Not Everything is Disposable

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

As I sit in a hotel room while on a business trip eating my dinner from a multitude of take-out containers, I can’t help but think about the fact that we have become a society where so many things are disposable.  Take-out containers, plastic utensils, paper cups, plastic shopping bags, water bottles etc.  People no longer use cloth napkins at home because it is so much easier to just to use paper napkins that you can toss out after a single use.  Tissues instead of hankies (although I will admit that this is one area that disposal seems like a much better option!!) Many of the disposable items that exist have made our lives easier or more convenient, but where do we draw the line on disposable?  Has having so many disposable options caused us to forget the value in keeping something long term?  Has living in a “throwaway society” made us unable to make a commitment to something and stick with it?  Are animals now victims of our throw-it-away attitudes?

 

There are over 100 DK members that belong to the Rescued Doodles Group who have dogs that were rescued from various situations.  Some dogs were breeders at puppy mills that were dumped after they could no longer produce any more puppies and were no longer “useful” to them.  Some dogs were given up because the puppies were too hyper or had some sort of health issue or because the owners took on more than they could handle and weren’t willing to make the effort to adjust their lives and accommodate the dog that they chose to bring into their home.  Life isn’t easy and things never go as planned, but are we being taught to just get rid of a dog that doesn’t live up to that perfect little image that you had in your mind?  What happened to sayings like “where there is a will there is a way” or “anything worth having is worth fighting for”?  According to the ASPCA website, “approximately 5 to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year.”  I don’t know for sure, but I’m assuming that the ASPCA’s number does not include animals taken into the foster homes of breed rescues or the dogs sold on craigslist and eBay.  Do people not understand the value of an animal’s life?  Do they really think that pets are disposable items that they can simply give up when things are anything but perfect?  Animals are NOT disposable and shouldn’t be treated as such.  Choosing to bring an animal into your home is an adult decision and should be made with both heart and mind and should be a 100% commitment. 

 

I am glad that I have had the opportunity to meet a group of people who (more often than not) are more than 100% committed to their dogs.  Some of us are so hopelessly committed to our pets that many of our family members often think that we should be “committed” somewhere.  Having 2 doodles has allowed me to experience the unconditional love of an animal and has given me the opportunity to know a great group of compassionate people whose hearts break every time someone comes forward to rid themselves of their “disposable” dog when things get a little rough and for that I am truly grateful.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

What a great blog. I am proud to be one of the 100% committed doodle owners. We have a great place to brag and hopefully change some minds!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Amy, my hat is off to you!  What a great blog!  You couldn't have said it better!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

@BruceGirl, I certainly agree that there are times when safety is an issue that choices have to be made and sympathize with people in those situations. 

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

@Laurie, I work with a guy who uses the cloth hankies and my stomach turns everytime he does it.  *GAG*

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Great post - well written and right on!  Unfortunately, "commitment" and "obligation" seem to have become foreign words altogether for too many in today's society.  Can't pay those student loans?  Oh well, just default on them.  Buy a house that you really couldn't afford?  Just walk away and try to start over.  Those little kids cramping your style?  Leave them and move on.  Lack of commitment to a pet seems to be just part of the big picture and it's sad!!!  

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Very timely, wonderful post.  Thank you.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Great post Amy, and so true. Unfortunately dogs are often seen as disposable, not a part of the family as they should be. Theres lots of education now about reduce, reuse, recycle, which has taught children great values, but Im not sure the message is getting through to alot of older people. I understand dogs are hard work, but surely they are aware of this before they get a dog... they need to stick to the commitment they made

[BG and Gavin]

Excellent, thought proking post Amy.  I think that people often do not realize the commitment involved in getting a dog.  I do worry about passing judgement on others and their specific situaitons though.  It has been easy for me because Gavin is a dream to manage (although I would like to think that I have played a big part in that).  I also do not have any children to consider, have more free time than many people, have a supportive DH who is an equal partner in "dog rearing" and the list goes on.  If I had an aggressive dog and my children were in danger, all bets would be off. 

@Laurie who said "I always wonder what these same people would do, if their human children were not "perfect."  Unfortunately I all to well know the answer to this question :(

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Amy, Amazing post. I agree with everything you said, although I will tell you I have an uncle who still uses the cloth hankies. Gross! I know I do not have perfect dogs, but I would never willingly let them go. I always wonder what these same people would do, if their human children were not "perfect." Good post!!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Amy, this is so well stated.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts...and I couldn't agree more.