Informative interview with some indicators that progress is being made through the hard work of people such as Tena Faust. But I often feel that over the last 20-40 years despite all the effort and money put into tackling the issue of unwanted cats and dogs who need help not enough progress is being made. Is the problem so large that it's insurmountable?
While my response may sound cynical, I am really rather hopeful, Kim, that we may be on the verge of exposing the cause of your frustration. Between the years 1990-2010, the US euthanasia rate plummeted 80% due to a single focus on spay/neuter initiatives. Suddenly, in the midst of this progress, the national animal welfare programs started deprioritizing spay/neuter programs in favor of adoption, transport, and foster programs. During the pandemic they actually issued public statements regarding this shift in focus. It's been during these past few years that all the progress of those two decades has been reversed. It is difficult to see any other motive than profit for this shift, but I'm open to hearing from them their motive. If we had continued on the 1990-2010 trajectory, the problem would have been solved by now, which would have ended their "crisis narrative" so necessary for their fundraising.
Thanks, Ed. I appreciate your response. It reminds me of a point I am increasingly mindful of: the business of charity. Charities, nonprofit organisations, or whatever these organisations are called, are the corporate vehicles in which social justice advocates and campaigners work. All too often the ends (mission) are overridden by the means. The business of charity is no longer the mission but the feeding and nurturing of the vehicle becomes the motivation.
I really believe if we could put places like petland who gets their animals from puppy mills and unfortunately lots of (and I'm not stereotyping it's just something I recently learned) Amish run puppy mills now as well...out of business, ppl would have to adopt more than buy from a human who is going to just utilize that money to abuse more animals. Every single person I know that got a dog from petland (at the time uneducated) had the most sickly dogs. It always does not come out right away either. They trap u. Petland sticks you in that meet and greet room with that dog and u fall in love instantly. Do not even walk into a pet store ppl. If you want a purebred there are tons of homeless ones. Tons. Ppl don't even think that route when looking for a purebred. Heck my mom even adopted a beautiful white pigeon. Everyone is homeless now (animals). Unfortunately, unlike the humans who are homeless...and believe me, I'm not saying every single human person who is facing homelessness was in this situation (lots were unfortunately) these dogs didn't do drugs, or drink to much, lose their jobs bc of it, then get disowned from their families. These animals did nothing to end up this way. So give them a loving home. The more we adopt the less money gets put in puppymills pockets!
Thank you, Autumn, for sharing your thoughts and passion for animal welfare. It's clear that you care deeply about the well-being of animals and the importance of adopting rather than supporting businesses like Petland, which often source their animals from puppy mills. Educating others about the realities behind pet stores and the availability of purebred animals in shelters can make a significant difference. Every adoption helps reduce the demand for puppy mill dogs and gives a deserving animal a chance at a loving home. Your advocacy is vital in encouraging more people to consider adoption and support humane practices. Keep spreading the word—together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of countless animals!
Another incredibly motivating leader in animal welfare! Tireless, innovative, committed….thank you for introducing us to these inspiring change agents, Ed.
Informative interview with some indicators that progress is being made through the hard work of people such as Tena Faust. But I often feel that over the last 20-40 years despite all the effort and money put into tackling the issue of unwanted cats and dogs who need help not enough progress is being made. Is the problem so large that it's insurmountable?
While my response may sound cynical, I am really rather hopeful, Kim, that we may be on the verge of exposing the cause of your frustration. Between the years 1990-2010, the US euthanasia rate plummeted 80% due to a single focus on spay/neuter initiatives. Suddenly, in the midst of this progress, the national animal welfare programs started deprioritizing spay/neuter programs in favor of adoption, transport, and foster programs. During the pandemic they actually issued public statements regarding this shift in focus. It's been during these past few years that all the progress of those two decades has been reversed. It is difficult to see any other motive than profit for this shift, but I'm open to hearing from them their motive. If we had continued on the 1990-2010 trajectory, the problem would have been solved by now, which would have ended their "crisis narrative" so necessary for their fundraising.
Thanks, Ed. I appreciate your response. It reminds me of a point I am increasingly mindful of: the business of charity. Charities, nonprofit organisations, or whatever these organisations are called, are the corporate vehicles in which social justice advocates and campaigners work. All too often the ends (mission) are overridden by the means. The business of charity is no longer the mission but the feeding and nurturing of the vehicle becomes the motivation.
"Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket, a cult, a corporation." - Eric Hoffer
Great quote!
Your commitment to a difficult challenge, Tena, is greatly appreciated!
I really believe if we could put places like petland who gets their animals from puppy mills and unfortunately lots of (and I'm not stereotyping it's just something I recently learned) Amish run puppy mills now as well...out of business, ppl would have to adopt more than buy from a human who is going to just utilize that money to abuse more animals. Every single person I know that got a dog from petland (at the time uneducated) had the most sickly dogs. It always does not come out right away either. They trap u. Petland sticks you in that meet and greet room with that dog and u fall in love instantly. Do not even walk into a pet store ppl. If you want a purebred there are tons of homeless ones. Tons. Ppl don't even think that route when looking for a purebred. Heck my mom even adopted a beautiful white pigeon. Everyone is homeless now (animals). Unfortunately, unlike the humans who are homeless...and believe me, I'm not saying every single human person who is facing homelessness was in this situation (lots were unfortunately) these dogs didn't do drugs, or drink to much, lose their jobs bc of it, then get disowned from their families. These animals did nothing to end up this way. So give them a loving home. The more we adopt the less money gets put in puppymills pockets!
Thank you, Autumn, for sharing your thoughts and passion for animal welfare. It's clear that you care deeply about the well-being of animals and the importance of adopting rather than supporting businesses like Petland, which often source their animals from puppy mills. Educating others about the realities behind pet stores and the availability of purebred animals in shelters can make a significant difference. Every adoption helps reduce the demand for puppy mill dogs and gives a deserving animal a chance at a loving home. Your advocacy is vital in encouraging more people to consider adoption and support humane practices. Keep spreading the word—together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of countless animals!
Another incredibly motivating leader in animal welfare! Tireless, innovative, committed….thank you for introducing us to these inspiring change agents, Ed.