What Matters Most!

Life is about choices. We choose every day what matters the most to us, and then either do it, or buy it.

If it's a new car we want or need, we buy it. If it involves making a decision about applying for that new job we want, then we do it...or not. But what about our pets? What decisions do we make with regards to those creatures that often seem to live near us, around us, but in many cases, not necessarily "with" us?

We can choose to be responsible and get the vaccinations they need to be healthy, keep them on the preventive medications they need like heartworm medication or flea control medication, and get those required tags they need to comply with our local laws and regulations...or not.

In the end, I guess it comes down to what matters most to us. A wise old gentleman once told me once, that we as individuals are not so much defined by the choices we make, as we are by the results of those choices, and how those results affect those around us. We can all choose to have a pet. But if as pet owners, we fail to do the things needed to ensure the health and safety of those pets, what does that say about us as individuals? And if pet ownership is a "right", then you should lose it when you abuse or neglect your animals, just as surely as you would lose that license when you drive drunk.

Most reponsible people I know, do the things we might expect them to do. They make sure they have insurance for their automobiles, they take their children to the doctor for their annual vaccinations, they go to their jobs on time and they pay their taxes when required to do so. And, if they own a dog or cat, they make sure their animal is properly vaccinated, tagged, and fed and watered, and they make sure they keep them properly restrained at all times.

Most people who have pets, think of them as a loved and valued member of their family. They show them love, respect, and they understand that for them to grow and realize their full potential, they must be nurtured, just as they would nurture their human children.

Many people however - far too many to be honest - do not understand, or even care about these things. To these people, a dog or cat is just a "thing". A possession much like a chair or one of those many old beat up cars in their yard or drive-way. Their animals are simply one of many things they will own, and not care for.

These people act as though they are perplexed by the constant needs of their pets, and they are often angry and rebellious towards anyone who tries to tell them what is best for their pets. They think it is okay to let their animals run rampant through their neighbors yards, cross busy streets and highways at risk of death, or even let them fend for themselves if they are hungry. And medical care or proper tags? They have no health insurance themselves, and they get by, right? Given the choice between that Playstation 3 or those needed shots...Playstation wins everytime. City tags versus that cable TV? What do you think! And dog or cat food verus that six-pack of beer or pizza? Please! Maybe you know people like this. It's pretty obvious what matters most in their lives...and more often than not, it's not their pets.

No, I don't expect people to choose between the doctor for their kids, or the vet for their dog. I don't expect people to choose between food for their families, or their dog. I know what I am about to say may not be politically correct, or popular with some - but if you are in a position where these choices are ones you face on a daily or weekly basis, then you should not have pets in the first place. Sure, you can choose to have five dogs and three cats with two litters on the way...but if you can't afford to properly care for them, why would you? Do you really think you are doing them a favor by letting them die slowly of thirst and/or starvation, or being eaten alive by fleas or ticks?

Take a look at that water bowl next to the tree your dog is chained to. Is the water (assuming there IS water in the bowl) black and/or moldy looking? Does it have yard debris, bugs or both floating in it? Would you drink it? No? Then why do you think it's okay for your dog to drink it! Does you dog have to walk, stand and sleep in it's own feces? When it rains, does your dog have a dry and mud free place to stand or lie, or does it have to jump on top of it's dog house to try and stay dry - assuming of course it is lucky enough to even have a dog house! Would you like to live under those conditions??? No? Then why is it okay to allow a beloved member of your family to live like that?!

Animals are not old furniture. They are not expendable commodities that you can choose to care for or not, depending on how you feel or how big your check might be this month. Having a bad day? Talk to a friend or the pastor at your church. Don't kick your kitten in the head, or beat your dog with a broom handle. Can't afford to buy groceries? You can get help with that. Can't afford that dog or cat food? Turning your pets loose on the neighborhood garbage cans is not an acceptable solution.

So if you are one of those people that feel your pet is a valued and loved member of your family, I and other responsible pet owners applaud your sacrifice and your devotion. If you are one of those other people who can't understand why your dog barks all night while chained to a tree; who can never quite figure out why they won't come when you call them...even though your idea of love is the back of your hand instead of the palm of it; who thinks that somehow you are being picked on because your dog can't run free through the city while others obey the city laws; who can't afford food or medical care for your pet, but can afford pizza, Playstation or X-Box...then do everyone a favor - and all the dogs and cats looking for a home as well. Don't get a pet if you don't already have one. And if you do have have one...or two, three or four as many people in this latter category seem to have - please...find them a good, loving home and give them a real chance at a decent life!

For in the final analysis, whether you have two legs or four, being loved and properly cared for is, and has always been, what matters most!