Off to the Humane Society!

Today we finally were able to take our donations from the supply drive to the Humane Society. “E” and I had a two hour window at work with no appointments, so spur of the moment we packed up his car and off we went.

We arrived at the Humane Society and asked where we should put donations. The receptionist had me take the cash to a different person, and then said to bring the supply donations to the front desk.

From the very beginning, before they even knew what we had to donate they were very appreciative. We gave a sum of cash donations as well as dog and cat food (both dry and wet), towels, blankets, toys, bowls, shredded paper, litter and yes, the infamous box of tennis balls (close to 30 I would guess). When all was said and done, several other volunteers and even people “just visiting” came to thank us. It was quite a pile for them, and from the sounds of it, came at the right time. An older gentleman, who volunteers there as a dog-walker, was quite beside himself about the tennis balls! “They’re gonna love those!”.

After unloading the car, we did a walk through to see the pets that would benefit from our donation. Even though we were just looking, the volunteers were really nice. They are amazing. They knew each animal, and modified their personal behaviors to best fit the comfort level of the animal. It changed my perspective quite a bit. You see, I have always felt bad that these animals are thrown away from society and then placed in these tiny little cages all alone. Now I know that is not really the case. I know it is not perfect, but it is far better than the lives these animals had before. For example, they tend to “pair” up scared or shy animals so they don’t feel lonely. They even try to keep “friends” that came in together, with each other all the way through adoption processes. Comfort and security are given freely. There are play areas, and rooms to just chill. They get to do other things, and not just sit in a cage.

As we walked around, I noticed that the volunteers don’t just clean the cages. These people talk to the animals like they are people. They give them kisses, and head rubs and belly rubs. They play with them on the floor, eye to eye, like peers. I was quite taken by this. These animals actually being treated like they have worth!!! (and no SSG, I did not cry – would have made me look like a sissy or something!)

Jimmy better be happy I didn't come home with these two Ladies!!! They both had really bad past lives (I will save you the details). The kitty even had a broken back! The life they lived, and the torment that was caused, and they still came to the door for a little lovin! (fyi, for the kitty, coming to the door was not a very easy task). My heart broke for these two. They both licked me and got their ears rubbed. It was all I could do to not take them home.

We, the human race, brag about this bigger brain and all the power of a concience. So why is it, that we prefer to destroy everything we touch, rather then grow a bigger heart to match that brain? Hmmm, food for thought.