I realize that we as a country are facing many economic challenges. I know that many people are making extreme sacrifices in order to keep food on the table.
One of those sacrifices is giving up their family pets, which leads me to the reason for this letter. Please, if you are faced with giving up your pets, please do not just abandon them on the side of the road. Please be a responsible pet owner and make arrangements so your pet will be properly taken care of.
I recently became “foster mom” to an adult male Pekinese canine that was abandoned on Highway 64 west of Sallisaw. This little guy was hot, tired, and in great danger of being hit by a car.
I hear people say, “Oh it just a dog, no big deal.” Well it is a big deal. Animals, especially dogs, become attached to their owners. Dogs will mourn the loss of their owners. How can someone be so cruel, so heartless? These animals cannot fend for themselves. Where do they find food, water, and shelter? Many that are left die horrible tragic deaths of starvation, dehydration or after being hit by vehicles.
If you have to give up your pets due to financial or any other hardship, please take them to a shelter or find another home for them. Please do not leave them sad and alone on the side of the road. This dog that I have named “Ralph” was lucky. I gave him food, water and shelter. But just a few feet on down the highway were the remains of a dog that was not so lucky.
Please think long and hard before bringing a pet into your home. If you are not 100 percent certain that the animal will be with you forever then do not become a pet owner. I am a responsible pet owner. My pets are all spayed or neutered and will be with me until the end of their natural lives. However, I cannot give “Ralph” that luxury. If you know someone that can give “Ralph” the home he deserves please let me know. Please call me at (918) 776-7139.
CARYL WOODS-CHEATWOOD, SALLISAW
