Andrea Rosebrock 
I am honestly beyond sick to death of neglectful, abusive, irresponsible, heartless, cruel and just plain stupid people when it comes to the welfare of our pets and animals. Oh, I’m sick of it in all areas of life but since this is what I deal with daily, this is my focus.
Every day stories of man’s brutality to dogs, cats and any animal you can think of. And we’re supposed to be the intelligent species?! Yet people breed cruelty, pain and heartlessness and then they breed children and instill those same traits in them. And the legal system, the oh so mighty legal system that is supposed to protect and punish, does little to nothing to stem the cruelty and abuse.
Our companion animals, our pets, are some of the most innocent and defenseless of victims. People bring these creatures into their lives then so many of them exclude them from their families. They stick them in a yard, solitary confinement. They chain them, tie them, cage them… these furry social family members. They starve them, beat them, kill them, brutally, cruelly, heartlessly in more ways than I even care to mention.
And the youth of today, so inured to pain and suffering that to brutalize an animal is nothing to them but fun and games, a new way of getting a thrill. Stories of children, often little more than babies, four and five years old bludgeoning a puppy. Gangs mutilating and burning dogs for amusement. Pissed off spouses and partners taking out their anger, rage and impotence on innocent family pets. Sick, twisted neighbors killing their neighbor’s dogs for no reason.
There’s no end to the horror stories I could tell. I could name names and show you the pictures of the abused victims and the grieving people they leave behind to try to fix the broken bodies and spirits or bury the bodies that use to love and give joy and comfort. But you know them, you’ve seen them too. And like me, you’ve shed tears and tried to control your anger.
Do we really want these kind of people procreating? Breeding more cruelty and misery into a world filled to overflowing with it?
Yet our legal system imposes so little punishment most of the time, fines, probation, community service and on rare occasions a short, but seldom ever adequate, jail sentence.
Oh, I know human rights and legal rights would never allow such a thing, to take away a person’s right to breed more evil little monsters into this world but doesn’t it make you think?
I would like to see people convicted of a brutal crime against animals &/or children stoned to death. Bring back stoning!!!
I couldnt have said it better myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A wonderful and thought-provoking post. I could not agree more!
I agree with You 1000% Deanna!!
((((HUGS))))
I’m all for getting a bill started to make spay and neuter mandatory. Does anyone know how to go about doing it?
I agree! and think that spaying and neutering abusive people should start today!!! Of course that will never happen…:-(
Could not have said it better myself!!!!!! Thank You!!!!
You have hit the nail on the head Deanna !!! If only……
Boy do i agree!!!!!
Neutering people is a bit overboard, wishful thinking yes but realistically, never going to happen. If we can’t stop the over population of pets we certainly can’t stop humans from procreating. There are definitely cases where a human should be neutered but who are we to decide. It is not our right. We need to focus on something more serious and realistic, like the end of puppy mills, breeders, dog fighting rings, etc… It’s to late for humankind to change and most people given the opportunity, wouldn’t change anyways. It’s called evil and there is a lot of evil in this world. My concern is and always will be the welfare of all animals. these poor creatures are tortured, beaten, skinned, beheaded, set on fire and what ever horrible act you can imagine has been happening for centuries to these wonderful living creatures. I only wish people would truly put more effort and time into preventing these acts then reading or commenting on issues that realistically will never happen, such as neutering people.
Tammy, this was mostly written as a rant and to be taken a bit tongue in cheek, if you will. Obviously I am not actually advocating it but just the idea of some of these wastes of human life procreating is scary… Of course no one is actually going to do this… but we can dream…
Pretty much all of us here are animal advocate to one degree or another and we work every day to do what we can to raise awareness, educate and be proactive regarding their welfare.
D.
They do it in China. One Child edict of 1978. Thankfully, the practice has decreased since then but it still exists *on the books*.
We should neuter all Gangstas and other animal abusers , without anesthesia
I’m soooo “in” on this one.
But cheer up all–at the rate mankind is multiplying and the greedy, glutonous pace at which we continue to rape, pillage, plunder and exploit the earth, mankind has, at best, about 50 years on Planet Earth and frankly, I think it won’t be that long before millons of human skeletons are scattered hither and yon on a dried up, barren wasteland of a planet (with their trusty cellphones and Blackberries by their ears.
