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"Thank
you so much for your kind email. I did want to be entirely
honest about the realities of our home for the exact reasons
you identified and because we would never want to cause any
dog distress or unhappiness (it would break my heart). I
have been torn about even considering getting a dog because
I am an animal lover, but the realities of having to work 5
days a week (as most people do) and the expense of dog
walking leaves us in a bit of a catch-22. Upon hearing
about Roxy and Peanut I agree with your concerns and am
relieved to know that the dogs in your care, including Roxy
and Peanut, have such a sincere advocate and will only be
placed in the best of homes and for life long placement. I
actually have great concerns in general about getting a dog
for the reasons you so eloquently stated but thought I would
put some feelers out there to see if there are any pairs in
need of a home that may be more accustomed or comfortable
with being alone on weekdays. If such a pair does not exist
we would prefer to have no dogs at all.
Thank
you again so very much for taking the time to write me
instead of just saying 'no' or failing to respond at all.
So just in case you ever receive feedback from people who
are upset or offended at being turned down, please remember
that the system needs more people like you and, for what it
is worth, that your efforts and work are greatly
appreciated. Don't ever change."
Sincerely,
Victoria |
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"We were
moved (to tears, literally,) by the poem which was recently
featured in the HART advertisment in the Bancroft Times. I
don't remember the name or the author, but it described the
life of the dog who spends his life on a chain in the
backyard.
I thought
this poem was also posted on your website, but when I went
to look for it today I was unable to find it. Would it be
possible for you to reprint it or email it to me?
View poem here
This poem
should be required reading for all, but especially for our
school children. I believe that most of us are born with a
sense of compassion for all living things. Surely whatever
happens that allows hearts to grow hard to the extent that
they are no longer moved by the suffering of another
creature is not normal or natural.
Keep up
the good work, HART! "
J. K.
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Hello Joan and Bob,
I too was moved to tears, to see expressed in
writing/beautifully captured, the experience of thousands of
dogs living in our beautiful highlands. That such prevailing
ignorance continues in spite of the mainstream "promotion"
of humane treatment of all sentient beings, is repugnant,
infuriating to all who propose to rescue, to many who indeed
love animals.
The dogs coming into HARTs supportive care, are often from
the end of a lifelong chain. Witnessed in literally 1000s of
dogs is the psychological damage sustained. It takes weeks
to months to rehabilitate, the time required proportionate
to the years chained/dependant upon the degree of additional
and other profound abuses.
Dogs coming to HART from this circumstance, exhibit a
spectrum of stereotypical issues...morbid fear of men/fear
of humans/fear
biting/submissiveness/"anxiety" bladder incontinence/flinch
from touch/morbid fear of "indoors"/fear aggression/high
startle response/generalized anxiety ...
I am pleased to report, given adequate/variable time and
volunteer motivation, it is my experience and indeed the
experience of all who
rescue, that almost 100% of these dogs "rehab" to become
wonderful companion animals. Some do retain certain
"tolerable" idiosyncracies over the course of their
lifetimes.
It is the purpose of rescue resources, specifically "foster
care"/each animal voluntarily cared for/made a member of a
temporary family of their
own... to rehabilitate and restore confidence as each of the
animals deserves.
Each dog is vet checked/vaccinated/spayed/neutered/de-fleaed/de-wormed/groomed/treated
for bodily injury/illness. Quality food product restores
body health. Each animal is flooded with love, respectfully,
as they socialize to a new way of life. The process can take
1 month, even years.
The reward of fostering an animal to new health, vigour and
confidence is truly an awesome experience and therefore
motivates very special people to volunteer to provide this
initial care. The foster guardian is inevitably compelled to
pass the beloved dog onto a "best match suitable" family of
their very own. Only the most selfless, ethical people
volunteer to become "foster guardians."
Science has for many years, linked cruelty to animals to
that of cruelty to men, women, children, other beings...in
other countries, reports of animal abuse are circulated to
child protective services also. This does not yet happen in
Ontario, as procedural policy.Canadian Animal Welfare Law,
remains archaic, only slightly amended since 1892. It is
often compared to that of third world countries.
HART exists, along with 100s of reputable Ontario rescue
organizations, to give voice to the suffering of "others."
Although not every animal lover is capable of giving
volunteer time to rescue resources...it is an often
overwhelming emotional experience to see the suffering... in
my opinion, every one of us does bear a responsibility to
heighten awareness.
Please, support your local rescue organization. Please teach
your children well. Please share the poem with all that you
know.
Sadly, yours is the first and only transition in response to
that poem. However, I am very validated to know the words
have reached your kind heart and will travel beyond.
I thank you, from our HART, |
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