On the question of pet support.
I am currently involved in the organization of a benefit concert for a local pet shelter. In the normal course of conversation with others it does get a mention, not so much as a drum beating point, but more under "what's new with you' exchange.
The reaction to this news seems to abide with two camps. Approval or disapproval.
Yes, I said disapproval. This lack of enthusiasm for supporting homeless animals is inevitably frowned on because the disapproving person feels we should help humans before animals, and energy and monies directed to another species would be better utilized feeding and sheltering people. It is somehow seen as an Either/Or proposition.
I ran into this same hardline positioning while working at the local food bank some time back. The Pet Rescue folks offered to donate pet food and litter etc. to the food bank for distribution to the clients. I confess my initial reaction contained some grumbling about lifting big bags about, but after some prayer, I felt it was indeed a good thing. Once the word was out, it became a real and instant joy to people receiving hampers, and their gratitude was clear. In no small way this addition alleviated a serious monthly budget outlay, and allowed the keeping of family pets without undo hardship.
It is my observation that some people will do almost anything for an animal, yet almost nothing for fellow humans. But this pet food distribution policy contains a beautifully subversive element. The donations are fed to the pets for sure, but the real winners are the humans who can now afford to keep an animal as a companion for themselves or families. I see God at work in this, turning the generous animal lovers into patrons of the human community. The hard hearted disdain for the great unwashed becomes a living and loving four legged boost to the quality of life of many who are marginalized and flat out lonely. It is a great uplifting punchline to a bitter joke.
Those who think we should help people first don't often see it from this perspective.
The way I see it, learning to love an animal to an impoverished child is helping develop the one virtue God wants of us. To love. In return the animal is like our Lord...returning unconditional love. A faithful dog is truly filled with faith. A purring cat in ones' arms makes us all feel better about our world and selves. It is a shared trust between two of God's creatures and is more than an entitlement, it is a lesson to live by.
The reaction to this news seems to abide with two camps. Approval or disapproval.
Yes, I said disapproval. This lack of enthusiasm for supporting homeless animals is inevitably frowned on because the disapproving person feels we should help humans before animals, and energy and monies directed to another species would be better utilized feeding and sheltering people. It is somehow seen as an Either/Or proposition.
I ran into this same hardline positioning while working at the local food bank some time back. The Pet Rescue folks offered to donate pet food and litter etc. to the food bank for distribution to the clients. I confess my initial reaction contained some grumbling about lifting big bags about, but after some prayer, I felt it was indeed a good thing. Once the word was out, it became a real and instant joy to people receiving hampers, and their gratitude was clear. In no small way this addition alleviated a serious monthly budget outlay, and allowed the keeping of family pets without undo hardship.
It is my observation that some people will do almost anything for an animal, yet almost nothing for fellow humans. But this pet food distribution policy contains a beautifully subversive element. The donations are fed to the pets for sure, but the real winners are the humans who can now afford to keep an animal as a companion for themselves or families. I see God at work in this, turning the generous animal lovers into patrons of the human community. The hard hearted disdain for the great unwashed becomes a living and loving four legged boost to the quality of life of many who are marginalized and flat out lonely. It is a great uplifting punchline to a bitter joke.
Those who think we should help people first don't often see it from this perspective.
The way I see it, learning to love an animal to an impoverished child is helping develop the one virtue God wants of us. To love. In return the animal is like our Lord...returning unconditional love. A faithful dog is truly filled with faith. A purring cat in ones' arms makes us all feel better about our world and selves. It is a shared trust between two of God's creatures and is more than an entitlement, it is a lesson to live by.
posted by Byron | 6:47 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home