The Town and another Dog Day Afternoon

Two great movies. Two great movies about wanting money. I am not suggesting bank robberies take place, though I am suggesting that the idea and request for money from "The Town" has brought forth another "Dog Day Afternoon" for the supporters, volunteers, ACO and the staff of Waterford-East Lyme Animal Control.

I also understand that seeing is believing and perhaps an overnight stay at WELAC should be offered. Though the senses taken in would not nearly be the same as, in my opinion, canines and humans are worlds apart.

The problem I believe the ACO is trying to make clear is that the conditions of the building are just not right nor fair to the animals. I like to keep things simple and factual. Simple.

The WELAC shelter sucks. Fact.

We are asking our ACO to provide a safe environment to our animals when they accidently gain release from our homes. Canines are pack animals, most breeds come predispositioned with separation anxiety, and fear and insecurities are at an all-time high once placed into the shelter, any shelter.

But one that is approximately 400sq feet, no room to release the anixety and is dank, most likely sends your pup into a tail spin of emotions and sadness. There are animals that unfortunately have to spend days and weeks in this shelter.

It's not unruly or unsanitary, it is small, cramped. Equipment is antiquated, observation of space is limited. Without quick resolve the housing days allotted will decrease and euthanasia will increase. When an economy goes down, donations go down.

Volunteers play a crucial role in assisting with shelter operations. Proper mindset of the people should easily resonate with a quick view and walk through of this shelter.

I realize that some people put the canine below the human yet the amenties provided to our state prisoners are far greater than that offered to our canines who have no rights and are not committing premedidated crimes. Some think animals are just not as smart and therefore no deserving compassionate rights should be placed on the idea of a more up to date facility, yet, as far as smart, I do not know of any human who can sniff out a bomb, hear something a mile or 2 away, can catch a Frisbee in their mouth, or one that is so willing to remain loyal and provide unconditional love for the same big bag of food, and a bowl of water each day.

I believe there are enough animal lovers in this area to support this proposal for funding or just the proposed idea to up date the building as a decent and humane project to commit to. Cumatively the towns provided the services offered by our ACO should come together and clearly they will know because seeing is believing, (which brings me to another great movie titled), that "Something's Gotta Give."

Between stimulus and response is our greatest power – the freedom to choose (Steven Covey) and I would like to see people in this community choose to support this great need.  Which you can also do by attending Pup-Stravaganza on Saturday, August 13th at the Waterford Dog Park 10-4, or contact WELAC at Yahoo.com for more info.