I hate these ads, not for their poor taste, they are actually done well and are a needed message about treating animals with love and humanely.
What bothers me about the ads is the starkness of the cruelty man exacts on an animal who loves unconditionally and is always happy to see you.
They don't care what kind of day you had or how much money you make. The're always happy when you walk in the front door.
And yet there are humans just so sick, they would beat, starve or maime an animal, so they can exert their power over an animal who has no defense and will still love.
Is this love a sign of God, who loves unconditionally no matter your faults or defects?
I am forced to turn away when these ads run as my eyes well up with tears.
I cannot believe someone would do the things to these animals who would love you and do what you want. They are your friend and want nothing more than to be your companion, fulfill a void you didn't know you had and entertain you.
The pictures they show disgust me and I am not able to conjure up any qualification for the horror of the cruelty I see.
I smile at my pets to let them know yes, I was only gone 2 minutes and I am back. Sorry you missed me.
I smile at my pets to let them know I don't care what they do, they are just so damn cute and beautiful.
I smile at my pets when the want to play retrieve.
I smile at my pets when they do their natural job and run toward the street after a squirrel and then upon my command sit or heel. I then hug them for being so good and alive.
I smile at my pets for some of the dumb things they do because well... it's funny and amazing.
I smile when they bug me to scratch them and then watch as they go into some weird frenzy and I imagine them saying "Oh! Thank you. You have no idea how good that feels. Do it some more".
I smile because they are my responsibility and I love taking care of them, even if they want me play with them all the time.
I smile because they are God's gift to me and I know I must provide them love and care that will give them a healthy life and enliven their spirit.
Thanks for letting me rant.
My daughters get upset when that commercial comes on. My younger daughter (just turned 8) cries whenever she sees it; it really gets to her. I told her to pray for them to find good homes whenever it comes on and upsets her, so that she won’t feel so bad. But, I also pray with my daughters daily for children and babies who are in similar situations. That’s even more gut-wrenching to think about.
What humans often do to other humans, especially innocent children, bothers me more.
I hate them too and always feel like I should do more. I honestly don’t know how people who abuse animals can live with themselves. It’s heartbreaking. I have 7 cats, all rescues (I live in the country). Two of them were dumped when they were pregnant. I kept the moms, had them spayed (one is black and black cats are a dime a dozen so very hard to place) and gave the kittens to a no-kill shelter. Two others were thrown out when they were kittens, one was so young I had to bottle feed it for a few weeks. One of my dogs, an Australian Cattle Dog is a rescue (herding dogs often end up in these kinds of situations because people don’t realize how much energy they have).
While not cute and cuddly I do iguana rescue because, again, people don’t think about what they’re getting into and eventually that cute little lizard turns into a 5 foot terror. I won’t even go into the waterfowl, most of which are injured (mauled) by domestic animals their owners should have better control of. I don’t care if they have a bigger agenda, the Humane Society does good work locally. I actually like the fact that they charge a decent amount, at least they know the person wants their pet.
When my boys were growing up I’d have my Cub Scout den decorate a tree with dog and cat treats and take it to the Humane Society around Christmas time.
Cindie
I can’t stand the ads either. I understand they are used to educate the public, but they break my heart.
All four of my pets are rescues. When something hard happens in my life I always want to go get another pet. You can tick off the deaths in my family by the pet additions. Heart healers!
Maybe this will make you feel a bit better. I got into horse rescue this summer. We now have a palomino & a race horse who were on their way to the kill pen. Now they have a great home & are well loved.
For a few days I've known there were a bunch of horses left over from the horse auction & the meat buyers were coming today or tomorrow for them. I don't cry anymore over it since I have no tears left. But I got the girl who splits the barn with me & another women to go take a look at the horses. So today a horse was saved & is on his way to our quarantine pasture. Another horse to join our other 5 rescue horses. I am getting ready to go out & see this ex race horse who was tossed away after somebody decided he wasn't worth loving & feeding anymore.
My horses are on my page & Moonie looks 100% better then he did in his picture there. Amazing what lots of love, care & kindness did for him. I hear from some of my friends that I am crazy in this economy to have horses. It is hard & we don't go out to dinner or spend money like we used to on ourselves. But the joy we get from our horses is worth every penny. Plus all my adult children are getting involved & my 10 yr old daughter is active in riding & will show Moonie next summer. I do some cat & dog rescue too when I can. It is a zoo here in my house but I love my animals.
If these ads are for HSUS be aware, they are an animal rights lobbying group and don’t actually run shelters. Yes, they tug at your heartstrings, but a little research will tell you that they and PETA’s answer to animal cruelty is for humans to have no interaction with animals at all. Google Ingrid Newkirk quotes and start from there.
In the Virginia governor’s race, Bob McDonnell has earned the endorsement of the Humane Society
http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/media/player then click “endorsed” on the right column to see the ad.
My wife and I adopted 2 GSD’s from the German Shepherd Rescue Group of Virginia. I’ve literally confronted people on the side of the road being cruel to dogs. I’ve taken dogs home that I’ve picked up on the side of the road and have found them good homes.
I have no tolorance towards people that are cruel to animals. Hunting is one thing but beating an animal and making it suffer is entirely different. People that do that should be beaten severely.
If you donate, donate directly to your LOCAL humane society THEY are the ones doing good work, the HSUS is a scam.