wants.

I told Joe that help may be available and asked if he'd be prepared to donate since his pet may be in the rescuers' care for a while. Joe asked me guardedly how much he'd be expected to donate. Whatever he could afford, I replied.

Then I asked Joe if his pet was altered, tattooed and inoculated. It wasn't. I asked if Joe could have that done before turning it over. Now there was a note of impatience and irritation in Joe's voice as he replied that this meant more money out of his pocket. The implication was clear. I was being unreasonable; here was Joe doing his best to find a good rescue group for his pet and I was throwing obstacles in his path.

I'll probably hear from a few more people like Joe this summer. Kitten season is just beginning and I'm gritting my teeth. Joe thinks he's an animal lover. But anyone who takes on an animal without altering, inoculating and identifying the animal, anyone who wants to ditch the pet without trying every possible solution when problems come up - this person doesn't love animals. He just loves what makes him feel good.

When he took on the pet he didn't consider how a living being would be higher maintenance than a stuffed toy. He didn't think about what he owed a pet that would need him. and come to trust him and see his home as its home.

Joe will find someone to take his pet off his hands, but Joe, don't delude yourself for one minute that they're doing a service for you. They're doing it for the animal that had the misfortune to depend on you. And as you walk away they'll be trying to soothe a terrified pet and shaking their heads that you could ever consider yourself a responsible animal lover.

Brigitta MacMillan
Maple Ridge