Amid Affluence, Why Must We Euthanize?
Dear Nanny Fran,
What do you think of the recent controversy regarding the Humane Society of North Pinellas?
I have been following the various letters in local newspapers for weeks. While reading these letters I have been saddened greatly. These letters have done nothing but hurt the animals who need a safe refuge. In 12 years of pet sitting in Pinellas County I have been contacted numerous times to find a home for a “disposable” animal. (Animals in my world are a lifetime commitment.) The people have said that they didn’t want to take the animal to the society because they would be put down. Yes, this was years ago up to this very day. Now either these same people did not have the intestinal fortitude to make an appointment and formally turn their animal over to the society or they genuinely did not want to have the animal euthanized. Either way, the future of that animal was not assured to be one of love, comfort and safety.
|
|
photo for Tropical Breeze by Francene Mattucci
Nanny Fran’s Aunt Mary (a widow living alone) petting the stray kitty that someone dumped on her property. This kitty has become the center of her emotional existence since she has Alzheimer’s and no longer is able to drive her car, Nanny Fran said.
|
Since relocating here in 1975 I have seen the demographics of Pinellas County change greatly. In those early years the majority of the populace were retirees who were living on fixed incomes. They were enraged when property taxes were to be raised. They raised their collective voices and shouted: “We have raised our children. We are not building schools and roads anymore!”
In the past few years I find myself driving alongside Mercedes, Porsches, Beemers, Hummers, limousines of all makes and models. I am finding organic grocers, new age book stores, plastic surgery day spas on every other corner, Montessori Schools, Palm Harbor University High School as well as new shopping centers with stores that were only in Miami and New York back in 1975. This area has had great change and a HUGE influx of wealth. Families are spending nearly $1,000 for one popular toy alone this Christmas. We are tossing televisions and computer monitors out on the street corners because we all want the new LCD televisions and monitors. We are throwing away perfectly working electronics because we want the newest and the best. AND we DO have the DOLLARS needed to purchase these newest toys.
I am embarrassed to admit that in the midst of all this affluence we do not have a no kill shelter for the animals. They do exist in many other states. why not here? We definitely seem to be able to afford anything else on this planet.
I am definitely embarrassed and saddened to be living in such a backwards county. We seem to be able to afford anything and everything powered by solar power or electricity but we are unable to afford a facility for those powered by love. Their love is unfailing and fills the universe. They love, heal, protect and guide us wayward two-legged creatures. (I feel that the term “human” is a misnomer. I do not feel comfortable using it as it much too close to the word “humane.”)
We are the lost creatures… we have lost our hearts.
© 2006 Francene Mattucci. All Rights Reserved.
Francene Mattucci founded Never Say Good Bye Pet Sitting Service in 1994. Call 727-512-3206, visit www.TampaBayPetCare.com or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
with questions for this column.
|
Front Page 
Columns 
