I try to watch ALL of the 'animal humane associations' shows on Animal Planet. Yes, you could 'nitpick' a LOT of what the personnel, on each and every ONE of the several shows-NYC, Houston, Detroit, Phoenix, Miami, San Fran...?-- say about what kind of breed or cross, the animals they deal with are(yes, anyone who's ever even SEEN a chow-chow would know neither of those dogs was a purebred, but certainly the tan/ginger colored dog WAS a chow cross...the tongue, and the eyes told that story)--but please, try to remember what their jobs are REALLY about....most of them are not 'breed experts', whether it be dog, cat, horse, or ????--but they ARE compassionate people, doing their best for animals in the best way they know how--and maybe you'll lighten up a bit?
How would YOU like to deal with what they deal with on a daily basis? I KNOW I could not; I would end up PHYSICALLY ATTACKING some sorry SOB like that A--HOLE who claimed he'd 'been showing champion miniature horses for years', or even some ignorant so-and-so like the young woman who had 'rescued' that poor elderly mare, 'didn't want her put down', presented feed receipts in court, but NEVER THOUGHT to have a vet determine why the mare wasn't improving(she had NO rear molars, and was just too far gone for saving, by the time Houston Humane was notified about her...but her 'savior' was content to just let her starve before her very eyes--and then stood up after court and stated that she'd 'rescue' again--that all any of them needed was 'food and love'(but apparently, not medical care or attention!)...or perhaps, the owner of the 40 some-odd American Bulldogs, STARVING in a FOUL puppy mill situation in a show earlier this week.........So---I personally think there is going to be a special place beyond the Rainbow Bridge for most of those who do that line of work. The shows are all quite interestingly different; they mostly reflect how supportive their community is, monetarily and otherwise....some have lots of nice equipment and supplies, while another is clearly operating on a 'wing and a prayer', and dedicated personnel, for the most part. I have found these shows a fascinating window on human nature--some of the best, and some of the WORST....but enlightening, and offering at least SOME hope for those who DO NOT HAVE A VOICE-- mistreated, misused, neglected---animals.Oh, and I have seen temperment testing done on most of the different shows. Some seem to stress it and carry it out more comprehensively than others, but I suspect that in most cases, it is understood how important that is...even Detroit, clearly the 'poorest' in monetary support(but with some of the MOST dedicated people, and some of our(my daughter and I) personal favorite folks)does it.
There was no mention of whether the miniature horse was 'placed', BTW--the last view of him on the show was when a group of youngsters(Girl Scouts, perhaps?)were visiting the shelter. He looked in MUCH better shape, was all clean and 'spiffed up', and enjoying brushing and other attention from the young girls....a very good situation in itself. It was explained that the visit was part of 'humane education'--and heaven knows, much of the world could benefit from that, don't you think?
Margo
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