Welcome to Safe Critters
Learning to interact with critters the safe way
Welcome to Safe Critters Learning to interact with critters the safe way |
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| In 1993, while I was in college earning my Degree in Animal Care
and Management, I had to participate in an Euthanasia program at the local Animal Shelter. To this day, I cannot
speak of it without crying uncontrollably. When confronted with the horrific task I was told I had to undertake,
my first reaction was to refuse and just drop out. Unfortunately, at that time, I found myself firmly lodged
between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, this was the very last class required to obtain my Degree. Also,
I was on a scholarship, so if I didn't finish I was obligated to repay all of the money that had been invested
in me. This was money that I did not have. On the other hand, however, I rationalized that it was for certain
that if I didn't do it, someone else would. There was simply no way around it. I knew, at least with me, they
would be treated kindly and hear loving words before it was their time to go.
Saying "Good-bye" to all of those precious, innocent animals was the hardest thing that I have ever had to do in my entire life. Their deaths were horrendous. Their pleading eyes, loud yelps and soft whimpers begged for the mercy I was unable to provide. With tears streaming down my face, I held each of them in my arms and whispered my apologies. Then I made a promise to each and everyone of them that some way, some how, I was going to do something to help other animals, so that their deaths would not be in vain. I realize that they had no idea what my words meant, but the final look in their eyes led me to believe that, even though they were terribly frightened, they understood that I truly cared. The uncontrollable sadness, the unspeakable remorse and the undeniable rage were almost more than my heart and spirit could bear. I simply could not come to terms with the unjust society that spends billions of dollars each year to provide for Rapists, Child Molesters and Murderers yet shrug their shoulders and put to death millions of innocent, loving, abandoned animals simply because they have no room for them. I still have yet to accept this manner of justice. Sadly, those people that really NEED to experience what I did, never will and probably wouldn't care even if they did. I would like to note here that I Do Not hold any contempt for all of the fine, honorable people who work and maintain the thousands of Animal Shelters throughout the country. In fact I hold the utmost respect for them. For it is these people who must perform the relegated duties of our unjust society with mercy and care. |