I chose not to have kids and I’m so glad I did!
Like Susan I/we choose not to have children also. I have been on a soapbox since the 1st Earth Day celebration and I also think this big blue marble we all live on is not going to continue to exist for very many more years. The human race will consume and destroy everything that is natural. I think that evil should be dealt with in the same manner that it deals out. I have always been willing to do this myself or pay to have it done.
I agree 10000% with your rant Deanna. It goes thru my mind every time I see an email, fb post, or website with an abused or unwanted dog (and cats too) And every time I see that picture of that dog you have at the beginning my heart breaks and I cry, because it reminds me of the thousands if not millions of dogs suffering every second of the day.
While neutering people probably will never happen, it is a nice dream.
Totally agree.
Feel the same way some days, it’s hard to have any faith in humankind when you see so much cruelty. I know that it’s not worse than it’s ever been though, it’s easier to find out about now, and as more people find it morally bankrupt to hurt animals there is more attention paid. I hope someday that translates to real punishment and prevention, and there are some programs to help prevent animal abuse and promote empathy among young people. I know that’s not enough but it is some progress. Cruelty to animals has usually been the ‘default’ setting, it’s not something that is ever going to be easy to change. We’ll just have keep rolling that stone uphill I guess. Give the dogs a big hug and take a deep breath, that’s what I do in dark moments.
Standing ovation here Deanna. Excellent!
Tammy…..come on now. You know, that we all know, this will never happen, but like D say’s, it’s a good way to vent! Wishful thinking. As I have always said and wanted a bumper sticker made of this…..”STUPID PEOPLE SHOULDN’T BREED” I can’t even begin to say how many years, I have been using that line. Like Barbara and Susan…..I too, chose not to bring MORE children into this horribly disfunctional world. I feared for their future. Yes, some day, this earth will fall out of the universe from all the evil it carry’s on it’s shoulders. Three cheers to China! I have always admired them for that decision.
I fail to see the point in this. Neutering people will not prevent pet abuse! Where is the logic in it? Pet abuse is not a genetic trait! Child abuse perhaps will be curbed because they can’t have children, but they can still go and get pets to abuse!
I think it is rather distasteful and unthinkable unless one is a Nazi or supremacist to even suggest such an idea! Do not forget they too tried to get rid of “undesirable traits” they thought were genetic by death camps and sterilization. I would never have thought you to align yourself with such ideology. I am appalled by this story. Frankly, I am surprised you even would suggest such a thing and everyone jumping on the bandwagon agreeing is sickening–it’s Nazi death camps thinking people! I thought you were better than this. I thought you were above them. I am deeply saddened by the abuse that goes on, but I am also saddened by your solution! I can not in good conscience sit in your camp when it comes to this.
DMH, did you not see my reply to a previous commenter;
As much as anyone else, I am entitled to a rant once in a while. Sorry if it offends you but these people offend me and I shudder to think that they will breed and bring up their offspring with the same lack or morals that they have….
D.
I would rather just severely beat them
Lighten up, DMH. There are no Nazi’s here. If you’re appalled by this post then you haven’t really been reading anything on this site very closely, have you. I would love to rid the world of these miscreants and their gene pool. Because if animal cruelty is not stopped, these people will work their way up to people. Just like the Nazis. And when they do, we’re all targets. That includes you.
And if that makes me a *Nazi Death Camp Thinking Person*, so be it.
Actually if their was a death camp for animal abusers , I would love to run it
I’ve been saying this for a long time. I would really like a bumper sticker modeled after one that I saw a few years back, the one that said “Neuter/spay, don’t let ‘em stray”. Only instead of including a picture of a dog and cat, my version would show a depiction of a very dumb-looking human. And in case we can’t get the neuter/spay option, I would love to see people like that flogged in the town square. Too many of these idiots think nothing of paying a fine or even doing time in jail, but I bet they wouldn’t be so brave if faced with the prospect of getting their butt whacked in front of God and everybody!
