My first stop on the trek back to where I want to call home was Albany, Oregon. My niece and great-nieces live there. It had been almost a year since my last visit and there were lots of changes in their lives as well. Albany is a small town an hour south of Portland. Like many other cities and towns, it is showing the signs of economic distress.
After spending the night in a motel in town, my niece allowed us to tag along with her and her girls to a favorite yearly city function. It’s a street fair raising money and awareness for animal rescue and shelters. My niece’s home has its’ own rescued dog. She is a sweet Pit Bull mix that loves everyone. Too bad they have such a bad reputation because most of the Pit mixes I’ve met are absolutely endearing.
Sweet, sweet Amy
What I loved was that a good portion of the town was in attendance to help. It demonstrated real community in action. This brought tears to my eyes, and was part of the reason I felt Oregon had to be home for me. That day had me missing my little dog more than usual, though I’m happy she didn’t have to endure the moving around I’ve done this last year since her passing. Dogs love unconditionally. We need to step up and Albany was doing just that.
Dogs and neighbors getting to know each other
I noticed also was how well all the dogs got along. Big, little, fluffy and sleek; they all said hello to each other with a friendly sniff. Why can’t we be that nice to each other? Not one growl in the bunch. It would be really nice not to need an animal shelter. Maybe one day that will be the case. Right now, this little town has stepped up to do what it can to bring the community together and take care of their furry friends. Animals can’t help themselves. It’s up to us to be responsible. Don’t even get me started on neglect or abuse of animals. I have Animal Control on speed dial in each city I live in or visit.
getting aquainted
Each morning while I have my first cup of coffee and read my e-mail, I click on the Animal Rescue site to donate food for the animals. It’s free and something anyone can do with only a computer click. I like to spread the word. Most of us are kind and caring of our pets. When you see the love expressed in the eyes of any animal, how can it be any different. Yet, the neglect and abuse remains prevalent, especially in light of so many no longer being financially able to care for their pet. Is your town stepping up to the plate and how?
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
~ Mohandas Gandhi
From my heart to yours,
Marlene
insearchofitall 
Comments on: "In Search of Kindness to Animals" (3)
I loved this article on animals. And now thtat you are 64 yr, old you are still young at heart and the biggest heart in the world. I know this because I’ve known you the longest.
Your sister
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This was such a needed post for me, thank you. We have been having a string of abuse towards horses right now in our area, not by the owners, but by strangers I would guess out for kicks. It tears me up to hear what is happening around me, I’m glad to see some communities working to prevent this.
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It’s great to see your community makes animal welfare a priority. We had dogs for years when we lived in the country, it’s a easy way to meet your neighbours. I know not all pit mixes are nasty, sadly they often are the breed chosen by lot of incapable owners. The kind of people who want to seem intimidating. Owning this breed in my city is more expensive than any other dog. Their licensing is restricted. In my opinion, all because of their owners shortcomings.
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