By Shawna Smith
The other day I walked out my front door to investigate the whimpering noise that had my dogs in a fit. It was an emaciated, filthy puppy. She was still wearing the collar and harness that her owners had bought for her. I could see each rib, her shoulder blades and hip points clearly. This puppy was days away from starving to death. I had to help her, even with too many pets to care for already, and a new baby in the house.
The saddest part of this is, it's not the first time I have done this. It won't be the last. I work with animals, I groom and train them. I care for them and have rescued many. I haven't bought a pet in about two decades. Too many animals need homes and too few people are willing to be responsible enough to take care of them. I have heard people say, "The dog got out again and I didn't go after her. Someone will take her in." That's if they don't die a slow and painful death from starvation. Or maybe get hit by a car, or eaten by a coyote. If they do survive, and they don't wander into a yard like ours, she may find the male dog's yard down the road and add more puppies to the growing mess.
It's not that hard. If you want a pet, make sure you can afford to pay for the food, vet bills and care. Make sure you have the time to spend with the pet. A bored pet is a destructive pet. If you can't do both and you still want a pet, get a fish! There is no shame in knowing you are not able to take care of another life. It is, however, a great shame to allow a life to slowly suffer and fade from lack of care.
At the very least, think about this. Think about what you're teaching your children. A life is not something you toss in a corner and forget about when it becomes a hardship. God forbid they learn that particular lesson, and find you to be a hardship in your later years.
Shawna Smith is a resident of Winnemucca.
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