Recently I’ve been working with a rescued Australian Cattle Dog who was subjected to severe emotional neglect. The people who had her were keeping her as a “favor to a friend”. Some favor. They left the poor thing out in the backyard all by herself, no socialization, no interaction with humans or other animals. The only thing she had in abundance was food, judging by her way-too-large waistline. When that dog came to us she was afraid of everything, and would pee all over herself when someone would try to pet her. We’ve had her for a month now and she’s getting better, but I really doubt she’ll ever have the personality she would have had if she’d been treated right from the beginning. We’re going to have to make a super special effort to find her the right forever home.
People amaze me with their inability to “get it” when someone is writing something that is just a “get it off my chest” kinda thing. They want to go and make it literal and then fly off the handle. D, you do the most incredible work to enlighten the public about the atrocities committed against our doggy friends. I admire you immensely. There are haters and idiots at every turn who just want to take a few words out of context and then hang you out to dry. I TOTALLY agree with the emotions behind this rant. Any of us who frequent this site know the heartache that comes from the daily tally of the animal holocaust being created by heartless humans against innocent animal victims. There are days when I wish they’d all be wiped off the face of the earth, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to act on it or that it will every come to pass.
Keep up the noble and heartfelt work that you do. The world needs more people like you, and is a better place because you are in it.
Thank you Bonnie! And there are plenty of people who work their butts off in one way or another every day, just look around FTLTD and in the mirror. It’s all of you that are my inspiration to keep going day after day even with the hurt and pain in my heart and soul from the pain and suffering so many of these babies face. You all show me that “we” do make a difference and “we” will keep on fighting to make a bigger difference too!
D.
Here Here Bonnie! That was very well said.
I too, agree that there are people who just don’t get it. To me, I will not waste my breath on these people, but my hands do occasionally go into “madman mode” when someone really ticks me off.
I believe everyone else who is a regular has previously said what my thoughts are on this!
D., I have never had any doubts, nor have I not understood the messages you have conveyed to the public on your site. I know a lot of hard work and effort goes into each and every story you do, and I think you are doing a magnificent job at what you do.
I agree with you Bonnie. Wholeheartadly! Fine words, my friend.
Susie….I know you are very busy trying desperately to save those labbie sweeties, so I will say it for you…….
DMH…..how can you even BEGIN to say the things you did about Deanna? Jeezzzz….if you have been on this site for any amount of time, you would know better. What’s wrong with you? Have you NEVER in your life just vented? I’m sorry if you have not, because that tells me you hold in a lot, and that makes for a loose canon. You said things that completely shocked me! D’s work on here to save our furbaby’s go above and beyond the call of duty and you have the nerve to say something like that, the ONE freakin’ time she decides to vent? I happen to know for a fact, she would like to vent more and holds back. Probably, because of the face slap you just gave her. Step back DMH…..you are extremly wrong here.
D…..vent girl…vent. We are behind you every day! You are a tremendous savior to our voiceless furbaby’s. You work is their lifeline. Your angel wings are huge and a most beautiful color of pearl white. I, personally, have no idea how you hold back so much, with all these horrid tragedies you write about ever day. Your an amazing lifesaver. You bring the world the truth, through painful and heart wrenching story’s. How many times I hear people on her saying, “I couldn’t look at that picture….it was too painful”, and yet, YOU do. Every damn day! Personally, I have no idea how you can do this. A most painful job. Bag DMH! She/he has no idea what the hell you are going through with this site AND even more, the nightmares you have over the travesties bestoyed upon our little furbaby’s. If there was an Oscar for the efforts given to saving the canines of the world, you would get it. You reach so many, and open so many eyes that are closed to the cruelity. You reach millions, girl…..millions! I see notes from people all over the world! You ARE making a difference. A HUGE difference!!! Never stop. PHEW…that was a mouthful! We love ya girl….
Oh dang Jess, you got me blushing here. Trust me, I’m not all that good.. I have my bad side just like everyone else but like so many here, I have a passion and do what I can. We all do. This is a cooperative effort. If not for everyone that comes here day after day and reads and shares and most importantly, acts, it would be nothing. You are all angels by right, by virtue and by action!
D.
Thanks Jess, you said it for me. I appreciate it.
