Winter: Keep Your Dogs Cozy and Safe as the Temps Drop!

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Winter has definitely arrived, and it is EXTREMELY cold this year in Iowa, with snow already piled high in many places. Even though we enjoy looking at the “Winter Wonderland”, this season of freezing temperatures and numbing wetness poses many dangers for our four footed companions. Please follow some common sense rules to help your pets remain happy and healthy during these cold months.

  • Do NOT leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. I receive regular calls regarding dogs tied outside during this cold winter weather. We discourage tethering dogs in any weather, but it is especially dangerous this time of year. Dogs left out in the cold too long can get frostbite and hypothermia just as humans do. Responsible dog caregivers do NOT leave their dogs outside in the cold. While dogs may possess some natural protection against winter weather, Iowa’s variety of bitter elements can jeopardize any pet’s health and safety. Even with temps above freezing, the wind chill can still threaten a pet’s life. If you don’t want a dog in the main part of your house, surely there is a heated area that could be kid-gated where he could spend his day in warm comfort. If he has behavioral problems, the solution is not to banish him to the back yard, but to spend time training him. Dogs are usually willing to comply to house rules IF they understand what the rules are. Remember that good caregivers have good dogs! If you absolutely refuse to let your dog into the house, at least fix up a warm corner on the porch, basement, or garage. Use plenty of blankets to provide a barrier from cold floors, and provide him a warm, cozy “den”. There are many small, safe heaters that can be used to warm his den. (Don’t keep pets in unheated areas!)
  • A little extra food is usually recommended in cold weather, and fresh water is an absolute necessity…ice and snow are NOT acceptable substitutes. Your dog needs clean, fresh water available at all times. He will also appreciate a few extra chew toys and other playthings so he isn’t tempted to turn to the furniture or your shoes out of boredom!
  • Shelters are already getting complaints about Christmas puppies. Puppies do not tolerate the cold well, and we admit that it is difficult to housetrain a puppy during the winter. If you recall, we strongly advised against giving puppies as Christmas gifts, but if you did get one, it is now your responsibility to train him. Your dog may feel it’s more convenient to use the floor or carpet, but you can curb this with a regular outdoor comfort-station schedule in which you GO OUT WITH him first thing in the morning, several times during the day, and last thing at night. You made a commitment (and it isn’t the dog’s fault that the weather is lousy!)
  • If you see an animal shivering out in the cold, don’t just ignore him. Perhaps his caregiver doesn’t even realize the dangers, and ignorance is curable by education. Avoid being belligerent or accusatory, but politely explain the dangers. If the friendly approach is unsuccessful, notify the authorities. It is Iowa law that animals be provided ADEQUATE shelter, fresh water (not ice) and fresh food. When you report to the animal control authorities, it is important that you calmly, coherently give brief, specific facts. Exact address of the dog is needed, and it is best to have written documentation of the problem. The authorities are very busy, so sometimes you need to be persistent. If the situation does not improve, report again…and again…and again. A dog’s life may depend on your intervention.

AS I LAY DYING is an observation shared by Patti Ragsdale which I was asked to repeat.

As I lay dying in a pile of ice and snow, I felt a hand touch my matted coat, and saw an angel looking down at me. As gentle hands stroked my fur, I wondered if I had died, released from the never ending agony of chains, neglect, and loneliness. The human angel gently lifted me from the cold frozen ground, bathed my skinny, dirty, body and treated all the wounds and sores.

Her soft touch, kind word, and warm blanket overshadowed the years of suffering when no one cared.

I am no longer lonely and frightened. I am loved.

Winter: Our Weather is Frightful!

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Winter has definitely arrived, and it is EXTREMELY cold this year in Iowa, with snow already piled high in many places. Even though we enjoy looking at the “Winter Wonderland”, this season of freezing temperatures and numbing wetness poses many dangers for our four footed companions. Please follow some common sense rules to help your pets remain happy and healthy during these cold months.

