zan

I've always had a particularly soft spot in my heart for animals of any kind. Growing up I always had a ton of various critters.. dogs, cats, rats, bunnies, and fish for starters... plus the various reptiles and amphibians I caught exploring the wetlands around my home. I've always had a great fascination, connection and respect for these amazing creatures. I also share a great empathy with all things living. Sometimes that is a great thing, sometimes not. When an animal is sad or hurt, it feels as if I am as well. This empathy is probably the number one reason I could never be a vet. Even though vets help animals, it is often painful to do so. Plus vets often see the horrible things humans do to vets in the form of abuse. Which leads me into the crappy things we as humans do to animals, particularly cats and dogs. Besides the abuse, which is worthy of a separate entry, I hate that so many people do not take the responsibility of having a pet seriously. Not only the care, love and respect that all creatures should be entitled to, but the right to exist. Why is it so many people do not think twice about buying a dog or a cat at the pet store because it looks cute? Is it that hard to show a little forethought and realize, "I am responsible for this animals life now"? Yet so many people discard pets as if they were garbage. God forbid your new cute little buddy shits on the carpet or pees on your pillow... "maybe I should git rid of em." Wow your dog won't stop barking? "I reckon I should get a different one." Or maybe you should take him off of the 4 foot chain attached to the dog house in the back corner of your yard and show him a little fucking attention! How about some basic animal training before you throw away your pet until a cuter one comes along. How about spaying or neutering your dog or cat before leaving a cardboard box of newborns at the grocery store with a "free" sign. How about showing just the slightest hint of compassion and responsibility for caring for a life, any life. Impulse shopping should be reserved for non-living things only.


I've always had a dream of owning acres of property with lots of big trees and a place where I could take in animals that were going to be "put to sleep". My little dream shelter would also have a staff of animal trainers that would help train these "problem" dogs to be "better" animals. The idea is after graduating from my little animal training programs they would now be considered good dogs and would easily be adopted out to good homes. Then everyone would have ice cream. :-)

The good people at Family Dogs NW have a similar vision of taking in unwanted dogs and training them to be better dogs... adoptable dogs. Family Dogs NW is "a unique no-kill shelter that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes dogs." They have successfully found homes for over 2,000 dogs since they began their operation 3 years ago. Family Dogs NW operates solely on donations and money received from adoptions, doggie day care and training classes. Unfortunately they have lost their lease, and cannot afford to move to a new location. They currently have 71 dogs that desperately need to find loving homes before February 15th. If these dogs cannot find permanent homes or foster homes, they face death.

If you or anyone you know is thinking about getting a dog PLEASE send them over to Family Dogs NW. I personally will buy your first 40lb bag of dog food. Act now and I'll be your best friend, buy ya beers and let you school me in a game of pool!

-Zan