D., stop it – don’t slight yourself. You bring the awareness out in the forefront – which is something that needs to be done, and you are doing a hell of a job doing it. And with posters like your regulars here, well, we just knock em dead when their “don’t get it” attitudes come forward.
That’s the truth Susie! We can and WILL be D’s army when needed. Woe unto those who try to tread heavily here.
And D, I agree with Susie. Don’t slight yourself – EVER. The work you do is so incredibly admirable. I know we all do our share in our own ways, but you’re out there on the front lines every day, showing the world the atrocities being committed and the impotence of our justice system to punish the perpetrators for these horrible crimes.
Without you and your FTLTD site, many people would never know about these horrors, so nothing would get done to try and fight them or make changes. At the same time, we support YOU because of your hard work, dedication and leading by example.
So for anyone who wants to throw verbal rocks at you or your work, they had better brace themselves for the tsunami of whoop*ss that will be unleashed on them.
Deanna, you go girl. I totally get your ‘rant.’ People throwing around the word “Nazi” haven’t read their history.
I work in animal welfare. I see wonderful people doing wonderful things. I see horrible people doing horrible things. I’ve bandaged wounds from fire, acid, knives, baseball bats, and just plain stupidity [the puppy with two broken front legs because the parents let the two year old put the puppy on the top of the stairs – and push.) I’ve also done street mission work, and seeing the ‘throw-away’ kids on the streets, hearing their horror stories – the 10 year old girl whose mom pimped her to pay for drugs, the 15 year old boy whose alkie parents thought it was fun to get their boy drunk and watch him stumble around and vomit from the time he was 18 months old – well, let’s just say it’s hard to remember how wonderful people can be.
With all I’ve seen, I’ve come up with two ideas:
1) Every child born will have a reversable spay/neuter surgery. When the kid is 18, they can have it reversed.
2) Every child born will have a GPS chip inserted. If some pervert snatches them, we can track them down. If they get lost in the wild, we can rescue them. If they are dealing drugs, we can catch them. When they turn 18, they can have it removed.
Personally, I would want the little darlings to have no criminal record, no anger management issues, pass all psychiatric evaluations, do 100 hours of community volunteer work, and graduate from high school before they were allowed to procreate.
That would not stop abusers and sociopaths from breeding, but it might make it more likely that a potential parent would have the skills to be a better parent.
LOL! Have to say some of these ideas appeal! Of course it is dreaming but we’re allowed to dream with what so many of us have seen and experienced.
And thanks for the support. I have been near speechless today with the wonderful support from so many of my friends here and I thank you all!!
D.
I don’t spay or neuter any of my animals. The animal being complete, including tail and/or ears, is complete and absolute responsibility.
People frown at me, generally people who recommend spaying/neutering, since they’re rather biased or can’t take care of an intact animal. I could come up with examples, but my list is very long.
One person who is an employee attempted to take care of an intact dog(male), well they ended up neutering the dog. While their own misunderstanding of behavior and hormones were at fault, they thought the dog would change behavior. The only behavior which changes are behaviors based on hormones. One of the unwanted behaviors went away, but many still stood.
I think to myself, at least she was responsible enough to enclose the dog instead of letting it “roam free”(SIGH).
Personally, cheaper neuter/spay programs will encourage those who are not as responsible to make sure they’re not adding to the pet population.
I don’t neuter or spay my animals, at least until 1) they’re symptomatic or 2) they reach a certain age. Hormones have much to do with how a dog grows, some breeds affected more than others.
No breed is alike, being said there are cons to not neutering/spaying certain breeds which are prone to cancer/illnesses. Certain foods, external stimuli, allergens, and/or genetic illnesses can happen in any breed.
Personally, I pick my animals based on health welfare. While I did not exactly use such a method on my latest edition, a saint bernard, I have used such a method in the past.
My two current dogs are a malamute and a saint bernard. I’ve had Faith for about 4 years now and she in intact. I’ve never had a problem with her, and when she goes in to heat I simply keep her in the crate. I must remind people I don’t live in an urban area, so doing so in a city would probably alert dogs in the area, creating unwanted behavior.
The only problem I’ve had in regards to a female being intact is a case of vaginitis, which goes away on it’s own after some days. Generally good to get a prescription of Clavamox.
