I am sitting in my warm, comfortable office dreading going outside. It is raining. It is that cold winter rain that would be a blizzard if it was snow. But it is not snow, it i's rain. And, when you run, even to the car from the shelter, you get really, really wet and cold. It's miserable.
Lots of animals don't have warm, comfortable offices or houses to stay in. They are outside -- no matter the weather, rain, snow, heat. And, these are not wild animals. I am talking about cats and dogs. Some of them have been abandoned and don't have homes; others are left outside in yards while the people who are responsible for the animals are warm and cozy inside.
Cats and dogs are really, really smart. There are many ways that they communicate. Unfortunately for them, however, they do not speak with words that humans can understand. They cannot punch numbers into a cell phone and call for help. They cannot scream out to passersby, "I am cold and wet. I do not want to be left alone in this yard!". They have no control over their situations; on a dismal, rainy day -- like today -- they are left outside wet and cold.
Can you help? You may not be able to offer the animal a home, or even move him to some place dry and warm. But, you can get help. Know which animal welfare agency in your community is responsible for investigating animal abuse and neglect. Keep that agency's phone number handy. When you see an animal who needs help, call that number or ask an adult to call and report the situation for you.
Be prepared. Have as much information as possible. Is the animal you are reporting a dog? What color is the dog? How big is the dog? Where is the dog, in the front of the house, the backyard, or side-yard? Is the dog tied up or can he move freely around the yard? Is there a dog house in the yard? If so, is it raised off the ground to prevent drafts, is there a flap covering the doorway that will let the dog in and keep the wind out? Do you have the exact address where the dog is located? Can you identify a cross street or landmark that will help the officer find the location qickly? Do you know the name of the person who should be caring for the dog? The more information you have, the faster the dog can get help. Be a private eye for animals.
Each and everyone of us can make a difference. Use this space to let others know what you have done to help animals.
Lots of animals don't have warm, comfortable offices or houses to stay in. They are outside -- no matter the weather, rain, snow, heat. And, these are not wild animals. I am talking about cats and dogs. Some of them have been abandoned and don't have homes; others are left outside in yards while the people who are responsible for the animals are warm and cozy inside.
Cats and dogs are really, really smart. There are many ways that they communicate. Unfortunately for them, however, they do not speak with words that humans can understand. They cannot punch numbers into a cell phone and call for help. They cannot scream out to passersby, "I am cold and wet. I do not want to be left alone in this yard!". They have no control over their situations; on a dismal, rainy day -- like today -- they are left outside wet and cold.
Can you help? You may not be able to offer the animal a home, or even move him to some place dry and warm. But, you can get help. Know which animal welfare agency in your community is responsible for investigating animal abuse and neglect. Keep that agency's phone number handy. When you see an animal who needs help, call that number or ask an adult to call and report the situation for you.
Be prepared. Have as much information as possible. Is the animal you are reporting a dog? What color is the dog? How big is the dog? Where is the dog, in the front of the house, the backyard, or side-yard? Is the dog tied up or can he move freely around the yard? Is there a dog house in the yard? If so, is it raised off the ground to prevent drafts, is there a flap covering the doorway that will let the dog in and keep the wind out? Do you have the exact address where the dog is located? Can you identify a cross street or landmark that will help the officer find the location qickly? Do you know the name of the person who should be caring for the dog? The more information you have, the faster the dog can get help. Be a private eye for animals.
Each and everyone of us can make a difference. Use this space to let others know what you have done to help animals.
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