Holiday Forgetfulness (From Janet)

What do you think of when you hear the word “Labor”? For today, for you, that might mean “fun three-day weekend” or “peacefully sleeping in” or “relaxing with family and friends”.

Now take that word, and apply it to what you might know, or think you know, about animals in need.

It takes on a whole other meaning – and NONE of it is fun, peaceful, relaxing or good.

Many times on holidays (and other “special” events), there are those humans out there that put aside advocating and keeping eyes open so THEY can have fun, get some peace and relax with family and friends.

Animals in need don’t get a break, ever.

“Holiday forgetfulness” strikes too many people when it comes to animals.

Despite the many warnings and articles highlighted in social media when it comes to animal safety  and the “do’s & don’ts” of holiday and special events – there are still those who might feel they and their pets are above all that, and continue to do dumb things that put animals at risk.

Or there are those that simply turn their backs over long holiday weekends with the thinking that “I will get back to it tomorrow.”

Many animals in need don’t have a tomorrow.  And the tomorrow they do have, is the same miserable day they are having today, right now.

There are many kinds of stupid when it comes to animal care. But the easiest stupid to find and fix are these:

• The animal owner who thoughtlessly brings their pets to holiday events where it’s too hot or too cold, and doesn’t come equipped for their pets’ care and consideration.
• The animal owner who keeps their pet chained 24/7 and doesn’t think twice about that.

With so many animals WITHOUT owners, how blessed are those that have a family.  But it’s up to that family to take care of them, and plan for them.

If YOU’RE hot, they’re hot.

If YOU’RE tired of walking in the heat, they’re tired of walking in the heat.

If YOU’RE getting bitten by bugs, they are getting bitten by bugs.

If YOU’RE thirsty, they’re thirsty.

If the pavement is too hot for your YOUR bare feet, the pavement is too hot for their paws.

AND SO ON.

Common sense goes a long way, if you are not in the throws of Holiday Forgetfulness.

If you see someone where stupid has found them and stuck to them this Labor day holiday, please speak up.   An animal’s life may depend on that.