I don’t agree with a spay or neuter bill, would never pass for starters. Driving up costs of dog registration also appears to just add to the problem. People think, “Well my dog is intact, I paid over $1000, I want to earn money back.” Driving up costs only adds to the issue, what we can all do is be aware to our surroundings and to people who might not understand.
Will I ever spay or neuter early(before full maturity)? No. I’m pretty sure I read this on the vet info network, but doing so actually causes problems to the dog’s bone growth in regards to the plates.
Also, I will not spay my females since the bladder is controlled by hormones. Some dogs will lose control of their bladder, I’d rather just not have such an issue.
Simple solution to a problem. Give high fines to people who negligently(not accidental) allow their intact dog to roam free spreading STDs and impregnating females.
You know, I had some afterthoughts.
To be honest, if animal shelters allowed responsible people to keep their animal intact, I wouldn’t have bought a pup from a breeder.
Instead of restricting restricting, it’s time to be properly regulating regulating.
Oh boy, here we go again Insane Kangaroo – I have to lock up the office now, but I will be back tonight to give you a piece of my mind. Apparently you DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE ARE SO MANY ANIMALS IN SHELTERS FOR RESCUE TO TAKE CARE OF.
Actually, I do understand. There are too many dumb asses who rather 1) breed dogs for money without caring for the breed 2) irresponsible people just allow their dogs to run rampant and 3) people buy from breeders without really looking at the breed when a simple shelter dog would work just fine for what they need and/or want.
Thinking of one of the other major problems, sadly…
People who buy a breed and just “give it up”.
i.e. People who buy malamutes who can’t stand the attitude of the dog. Don’t know what the problem with malamutes are… I’m more stubborn than my girl.
Insane Kangaroo, city dwellers and small towns are different. And that most vets will tell you that it is healthier to be s/n because of the risks of cancer. But I also want to remind you of how many animals are put down each year, and yes, it is because of irresponsible pet parents, but same as with humans, accidents do happen.
The breeders who are in it for the money, no they do not care about the breed, but I sure as hell would hate to see perfect specimens of each breed of dog die off. When anyone purchases a pure bred from a breeder, I do believe that the prospective buyers should read up on the breed, temperments, attitudes, etc., but also, the breeder should be responsible enough to sit down and talk to each prospective buyer to talk to them and discuss the breed in full.
But I have to disagree with you, I am for s/n of any shelter animal. I have seen and transported so many unwanted puppies because of carelessness, and read daily about euthanasia lists in my emails. It is so disheartening, and want it to stop. I totally agree with having any shelter dog s/n before it goes to its new home, unless it is way too young to do it, and if that is the case, the adoptive parents must put down a hefty security deposit to have that animal fixed when it is old enough. All the puppies I have recently adopted out, the new parents had to give me a separate check for security deposit on the s/n, and they must fax me the bills/documentation once the operation is completed. I then return their security deposit. Let’s not make the county and local shelters work harder to save more lives. I do it every day, and there are some days that I just cry myself to sleep.
Ms. Susie,
I think where we differ is you’re focusing on the past. I don’t focus on the past and make sure such incidents don’t happen in the future.
If there are animal shelters which take a deposit for not s/n’ing, I wouldn’t have bought a personal dog from a breeder. Hey though, in the past I’ve given people options. S/N isn’t about money with me, it’s about allowing a dog to develop on it’s own.
There are plenty of responsible people, just like there are many responsible gun owners(self defense/target/sports). Unfortunately all the bad apples make us all look bad.
You mentioned buyers should research, this never happens. When 101 Dalmatians came out, many purchased puppies ended up in the pound. When the Akita movie came out, same with with them. When the Beethoven movies came out, many saint bernards ended up in the pound.
Many people appear to buy dogs like they buy items from the mall, on the whim.
I realize how heart breaking watching dogs being put down in a kill shelter, but one must not stereotype all owners based on stupidity.
In regards to vets being for s/n, they generally are for normal(clueless) owners to s/n. Many vets do not mind if I keep my dogs intact, though I’ve found a couple who didn’t want to see me because I wouldn’t pay them nor give vaccinations(except rabies).
