Free Kittens, Puppies For Sale

The signs became apparent as I made my left turn. "Free kittens... Puppies for sale". .. How odd to see family pets for sale under such differing circumstances?  It would seem that the randomness of life, sometimes, gives rise to unfair outcomes. Do we value only those things that have an assessed value? It would seem that anything free is usually, but not always, treated with less significance, less respect, less humanity, perhaps. And do we value only those things that others have decided have value?  Does “Free to a good home” mean the object of our affection will be a soft sell, an easy transaction? There is a saying that not putting a value on the important things in life tells the world that any value is acceptable.

So the ‘free kittens’ go to anyone. We hope and pray that the home is a caring one. The puppies are sold to those who are willing and able to pay for the dog of their dreams. Which precious creature has a better chance of surviving until its  first birthday, the free one or the pricey one?   Would the puppies go quicker if they were ‘free to a  good home’, too? ..  (Different species, different price tags ?)...  Our ‘free’ kitty-(She Struggled to Survive-5/ 2012)- cost $600 in medical bills in 2003 thanks to the individual who left her outside to die a very painful death. She had less than 25 minutes to live in the  -25°F weather (with a wind chill of -40°F).  Luck played a role in saving her life that day. ... (She is still with us today)...  Sadly, many such disposals end in slow painful deaths because a human has decreed the punishment for the  animal  babies that were born- without permission!

In the  2012 one hour American documentary entitled, One Nation  Under  Dogs, the plight of 2 million dogs is graphically depicted. Dogs are left behind when owners die or move. Another group, regardless of age or state of health, is simply left by the side of the road to fend for themselves. Then there are the puppies-oh so many puppies-left to die in so many ways. In one disturbing scene at an animal shelter, perfectly healthy adult dogs and puppies are put to death. The manner of their deaths was horrifying, especially, to those who had to execute the multiple sentences! Sadly, euthanasia is the only expedient way to deal with large numbers of unwanted pets.

Our first pet-41 years ago- was an abandoned, 3 month old female, found wandering in a park. After having a litter of nine in her first year, she was spayed. (My husband assisted with the 6 hour delivery!).We had not thought about her reproductive health, worrying more about her life and state of homelessness... (a friend's dog had been the 'dad').. Spaying was not on our radar back then. We had never owned a dog. Eventually, her pups were sold at a nominal price. Spaying is now a top priority for all our pets. We know better. We do better. Isn't that the lesson?

Finding a place to rent became a formidable undertaking when you owned two large dogs, unexpectedly. No one wanted the problems, understandably, that came with tenants with dogs. We became dog owners, in the spur of the moment, then ‘grandparents’-temporarily- to a litter of nine, - all of whom were placed in good homes. (We kept one, for 'mom's' sake and ours.)  Placing a  nominal dollar value on the remaining pups ensured they would have a caring, loving life.

Within a year of becoming a couple, we had moved to a new city, started a new career, became dog owners to one , then to another, her son, and were homeless briefly. At no time did the sickening thought of getting rid of our dogs enter into our decision making.  We were family! Because of them, we were forced to become homeowners of a simple little structure, -all in 9 days- in time for my first day of teaching.

Dogs have shaped our lives, helped raise our boys to become  caring  men who care about people and adore animals.  Their presence is a joy unmatched anywhere... Dogs have made our lives complete... Even our cat would agree!