Be Kind to Animals Week

Pittsburg mayor, Pamela Henderson has signed a proclamation declaring May 4 - May 10, 2008 Be Kind to Animals Week in Pittsburg. Now, of course, every week needs to be “Be Kind to Animals Week”; however, The American Humane Association created this special week in 1915 in order to encourage compassion toward animals. Every year since, animal shelters throughout the country have held special events during this time-honored week to raise awareness about animals in the community and to celebrate the unique bond between animals and humans. The Southeast Kansas Humane Society kicked off the week with an Adoptathon over the weekend where 14 pets found their forever homes. They will end the special week with Pet Adoptions at  Meadowbrook Mall on Saturday, May 10 from 10:30 - 3:00.
 One of the building blocks of a humane and compassionate society is kindness toward animals and this should begin at the earliest possible age. How can kindness to animals be demonstrated or followed? Well, we can all keep our eyes and ears open to possible animal abuse or neglect and when we witness this, report it to the proper authorities. We can speak out on the importance of respecting animals, teaching this to our children and confronting others when we see it not being followed. We can support any and all efforts to spay or neuter pets, encouraging friends and neighbors to do the same. By following this simple step, we can all help to cut down on the number of unwanted pets that fill our shelters or we find “dumped” on our property. It would also greatly reduce the feral cat population within our region. No animal deserves to be born into a life where it must scrounge for food and shelter and most  likely die at a young age. Also, no animal deserves to be discarded like an old pair of shoes. Somehow there is a mistaken belief that an animal abandoned on it own will take care of itself. When people “dump” their animals, they are sentencing them to a grisly fate; most of them die before finding help. Another way to “be kind to animals” is to drive carefully through areas populated by wild animals such as deer; and watch out for those turtles. I will never forget the day I was about to move a turtle off the highway when a speeding car came by and crushed the turtle right in front of me. That was definitely not showing kindness toward ME or the animal. We can plant butterfly or hummingbird gardens in our back yards. You can respect animals by being a responsible pet owner; knowing your limits on taking care of animals and what you can afford; respecting your rental agreements if you have them; providing proper food, shelter, and exercise for your pets; ALWAYS walking  your dog on a leash - especially in public places (that includes the park). You can never be sure how your dog will react around another dog, wild animal, or child. I know first hand the terrible outcome of not following this simple rule. And besides, there is a leash law within the city of Pittsburg and it is there to be enforced. Let’s make sure we follow the law and remind others to do the same. You are not only protecting others; you are keeping your own animal safe. Never leave your pet in a car during the warm weather. We know we should not leave young children so why is it that we forget this when it comes to our pets? Cracking the window does not provide enough ventilation and the car can heat up to unbearable temperatures very quickly. If you go to a store and notice an animal left alone in a car in the parking lot, take down the license number and ask the store to page the owners. If need be, call the police. Do whatever you can to help that animal.
Find ways to assist your local animal shelter - volunteer your time, donate goods or services, always ADOPT, never SHOP for your new pet. By buying from pet stores that exist solely for the purpose of selling animals, you are inadvertently supporting the puppy mill business. There is no reason to buy a dog from a pet store when there are so very many great dogs (and cats) waiting to be adopted from shelters and rescue groups all over the country. If you have your heart set on a particular breed of dog (or cat), research rescue organizations and shelters on the Internet. I guarantee you will find the animal you are looking for.
Let’s all make the American Humane Association proud of the city of Pittsburg, Kansas for all we do to promote and encourage Kindness to Animals. And most importantly, let’s make ourselves proud.