Integrity - What does it mean to you?
I guess you can say I got a little inspired by the news article in the Laurel Co Sentinel Echo recently. A publisher for the paper actually witnessed someone dumping a dog on a road and driving away (which is not only mean but illegal). He did his part by reporting the person and their license plate number to authorities and then contacting animal rescuers to help catch the dog.
Why is this so inspiring? Because, the publisher isn't an animal rescuer, he is simply a decent human being that did the right thing. But it made me think....how many other people in our city, county, state, country would do the same? Would you be late to work? Would you risk your identity knowing that the abuser may find out who you are? Would you be willing to put yourself out there to 1 - uphold the law and 2- speak for the animal?
Contrary to popular belief, I am a quiet, conservative person. I do my best to mind my own business and often hold my tongue when disagreements arise. However, if there is one thing that God did give me...it's a voice for the animals. Don't believe me? Ask around! Ask the lady that got a long message about how dangerous it is to re-home animals on Craigslist, ask my family members that I have ranted to about breeding or not caring properly for their animals, ask ex family members that I was ready to report for animal neglect until they surrendered the animal so that I could get it vet care, ask my neighbors.... because in the real world it shouldn't matter who is doing the abusing...it shouldn't matter who is doing the neglecting. It is still YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to report it!
Am I suggesting that you run up onto someone's property and go ballistic? Well of course not! But I am suggesting that you open your eyes, take a good look around, and do the right thing no matter what...and believe it or not...that's hard for some people.
So I'll keep this blog short and sweet. PLEASE REPORT ANIMAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT! Here's a little information on how to help:
Who do you call??
#1 - Contact local authorities if you suspect animal abuse or neglect.
#2 - Having little response from authorities? That's okay..it happens. Contact them again,
then call your magistrate and show your support for county ordinances in Laurel Co.
#3 - Still no luck? Humane Society of the United States, local animal shelter, Local rescue groups can also point you in the right direction sometimes. Feel free to even contact WPEL and we will do all we can to help you find someone to help!
And perhaps one of the most important things we can remember.......
I will leave you with perhaps one of my very favorite quotes. Whether you are in animal rescue, you're a rescuers, a transporter, a foster, a volunteer, a networker, or even an educator...regardless of how big or small your role is....you are still making a difference! Don't let others deter you...don't let others drag you down because they are unwilling to admit to their mistakes or are afraid to speak up for what is right.
Don't get sucked in by the drama, by the politics, by the false accusations, by social media. Do what is RIGHT for THE DOGS..everyday ...all of the time...that's all that really matters.
Besides....
woofpacked@gmail.com
or visit us on Facebook!
Whiskers & barks,
WPEL