  • Do NOT leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. I receive regular calls regarding dogs tied outside during this cold winter weather. We discourage tethering dogs in any weather, but it is especially dangerous this time of year. Dogs left out in the cold too long can get frostbite and hypothermia just as humans do. Responsible dog caregivers do NOT leave their dogs outside in the cold. While dogs may possess some natural protection against winter weather, Iowa’s variety of bitter elements can jeopardize any pet’s health and safety. Even with temps above freezing, the wind chill can still threaten a pet’s life. If you don’t want a dog in the main part of your house, surely there is a heated area that could be kid-gated where he could spend his day in warm comfort. If he has behavioral problems, the solution is not to banish him to the back yard, but to spend time training him. Dogs are usually willing to comply to house rules IF they understand what the rules are. Remember that good caregivers have good dogs! If you absolutely refuse to let your dog into the house, at least fix up a warm corner on the porch, basement, or garage, use plenty of blankets to provide a barrier from cold floors, and provide him a warm, cozy “den”. There are many small, safe heaters that can be used to warm his den. (Don’t keep pets in unheated areas!)
  • A little extra food is usually recommended in cold weather, and fresh water is an absolute necessity…ice and snow are NOT acceptable substitutes. Your dog needs clean, fresh water available at all times. He will also appreciate a few extra chew toys and other playthings so he isn’t tempted to turn to the furniture or your shoes out of boredom!
  • Shelters are already getting complaints about Christmas puppies. Puppies do not tolerate the cold well, and we admit that it is difficult to house train a puppy during the winter. If you recall, we strongly advised against giving puppies as Christmas gifts, but if you did get one, it is now your responsibility to train him. Your dog may feel it’s more convenient to use the floor or carpet, but you can curb this with a regular outdoor comfort-station schedule in which you GO OUT WITH him first thing in the morning, several times during the day, and last thing at night. You made a commitment (and it isn’t the dog’s fault that the weather is lousy!)
  • If you see an animal shivering out in the cold, don’t just ignore him. Perhaps his caregiver doesn’t even realize the dangers, and ignorance is curable by education. Avoid being belligerent or accusatory, but politely explain the dangers. If the friendly approach is unsuccessful, notify the authorities. It is Iowa law that animals be provided ADEQUATE shelter, fresh water (not ice) and fresh food. When you report to the animal control authorities, it is important that you calmly, coherently give brief, specific facts. Exact address of the dog is needed, and it is best to have written documentation of the problem. The authorities are very busy, so sometimes you need to be persistent. If the situation does not improve, report again…and again…and again. A dog’s life may depend on your intervention.

AS I LAY DYING is an observation shared by Patti Ragsdale which I was asked to repeat.

As I lay dying in a pile of ice and snow, I felt a hand touch my matted coat, and saw an angel looking down at me.

As gentle hands stroked my fur, I wondered if I had died, released from the never ending agony of chains, neglect, and loneliness.

The human angel gently lifted me from the cold frozen ground, bathed my skinny, dirty, body and treated all the wounds and sores.

Her soft touch, kind word, and warm blanket overshadowed the years of suffering when no one cared.

I am no longer lonely and frightened. I am loved.

Needy Dogs are All Around Us

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I seldom repeat a column, but this is such a current problem, by request, I am sharing it again (originally published in 2012).

 

NEEDY DOGS ARE ALL AROUND US

As Iowa weather grows colder, I would like to share an observation by Cherine Bissinger:

