Humane Education.......My Words for the Year
Champ at rescue
Photo Above Courtesy of Mississippi Great Pyrenees Rescue
Champ NOW!
Each year, my New Year's tradition is to pick a word to concentrate on over the coming year. Last year, my word was kindness.
Was I always kind? Ha....probably not! But I really tried to keep it in my mind as I went about my daily life of being a dog, and as I went about my job as a therapy dog. And sometimes just having a word in the back of your mind to ponder when everything else is going to the dogs can keep one on track.
This year I just could not narrow it down to one word and hence, my word of the year is "humane education". To quote World Animal Net, "humane education is a process that encourages an understanding of the need for compassion and respect for people, animals, and the environment and recognizes the interdependence of ALL living things". I think that focusing on this is somewhat of a lofty goal (I try!) and perhaps I can gain a bit of insight this year as well as to spread the word. I had not realized that humane education was so encompassing that it even included the environment (which, by the way in case you have not noticed, is taking a serious beating)!
So if you are so inclined, pick yourself a word for the year! And please write and let me know which one you choose! (Of course, you are most welcome to share mine.....)
I thought you might get a kick out of seeing my "before" picture when I was at rescue. I look a little rough, hmmm? I think it is pretty amazing how I look now, compared to how I looked when the rescue picked me up. Humility has never been my strong suit, but even though I was a skinny, rough looking boy with broken teeth, heartworms, and no home, I have come a long way and, if I may say so, I think I look terrific now!
My original owner paid good money for me and then just left me outside to do as I pleased....and of course, we "pyrs" being roamers, I went further away every day, until I was rarely, if ever, at home. It wasn't that my owner didn't care...he just couldn't be bothered to see that I had adequate care and food, or that I was brushed and free of ticks, fleas, and burrs, or even that I was confined for my own safety. Once I was used to wandering I started hanging out by the highway, and I was going to end up maimed or dead. The rescue lady persuaded him to let me live by relinquishing me to the rescue.
There are many animals like me, both cats and dogs, who just need a little care. It is so rewarding -- not only for the lucky animals, but for the caretakers and owners -- to see the changes that occur when we have what we need. Please note that I did not say that we always get what we want! But often these turn out to be the same in the long run.
And speaking of humane, the first Humane Alliance Clinic of the year will be held on February 18th, so if you need to be spayed or neutered (for the bargain price of only $8.00) please have your human call the shelter at 863-4444 to sign up.
So remember the words "humane education" -- not the sexiest words I've ever heard, but some of the most important, to be sure. As John Muir once said, "When we try to pick anything out by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe."
Woof!
Champ
