The United States of America certainly seems to adore their pets. The pet industry is alive and blooming. In 2009, we spent 45.4 billion dollars on food, supplies, veterinary care, live animal purchases, and grooming/boarding. That's BILLIONS folks. Wow!
The general population states that companionship, love and affection are the reason behind owning 75 Million DOGS, 90 Million CATS, 139 Million Freshwater FISH, 48 Million Small ANIMALS, and 11 Million REPTILES.
Wow again! Looking at those statistics, some may say that it shows that America takes good care of their critters. Some may say that we need to get our priorities in line- after all, there is abject poverty in this country. And, others may ask, "What about ALL the abandoned and abused animals?" Commenting on these causes could easily fill the pages of a book.
I suppose that I must simply say that some people do respect and nurture their animals and that some people do a poor, if not cruel job. And, yes, poverty is not justifiable nor without extreme merit. It is painful and abhorrent. Let's make sure that our BILLIONS of dollars are going to care for the many needs we have in the United States. Can't we approach both 'people' and 'animal' issues and give them the time and effort that it will take to see changes? After all, we say we are a compassionate, empathetic and resourceful society. Let's put our $$$$$$ where our mouths are.
"Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you."
~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr. ~
