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When you think you're having a bad day -- perhaps you woke up late, spilled your coffee, got stuck in traffic, overdrew your bank account, couldn't find a babysitter and had to cancel weekend plans -- stop for a minute. Just stop. And think about this …
Your day didn't begin with your owner not wanting you any longer. Your life isn't a matter of being completely alone and unloved every single day.
Someone didn't wake up and decide today was the day to throw you out of a moving vehicle, leaving you to die in the middle of the roadway with nothing but land and woods all around. Alone, unwanted and unloved.
Your morning didn't begin with people you are always happy to see not wanting to see you any longer. You weren't fooled into thinking you were going on a wonderful car ride, only to be thrown from what you always considered to be a rare treat.
That is a bad day. A horrible day. A day no person, no animal should ever have to experience. And yet, it happened to a 6-year-old terrier named Betty, who is one of the sweetest, most gentle dogs I have ever encountered.
God heard the prayers of those who ask Him to protect those animals in need of His help.
Because fortunately, a car was behind that vehicle and witnessed Betty being thrown out into the road. She was taken to the Jefferson County Humane Society and was given the surgery she needed on her eyes, as her lashes had always grown inward. How painful to have had to endure that day in and day out for the past six years.
Her skin is slowly healing now from the infestation of fleas no one ever bothered to correct. There are other matters which were tended to, but I don't need to continue.
The point is, there are hundreds of situations similar to Betty's. Devastating stories that shelter employees see every year. There are millions of instances such as this nationally, globally. But for now, let's just focus on right here in Jefferson County.
Betty is just one of 65 animals currently housed at the humane society in Wintersville.
Unfortunately, hers is not the only heartbreaking story.
It is always my honor to be able to do an article on behalf of the Jefferson County Humane Society.
Animals -- especially dogs, are my heart. I realize I have discussed this topic before, and I apologize if I come across like a broken record. But I still believe it is extremely important to stop. Just stop. And take a moment to remember these unwanted animals.
They have no voice. They are incapable of calling out for help. They possess no friendships in which to confide their terror. And I personally know of no dog who can dial 911 and inform the operator they are being abused. Or worse.
We need to be their voice. We need to speak out on their behalf. We need to step in.
The Jefferson County Humane Society assists more than 1,300 animals every year. While in the shelter's care, most of these animals receive far more kindness than perhaps they have ever known before.
They aren't being forgotten or mistreated. They are receiving medical attention and the assistance required -- physically and emotionally. For many, it is their first time seeing a veterinary clinic. How appreciative am I to those who are employed and who volunteer at this special place I hold dear to my heart.
But despite all of their new-found attention and the days, weeks, months or years they are being filled with love within the shelter, it is still not home. It is not a family. And these dogs and cats deserve this at the very least. They need to become a true part of someone's world.
While everyone is not able to adopt a pet -- some people may be allergic, some may have small children and fear owning any type of animal and some people merely don't want a pet whatsoever, there are still ways in which to help. Donating even $25 or $50 just one time would be a welcomed help for the shelter.
Until I did today's article, I never knew the humane society relies solely on donations and obtaining money through its fundraisers. It does not receive any tax money to help in its efforts, nor does it receive any funding on a national level. It is up to us. Only us.
I never understood what the money which the shelter raises is actually used for. What I absolutely love about this particular humane society, is that everything which is given to them goes directly toward their care. It is used to help all of the animals who continuously come through its doors.
The money is used for adoptions, as hundreds of animals are rescued each year and placed in loving homes. It covers the shelter's operating costs for the more than 1,300 animals it rescues annually and pays for humane operations -- those agents working to protect these innocent lives from abusive households.
They provide veterinary care, including performing any surgeries that animal may need. It isn't just a matter of checking for fleas and leaving the rest for someone else to worry about.
They make sure if a dog is suffering severe anxiety or depression, the required medication is given for their internal pain.
It's not just about the physical ailments and sufferings. They focus on the emotional struggles as well. And that is so very important and something too many people would not even consider.
Is it even necessary for me to write that animals have feelings? But judging by the way many animals are treated ... apparently it is.
I only wish more people could grasp this concept. Have you ever seen a dog cry? Because they do. They hurt just like we hurt. And they love far greater than we ever could. We all know dog spelled backward is God. And I believe there is a reason for that. They are about as close to God as anything we will ever be able to physically and tangibly touch.
Their love for us is endless. They are genuine and sincere in their happiness to see us.
We need to do more for these animals. We need to do more for the Jefferson County Humane Society.
If you cannot adopt or donate, there is the option to volunteer. It doesn't have to be daily or even weekly. It could be monthly or a few times a year. There are options. And it doesn't matter your age. If you are unable to walk a dog, you can bottle feed the kittens. There are many different activities and involvements that you can volunteer for at the shelter.
I truly believe the world would be a much more beautiful place if everyone had the heart of a dog. And one way to start is by remembering our local humane society … for they are the ones who already realize this.