Thinking about Oreo always makes my day - whenever I feel that the going is too tough to handle, Oreo reminds me that if he can survive what he has been through, that I should not complain. Remember the lovely Papillon adopted by my Uncle? Just look at how compassion and love has changed Oreos life – the photo and the left shows him a few months later during our last encounter. Yes, he winked!!! Oreo was rescued from an aweful puppy mill. Meeting the demands for the many pet stores peppered across the island, thousands of dogs spend their entire lives being puppy machines at these commercial kennels. Puppy mills are run by dog breeders whose sole purpose is to make a living from the dogs they breed, most times neglecting the basic needs of the animals. Puppy mills usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization. Many dogs land up suffering terrible illnesses, skin problems, temperament issues and sometimes, death. Often, after the breeder dog (usually the mother) has reached the age of 4 years, it is no longer needed and killed. Once adopted, it can take a year or more for the dog to relax and allow human touch. This was very apparent when I first got acquainted with Oreo. Check out his fearful and apprehensive look in the picture on the right. When I met Oreo, he was walking in circles indiscriminately and avoided eye contact. He was perpetually apprehensive and stiffened up his body when I tried to carry him. And it drove a stake through my heart that he lets out a helpless yelp if he was stroked or carried in common places along his body that he felt uncomfortable with. Oreo was in a very poor state when he was adopted – so bad that my parents and Uncle refused to show me his “before” photographs. Still, after hearing his story and finally gaining his trust, I cried myself to sleep that night while browsing the many selfies I was lucky enough to have with the very photogenic Oreo. I angrily wondered how can anybody be so cruel and heartless to such loyal and lovely creatures. I shuddered thinking of the hell Oreo was in a few months before his rescue. I am not sorry to say that I have absolutely NO respect for unethical animal breeders and I strong feel that animal abusers should never have been born. Oreo is a very different dog today. He has plenty of room for his daily cardio-exercises, a comfortable bed and more importantly, immense love and pampering from the family who took him in with such open hearts and arms. The last time we met, I took him for a car ride, tickled him silly and received countless of licky-kisses from him. He no longer had fear in his eyes and was the light of the party that evening. He was especially a big hit with the children. You can make a difference. We can all make a difference. I cant save them all I know, but it matters to this one – I told myself everytime I took in a stray. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”, said the revered Mahatma Gandhi. Until one has loved an animal a part of ones soul remains unawakened. Please think hard before buying a pet. Please adopt. Love, Averil
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 08:05:33 +0000
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