Getting Old

Today I heard it again, a very common conversation-- or should I say common comment--, that the strays should be put down ... euthanized. I have been working with strays in different countries for 10 years I simply cannot agree.
Life is not always black or white, indeed, most of the time it is very gray. Some strays, perhaps if they are terribly sick or hurt. But many strays are happy!
Most of the dogs here are getting fed by kind Italians or International people. It is the medicine that costs a lot and many cannot afford paying for the animals treatment.
Heck, many cannot afford to pay their own hospital or dentist visits.

When we at AWL are out on mission, many strays are looking healthy, those who don't we either treat or bring in to a clinic. But yes, it isn't a pleasure watching scared animals running in the traffic, or being hit and no one stops.
Today on my way home from the Vet. Clinic, I counted four dead dogs on the highway. But killing all strays, just because it is an uncomfortable view?
That is extreme.
Life is not like when you are on vacation, in a place sanitized of strays, homeless people, starvation or children forced into prostitution. We can't, and shouldn't want to, go through life with rose-colored glasses, or we will miss the things that need true attention.

But anyway, I remember one case in Sweden about a sect that didn't believe in killing or eating animals. They had a couple of cows they took care of, and one day the sect was charged with animal neglect! People thought it was horrible to see this skinny, emaciated cow laying down most of the time. Big headlines in the newspapers: "Euthanize the animals and put the sect people in jail", shouted the papers and the people.
The head office veterinarian was called in.
This Veterinarian had spent many years working and living in India, where the Hindu religion forbids the killing of animals such as cows.
He examined the cows, went out to the herd of journalists, and the group of protesting "animal rights" group. The old veterinarian's back was straight, he coughed a little, looked at the people and said; "There is nothing wrong with the cow, YOU have just never seen a cow getting old!"

So next time ask yourself, "Is it a fact or assumption?"

It is just an Amore thought!