“As the weather turns nasty, I cannot suppress my deep feelings of desperation for the countless animals forced to endure a torturous existence with owners who willfully neglect or casually ignore the basic needs of their four-footed companions. Every day I am surrounded by humans who never extend an act of kindness toward voiceless, living creatures. Driving to work, I am horrified by the sight of helpless animals without any visible shelter. ‘What is the matter with us?’ I think to myself. ‘How can we allow such suffering?’ As I drive into town I see total disregard for decency and blatant lack of compassion for animal welfare, and as I park my car at work, my attention is drawn to the sight of a dog wagging his tail. The sun has barely risen, and the home where the dog is tied is dark. Apparently this innocent dog has spent the night outside in the blustery wind and cold, while his humans slept contentedly indoors, apparently oblivious of the painful effects of such inhumanity. I walk toward the dog, and he jumps up as much as the length of his chain will permit. He is shivering wildly, and I whisper words of comfort to the dog. I tell him how sorry I am for his predicament, and regretfully turn to walk into my workplace. Each step I take away from the dog, I imagine his desolate look of devastation for having been forgotten and ignored. I think of the thousands of animals suffering in silence. Life is unjust, and like the neglected animals, I feel helpless. When will things change? Feeble anti-cruelty laws, little enforcement of existing laws, and most of all public apathy are overwhelming. What has happened to us as human beings that we can ignore the plight of so many animals?”

We are all aware of dogs in our own neighborhoods who are not enjoying a good life. Maybe their caregivers don’t even realize that their dog is suffering. Without being judgmental, perhaps you could suggest ways to make life better. If you feel the dog is in danger, report it to the authorities, and follow up to be sure that appropriate action is taken. Each of us has a circle of compassion: the people and animals and things that we care about, that emotionally affect us. It may be our own family, our own friends, and our own pets, but not the family, friends, or pets belonging to others. It may be those just in our own comfort zone. Essentially, we all need the same things as the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion: compassion, intelligence, and the courage to make the world a better place for both humans and animals. May we all strive to expand our circle of compassion.

 

 A PRAYER FOR THE ANIMALS

by Albert Schweitzer

 Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends, the animals,

 Especially for those who are suffering;

For any that are lost or deserted, or frightened, or hungry.

We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity,

And for those who deal with them, we ask hearts of compassion,

And gentle hands and kindly words.

Help us to be true friends to the animals,

And so to share the blessings of the merciful.

 

The Connection between Animal Abuse and Human Violence

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Animal abuse is a daily occurrence in today’s world, and sadly, violence against humans is also all too common. It is sometimes thought that when children are cruel to animals, it is just an exploratory stage of development, but researchers have connected children’s acts of animal abuse with bullying, corporal punishment, school shootings, sexual abuse and developmental psychopathic behaviors. . Young children need to be taught that animals have feelings and are not to be treated as toys, explaining that it is not okay to hit or mistreat an animal, just as it is not okay to mistreat another child. Most children learn the importance of being kind, caring and nurturing , but if they are in homes where there is domestic violence, they may learn about abuse by being its victim….Dad hits mom….mom hits the child….the child hits the dog. Documentation shows that most violent and aggressive criminals have abused animals as children, with cruelty to animals being one of the traits that regularly appear in records of serial rapists and murderers.

All children who abuse animal certainly do not grow up to become serial killers, but a child who displays unusual or continual fascination with harming animals is in need of professional help Regardless of the cause, animal cruelty in children should not be taken lightly . Killing a hamster or torturing a dog is usually a precursor to more serious violent actions. Children who harm family pets are at risk for other kinds of inappropriate behavior and need help. (What goes along with torturing animals is often setting fires, which should also be taken seriously) ALL animal abuse situations should be taken seriously

  • Animal abuse may indicate that a deeper problem exists. Children who abuse animals may be living in an abusive situation, and may be the only visible sign of an abusive family. While child and spousal abuse usually occur behind closed doors, animal abuse is more often committed in the open.
  • Acts of cruelty to animals may be a child’s cry for help…..before the violence escalates to include human victims. Many animal welfare advocates say that children who harm animals are usually victims themselves. An abused child will often lash out, and an animal often is the closest, most vulnerable target.

What can be done?

