Knowledge is Power
"My vet said there was an 'easy' solution for my dog's barking: just vocal cord tissue to 'soften' the bark. Instead, my dog's new voice sounded horrible, like gravel. He coughed all the time and gagged on his food. He's been dead for several years, but I will never forgive myself for agreeing to devocalize him."
This is what one pet owner tearfully told Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets. She's not alone.
How many people have blind faith in their vet--or a breeder--instead of doing the research they would if their doctors recommended surgery for themselves or a child?
How many think cutting devocalization is simple "bark softening"-- when it actually is a dangerous surgery that can put their beloved pet at great risk for lifelong suffering or a terrible death?
How many think declawing is akin to a manicure--when it really is amputation of the toes to the last knuckle, among the most excruciating procedures a cat can undergo?
"My vet said there was an 'easy' solution for my dog's barking: just vocal cord tissue to 'soften' the bark. Instead, my dog's new voice sounded horrible, like gravel. He coughed all the time and gagged on his food. He's been dead for several years, but I will never forgive myself for agreeing to devocalize him."
This is what one pet owner tearfully told Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets. She's not alone.
How many people have blind faith in their vet--or a breeder--instead of doing the research they would if their doctors recommended surgery for themselves or a child?
How many think cutting devocalization is simple "bark softening"-- when it actually is a dangerous surgery that can put their beloved pet at great risk for lifelong suffering or a terrible death?
How many think declawing is akin to a manicure--when it really is amputation of the toes to the last knuckle, among the most excruciating procedures a cat can undergo?
How many let their cats free-roam, believing they can't be happy indoors--until the animal they pledged to protect from harm has been crushed by a car, poisoned, or torn apart by wildlife or cruel humans?
Too many people make decisions for their pets based on misconceptions instead of facts. And animals suffer and die as a result. You can fix that.
LEARN...SHARE...EMPOWER...PROTECT
Protecting animals can be as easy as learning and circulating the truth about things like declawing, devocalization and other unnecessary, mutilating veterinary procedures...the horrors faced by animals in testing labs or on factory farms...why adoption is a better option than purchasing a pet.
You can hand out flyers if you want. Post information on social media. Or you can simply take every opportunity to talk with, engage and influence people to care humanely and responsibly for animals. Share your knowledge. Empower others.
PROMOTE RESCUE, ONE PERSON AT A TIME
When you're standing in line at the pet store, ask the person in front or back of you what kind of dog or cat (or bunny, bird or other pet) she or he has. If you're in a doggy park or at the groomer, chat up other pet owners.
Then ask if Fluffy or Fido was a rescue. If not, express your sadness (not anger!) that so many wonderful animals are euthanized or spend the rest of their lives in cages, and that many cats are living and dying on the streets after being kicked to the curb by irresponsible owners.
Urge people to visit a local shelter or rescue organization next time they consider making a dog or cat, bunny, bird or other pet part of the family. Shelter animals are vetted, socialized, temperament-tested...and just waiting for someone to love.
Copyright 2012 Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets. All Rights Reserved.
Then ask if Fluffy or Fido was a rescue. If not, express your sadness (not anger!) that so many wonderful animals are euthanized or spend the rest of their lives in cages, and that many cats are living and dying on the streets after being kicked to the curb by irresponsible owners.
Urge people to visit a local shelter or rescue organization next time they consider making a dog or cat, bunny, bird or other pet part of the family. Shelter animals are vetted, socialized, temperament-tested...and just waiting for someone to love.
Copyright 2012 Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets. All Rights Reserved.
