Animals first, people second

I refer to my earlier posting: http://animalcare.my/2011/02/belgium-shepherd-for-adoption.html

I wish to thank everyone who had written in to offer your constructive comments on the case above. 

Previously, I had also helped to advertise for people who, due to personal circumstances, had to put their pets up for adoption.  I had been reprimanded by some friends saying that such people do not deserve any help because they are being irresponsible.  A pet is a member of the family, and once you decide to adopt a pet, it is a life-long responsibility.  For better or worse, you keep the pet and treat it well.

Yes, ideally, that should be the case. 

The reason I still advertise for such cases is by no means to encourage people to give up their pets, but because the objective of AnimalCare is to help the animals.  For us, it’s animals first, people second. 

For this simple reason, I will still highlight and help these pets look for a better home should their owners decide that they can no longer keep their pets.  I have also long decided that it is not in my place to judge other people’s decisions.  For all you know, this decision may be very painful for them too, but they cannot think of any other options.  

But I do agree that in some cases, the owner may have lost interest in looking after the pet after some years.  The pet is no longer cute, too much work is required in looking after the pet, the pet is sick, the medical treatment is too expensive, the owner is moving to an apartment, etc.  Even in such cases, does it help if we keep scolding the owner for being irresponsible?  The owner already does not want the pet.  If we don’t help to look for a better home for the pet, such owners may just dump their pet somewhere on the street.  Isn’t that worse for the poor animal?

Animals first, people second.  So, we will continue helping the animals in whatever ways we can.     

As for the short chain used on Dex, the Belgium Shepherd, I think we ought to clarify with Mr Chin first and hear his side of the story.  Could he have just used the short chain and put Dex in a small space just for the purpose of taking his photograph?  We won’t know until we find out the truth. 

Thank you once again, to all of you, for your response.  It is heartening to know that you are concerned about Dex’s welfare.  I have forwarded all constructive comments to Mr Chin for his consideration. 

Meanwhile, let’s all try to find a home for Dex, shall we?  That’s the best way we can help Dex.    

Animals first, people second.