  • Support legislation: Learn about the animal abuse laws in your state and advocate for stronger, appropriate legislation.
  • Report animal cruelty: If you witness an act of animal cruelty taking place, report it to the authorities, giving as many specific details as possible. Doing so may save both animals and human lives, and gives a voice to someone in need.
  • Educate others: Encourage others to show kindness toward animals. Without being judgmental, you can often improve living conditions of animals (and humans) by showing you care.
  • Increase public awareness: Work with your local animal shelters and domestic abuse shelters to raise awareness of the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence. Violence is violence, whether it is done against a two-legged or a four-legged being. When you hear about someone being cruel to an animal, your next thoughts should be, “Who else will be harmed?” and “How can I help?”

The cycle of violence can be broken only if caring, concerned people have the courage and empathy to act. If you suspect either domestic abuse or animal abuse, don’t ignore it. Animal abuse in families often is one of the first indicators that the family needs help. Paying attention to animal abuse provides an important tool with which to guard children from abuse and neglect, provide needed support to families, and protect animals.

 

Boys with Be Boys

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The catch phrase, “boys will be boys’ is often used to express the view that mischievous or childish behavior is typical and should be excused. An incident occurred last Sunday in our community and a casual bystander remarked, “ Well, they shouldn’t have done that , but boys will be boys, you know.”

I agree that “they shouldn’t have done that,” but I hope that their behavior is not typical, and am certain that it should not be excused, especially not the two freshmen ringleaders who inflicted deliberate acts of blatant abuse to a defenseless little kitten. ‘What’s the big deal?’ you ask ‘It’s just a cat…..and cats are a dime a dozen…besides they carry disease….farmers eliminate cats all the time.’ I understand and accept the necessity to sometimes eliminate the cat population on a farm where they might spread disease to the farm animals, but locking a kitten in a closed space, poking and prodding it until an eye is damaged, stepping it and throwing it from one to another cannot be excused as adolescent mischief. The cat was hardly moving by the time two brave young girls intervened. Even though it was a Sunday, our vet cared enough to get fluids and food into his tiny body, and treat the injuries as best he could. Treatment continued until Thursday, when the decision was made that the kindest option was to euthanize the kitten.

Recent studies have determined that the connection between animal abuse and violence directed against humans is well documented, and is much broader than previously thought—not only to violent crime, but to anti-social crimes of all types. Animal abuse, like many other forms of abuse, is about power and control. In Sunday’s incident, it is likely that the two freshmen were “showing off” for the three younger participants in this act of violence, and middle school kids long to be part of the action, so are usually reluctant to challenge the actions of older peers .

It is true that many young children go through a developmental stage of “innocent cruelty” during which they may hurt insects or other small creatures in the process of exploring their world. However, a child who persists in this behavior or who intentionally injures or kills cats, dogs, birds or other animals must be considered at risk of future violent or criminal activity. Documentation shows that childhood animal abuse increases the likelihood of continued physical violence as well as other nonviolent forms of delinquency during adolescence. Experts agree that early prevention and treatment of animal cruelty is the key to stopping the cycle of violence because as aggressive children get older, a variety of other crimes, including violence against people, property crimes, and drug or disorderly conduct offenses emerge. Animal abuse is not just “boys being boys,” and it is important to curb violent tendencies before they escalate to include violence against people.

Father’s Day is approaching soon, and this offers an excellent opportunity for dads (and moms) to discuss the helplessness of animals, and the importance of treating them with kindness and respect. Encourage the kids to share any incidents of animal mistreatment that they have witnessed where they may have felt uncomfortable, but didn’t know what to do. They might welcome some nonjudgmental suggestions to help them avoid future involvement in any questionable animal activities. Middle school children are impressionable, and I would hope that the three six graders involved in this specific incident will be courageous enough next time to refuse to participate. If you have a child who abuses animals, he needs help…not punishment, but professional counseling. With everyone working together, cruelty to animals, as well as to people, can begin to diminish, and boys can be boys in productive ways.

“One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a child
is to kill or torture an animal and get away with it.”
—Margaret Mead

 

Protect Your Animals From Winter’s Chilling Blasts!