Oh well, there are plenty of vets which understand not wanting to s/n, no vaccines(except rabies), and the raw diet. Unfortunately dog owners which actually give a damn are somewhat seen as a fringe group even though our dogs look worlds better and can out perform. Generally the type of owners I talk about, are typically like Ed Frawley(PPD/Police trainer/Malinois breeder) among the others who breed for sport, PPD, etc.
I will agree the common owner, the sheep so to speak, is probably irresponsible to not have their dog s/n.
So please, don’t lump all owners in the same stupidity boat. Some of us genuinely care about animals, especially to not give dogs animal by-products which are in dog food along with all the nasty filler.
My dogs eat better than most Americans, and I’m damn proud of how healthy they according to standards. I might train directly, which many, people like you might disagree. Oh well I say, the methods work.
Maybe the problem is city dwellers, abusive rurals, and puppy mills making the rest look bad.
Maybe you’re not familiar with those which actually care. You may want to visit leerburg.com or the workingdogforum.
Btw. Ed Frawley, he won’t sell pups to even “normal” owners if they insist on s/n or shots, which I absolutely agree. If people are too stupid to not see symptomatic responses from bacteria, viruses, or other issues, they don’t have any business owning a dog.
IK, I do agree with you on some of your points, but if we do not look at the past and see what it has done, we will not know which way to turn for the future.
I know all about movies made with dogs. I have been there re homing all of these fur babies. Especially with Beethoven, the most stupid, outrageous comment I heard about why they are giving up the dog was “I did not think it would get that big” well, you saw the movie didn’t you? was my response to these idiots.
Everyone has their own way of raising their dog(s). My boys are healthy, happy dogs, and eat dog food yes, but they also have their diet enriched with fresh fruit and veggies, yogurt, and boiled chicken with its juices. I also do not have my boys neutered, but that is by choice, just like you, even tho we are taking a chance on prostrate issues and cancer with that choice.
But, as I volunteer in rescue, and see what goes on first hand, it is very depressing, and am glad that all of these animals are s/n before they go on to their furever homes. It is the only logical thing to do with shelter dogs, to decrease the unplanned, unwanted litters in this world.
There are many stupid people who own dogs, but, then there are many fabulous pet parents, who care for their animals better than most people would care for their children.
I think we are agreeing on a lot of issues here, but it depends on the locale in which we live. And that can make a hell of a lot of difference, because of the immediate situations.
*nod* I’m lucky to now live in an area where there is not a stray issue. However I can’t imagine any strays surviving a winter here TBH.
When I visited the shelter this summer to borrow a pet carrier, I’d say there were about 25~ cats and generally there are very few dogs.
Sherrie is a nice woman, she will allow people to borrow things long as they return them in the same condition in which they left.
I do know what you’re saying though. In the past I’ve lived in semi-urban areas which had severe stray issues.
My first dog I bought at 1, which lived until I was 18, was a throw-over-the-fence on her last day. The shelter kept her best they could outside and was actually about to put her down. She must have been the ugliest runt ever, yet I came to her rescue mere hour(s) before they were going to put her down…
This was not uncommon in the area which I lived. Some people would even throw dogs over non-shelter facilities like dog breeders with fenced areas, in which the breeder would find a home for the dog.
Just really gets me, people just toss a dog over an 8 foot fence… >:(
Just one more thing on the post…
How can someone be so stupid, did they buy a saint bernard at a pet shop(don’t get me started on those)?
How can someone seriously buy a saint bernard puppy without knowing how large they can grow?
ugh.
Answer – stupid, careless, “oh so cute” puppy, not thinking of the future when the puppy grows up. These are the type of people (not all, I must say that), that live in the areas I volunteer in.
Seems we have the same viewpoints on many things, but here again, it depends on where we live. You have witnessed “throw overs” yourself, and I see it all the time. It sickens me that people are that cold hearted about a living creature. I have said things to people I probably should not have, but I don’t care. I am looking out for the best interests of the animal.
I recently reported a woman who has 2 doxie pups, and a gr pyrn mix pup. I got word that her gas and electric were off. Now if a person cannot afford g & e, what the hell are they doing with 3 puppies? If people do not have the ways and means to support the animals properly, then don’t have them. This is what really gets me.
Maybe we will be friends after all IK!