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Major snow storms, bitterly cold temperatures, and extremely high winds have hit with a vengeance, and as tough as this weather is on humans, it can be even tougher on our dogs. NEVER leave your dog outside in weather like this, and remember, even if the temperature isn’t that low, wind chill can threaten your pet’s safety. If it’s too cold outside for you, then it’s too cold for your companion animal. If your fingers are cold, your dog’s feet and pads are too! They are vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia in less than an hour’s exposure. It is the responsibility of pet caregivers to keep their dogs safe and healthy through the harsh winter months.

We don’t approve of “outdoor” dogs at any time of the year, because dogs are pack animals and are happiest and healthiest when kept with their human pack, but it is especially dangerous in extremely cold or hot weather. . Why have a dog if he is tethered or confined “out back”? If you don’t want a dog in the main part of your house, surely there is a heated area that could be kid- gated where he could spend his day in warm comfort. If he has behavioral issues, the solution is not to banish him to the back yard, but to spend the time to train him. Dogs are usually willing to comply to house rules if they understand what the rules are. TAKE him out for just a short, brisk walk, or if you have a basement or upstairs, you can exercise him by playing fetch up and down the steps (or even through the halls), and provide him some entertainment if you will be gone for an extended period of time. Popular “puzzle” or “foraging” toys are great!

My very favorite is the Kong which can be stuffed with part of your dog’s meal, or a combination of meal and treats. A few Kongs will keep your dog happily occupied for hours, and will lessen the chances of inappropriate behavior. If you absolutely refuse to let your dog into the house, at least fix up a warm corner in the porch, basement or garage, using plenty of blankets to provide a barrier from the cold floors and build him a warm, cozy “den.” There are many small, safe heaters that can be used to warm his den….don’t keep pets in unheated areas, but use caution to keep any electrical cords out of chewing reach…just in case.

A high quality, nutritionally balanced diet is essential, especially in the winter. To find out how different foods rate, google www.dogfoodadvisor.com, an independent company, that rates all the major dog foods. Check out the food you are currently using…you may be surprised at what you find. All dog foods are not created equal, and with all the slick marketing techniques used, it’s tough to sort out what is good and what is simply advertising mumbo jumbo.

Many dogs need a sweater or coat to protect from the elements, but after evaluating dozens of different brands, we concluded that most of them are worthless. Some are difficult to put on the dog; many are ill-fitting or stretch out of shape quickly, others have uncomfortable bands that do little except irritate the animal, and most of them expose the dog’s vulnerable underside. Premier Pet “Fido Fleece” coats are really designed to keep Fido toasty warm. Made of anti-pilling fleece, they are durable and feature a collar-to-tail Velcro closure for easy on and off, wear like iron, and are super easy to clean— just machine wash and dry. Look up Fido Fleece Dog coats and you will find a wide choice of style and color.

Salt and de-icing chemicals can cause your dog’s pads to become dry, cracked, and painfully sore, so be sure to carefully snip the tufts of hair between her toes to help prevent ice balls from sticking. You can find dozens of dog boots or booties in pet stores and catalogs—most are cute but quite ineffective…and most dogs rebel against wearing them! A thin layer of aloe or Vaseline rubbed onto her footpads will provide a protective coating, and is safe even if she licks her feet. It is important to always clean off paws after a walk, even though the oil helps keep ice and snow from clumping so badly between the toes.

Please get involved if you see a neglected or shivering animal left out in the cold. (Shivering is the first sign of mild hypothermia) Urge people to bring their dogs inside, and as difficult as it is, don’t be belligerent or accusatory. Try to get your point across in a friendly manner. Ignorance is curable by education. However, if you meet with resistance, alert the authorities. Concerned neighbors are often the only hope for these poor animals.

We can judge the heart of a human by that person’s treatment of animals.

—Immanuel Kant

 

Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month

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Motivated by the fact that April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month, I have discovered hundreds of articles on the subjects, and have concluded that most people think of animal cruelty in terms of dog fighting and puppy mills. These are obvious examples of intentional cruelty, but there is also cruelty that is unintentional. Many people who are abusing their animals may not be doing so on purpose; they hurt animals because they are too busy , and simply don’t think about or realize what they are doing is neglectful. Neglect can come in many forms ranging from not providing enough food, water, shelter, or space, to simply ignoring the animal.

Some caregivers seem to believe that shouting or hitting an animal is an effective training technique, and believe that intimidation and punishment are legitimate ways to train their dog, not recognizing the fact that these methods will create fear and distrust, and are physically and psychologically abusive.

Another example of unintentional abuse is when humans take in more animals than they can afford or adequately provide for, which usually leads to animals living in crowded, often dirty environments . They had good intentions, but the outcomes are not good.

People who live on the edge financially sometimes cannot afford their pets when they go through a divorce, lose a job, have medical problems, or their housing cost goes up. Others may get sick and are physically unable to care for their pet, and need help from compassionate neighbors, friends and relatives.

The ASPCA stresses the importance of paying attention to a companion animal’s needs. This can range from making sure a collar is not getting too tight as the dog grows, or paying attention to any health need that might require vet attention. Nearly all of the people who unintentionally neglect their dogs can learn through education and an awareness of the needs of their animals. Without being judgmental, it is possible to stress the five freedoms that companion animals should be provided with:

  1. Freedom from thirst and hunger by ready access to FRESH water and a healthy diet. Many commercial pet foods are NOT healthy, and by teaching people to read ingredient labels and check on sites such as www.petfoodadvisor.com, many dogs would have life improved.
  2. Freedom from discomfort by providing appropriate shelter and a comfortable resting area. Dogs do not thrive if they are isolated in the back yard or tied up. It is almost always possible to find a porch or even garage area IF the caregiver realizes that is important.
  3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease. It is important for dogs to have regular veterinary care, rather than just waiting until a crisis to seek medical advice.
  4. Freedom to express normal behavior by providing both canine and human interaction . Often dogs are neglected simply because of the caregiver’s hectic life style, and if they realize the importance of companionship, they will find time to spend with their dog.
  5. Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental or physical distress. Sometimes caregivers are not aware that someone else is hurting the animal. More supervision or some changes may need to be made.

The bottom line as to the way in which people treat animals, and what they believe is an acceptable level of welfare, is the value they place on the animal. Attitudes toward dogs can be changed only if all of us take the time and effort to diplomatically show negligent caregivers that their animals deserve better treatment to lead healthy, happy, safe lives. Many have grown up with the idea, “He’s just a dog,” and honestly believe that humans are superior beings who have a right to use animals in any way they choose. Although dogs are not human, they certainly feel fear and pain, and are dependent on their humans who have accepted the responsibility of their care. As Maya Angelou explained, “People do what they know how to do. When they know better, they do better.”

No Big Deal – It’s Just a Dog

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Intentional animal abuse and unintentional abuse have both been emphasized during this Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month, but there is a third aspect of animal welfare that is almost more insidious, and is often ignored—indifference. As George Bernard Shaw explained: “The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. That’s the essence of inhumanity.” I find it difficult to accept the fact that some people “just don’t care.” By now most Iowans know that Iowa holds the disgraceful distinction of having the second largest number of puppy mills, yet when legislation this year was brought up to better the lives of these poor animals, nothing was done. In our state we still have dog fighting. Although we are aware of this abhorrent practice, it continues. These are stressful times for most of us, but even in these difficult times, or perhaps because of them, we need to think about the choices we make. We choose our friends, our doctors, our churches. We also choose our legislators. Perhaps it is time that we, the people of Iowa, choose to make our voices heard, and let our legislators know that we are not indifferent toward the mistreatment and abuse of animals.

As Diana Bono says, “How we treat animals reflects on who we are as human beings and how we value all life. Do we choose protection through our legislation for animals, or do we allow the many faces of abuse to continue? Indifference simply means that we support what is.” Joan Vinge in The Snow Queen names indifference as the strongest force in the universe. “It makes everything it touches meaningless. Love and hate don’t stand a chance against it. It lets neglect and decay and monstrous injustice go unchecked. It doesn’t act; it allows. And that’s what gives it so much power. Indifference is the worst kind of disease that can affect people.”

Only changing a person’s indifferent attitude toward animals can cause true change. Legislation helps; economic pressure helps; and education helps, but only when people really believe that animal neglect is morally wrong and act on that belief will change occur. Christianity is about beliefs—beliefs about creation, purpose, life, and love. What people believe about God affects all aspects of their being, and since faith teaches compassion and love, it would be logical that we would see more of it in attitudes toward animals. How can Christians be indifferent to the treatment of animals?

Betty Wosko reports a letter from a friend who had a first hand experience with Christians’ indifference to the suffering of a companion animal. “One Sunday after our church service let out, hundreds of people filed out of the parking lot. Every single vehicle passed by a dog who was lying in the road, clearly visible. The dog had not been there prior to the service, or I would have noticed him when driving in. I was deeply hurt by the fact that not one car stopped to help the dog.” (The writer did stop…the dog was dead, and he put the animal in his car, took him home, buried him and tried to find an owner). Wosko says that hardly a day goes by that she doesn’t hear how someone has been offended by the uncaring attitudes among believers. She tags it as hypocrisy. existing.

“We need to wake up and become the loving, compassionate peacemaking children of God that we have been called to be.”
I care not for a man’s religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.—Abraham Lincoln

The “No big deal…it’s just a dog” is prevalent everywhere. Right in our own area, a well respected family went on a six day Easter vacation and left their elderly dog tied outside. Sure, someone probably stopped by to feed and water him, but I doubt it was a happy Easter for him…

Intentional cruelty, unintentional neglect, or indifference. ..all are hurtful, both to the humans and the animals. Check out the animals in your area; you will be saddened by what you find. Although it is not always easy (or convenient), our goal should be to encourage greater levels of respect, responsibility and compassion toward both the humans and animals with whom we share or lives . Get involved! It’s the right thing to do.

The Violence Connection

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We are appalled at almost daily reports of violence and abuse, and cannot comprehend how these horrendous things can happen in “nice neighborhoods” and to “nice people” and; although we don’t have factual evidence that animal abuse was involved in the recent horror stories, we do know that Intentional abuse and unintentional abuse are both hurtful, and indifference often allows violence to go unchecked. It is important to recognize that there is a definite violence connection , a link among animal abuse, family violence, and other forms of community violence.

Animal abuse often indicates the existence of a deeper problem. The line separating an animal abuser from someone capable of committing human abuse is much finer than most of us care to consider. It can be viewed as an excellent predictor of other abusive behaviors, and children who abuse animals often live in abusive situations, and may be at risk of “graduating” to violence directed at humans. Serial killers almost all have histories of abusing animals. Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Albert DeSalvo, the Boston Stranger all committed heinous acts of animal cruelty prior to killing their human victims. The Columbine school killings were carried out by teenagers who “graduated” from torturing small animals to slaughtering humans.

For families suffering from domestic abuse, the threat of abuse against companion animals is often used to keep the victims silent. Research by Frank Ascione, a psychologist at Utah University, indicates that more than two-thirds of women who sought safety at shelters reported that their pets had been threatened, injured, or killed by their abusers, and that about 88 percent of pets living in households with domestic abuse were eventually either abused or killed. There is legitimate evidence that individuals involved in violent acts against animals present a danger to the public that must be addressed. Intentional animal cruelty is often seen in association with other serious crimes including drug offenses, gang activity, weapons violations, sexual assault, and domestic violence, and can be one of the most visible parts of a history of aggressive or antisocial behavior.

We need to realize that shrugging off cruelty to animals as a minor offense is like ignoring a ticking time bomb. Certainly not all children who hurt animals go on to commit major crimes; some young children go through a stage which they may hurt small creatures, but experts stress that educators, parents, and other adults should firmly intervene at these times, teaching the child about boundaries and the importance of respecting animals. Early implementation of prevention and treatment strategies may break the cycle of violence , and needs to be addressed by the entire community—churches, schools, law enforcement, and the judicial system, to make sure that children don’t grow up thinking violence is okay. Anthropologist Margaret Mead insisted that, “One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a child is to torture or kill an animal and get away with it.” It is important to recognize that abuse to animals is unacceptable and endangers everyone. Children (and adults ) should be taught to care for and respect animals.

What can you do?

  • Urge your law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judges, and schools to take cruelty to animals seriously. Those charged with protecting our communities and animals need to send a strong message that violence against animal is unacceptable. Learn more about Iowa’s animal abuse laws and advocate for appropriate legislation.
  • Be aware of signs of neglect or abuse in children and animals, and report suspected crimes to authorities. Take children seriously if they report that animals are being neglected or mistreated. Often children won’t talk about their own suffering, but will talk about an animal’s.
  • Never ignore even minor acts of cruelty. The cycle of abuse can be broken IF caring and concerned people have the courage and intelligence to act.

While it is sadly true that there is a frightening violence connection, it is equally true that there is a compassion connection. A kind person is a kind person is a kind person—kind to children, kind to the elderly, kind to animals. If we concentrate on a cycle of compassion rather than violence, we can make a difference.

Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has!— by Margaret Mead.

Our Best Friend Deserves More Than Life on a Chain

By with Comments Off on Our Best Friend Deserves More Than Life on a Chain

There are many things that you can do to help make life better for a dog that is tethered in a back yard without much human interaction. The first thing to do is to get acquainted with the dog’s caregivers.

Be sure your approach is positive, so you don’t come off sounding critical. Lecturing them about the evils of leaving their dog outdoors will not solve anything. Explain that you are a dog lover, and would enjoy the chance to play with their dog, or take him for walks a few times a week. Be sure to stress that anything you offer is free…everyone loves free stuff.

If the dog has no adequate shelter, you might offer to bring them a dog house. If you are willing to spend some time with the dog, you will probably form a friendly relationship with the dog’s caregiver, and perhaps rekindle a bond between him and his dog.

There are many success stories from this approach, but even if this doesn’t happen, remember that helping the dog a little is better than doing nothing at all. You may not be able to convince the caregiver to take the animal inside, or even convince him to put up a fence.

If the dog was never really wanted in the first place, perhaps an offer to find him another home will be successful, but even if all you can do is get a decent doghouse, some toys, and regular walks, that is a success because the dog’s life has been improved.

Animal control and human agencies receive regular calls from citizens concerned about animals, but until the public understand the problems, and laws are changed, nothing significant will be accomplished. Documentation shows that chaining dogs is not only inhumane treatment of companion animals, but is also dangerous, because chained dogs often develop behavior problems. They become bored, boredom leads to frustration, and frustration leads of excessive barking and aggression. The number of animal bites and attacks by chained dogs will only continue to grow if we do not educate the community and break the never ending cycle of generations accepting this practice.

Most of our communities do not have any anti-tethering ordinances, and realistically they are not likely to pass them soon, but many communities are considering limited tethering laws. To make a positive impact on your community you must convince people that extended tethering is not acceptable, and although it is difficult to change attitudes, it is possible. To learn how you can more effectively help chained dogs in your neighborhood, go to sites such as www.unchainyourdog.org , www.dogsdeservebetter.com and www.parentsagainstdogchaining.org .

Get involved; it is not impossible to make life better for our dogs, and safer for our community.

God put dogs on earth for a reason, and I’m sure it wasn’t His plan for them to be treated so cruelly, and abused so often by man. Why would someone have a dog only to keep him tied to a tree? And why won’t they listen to reason about how cruel that is—why can’t they see? If people would realize this treatment brings their dog pain, they would surely stop this horrible practice, and take them off of their chain. ~Robyn Kirby