Animals for Therapy

[kangarunner]

When I was young in Memphis, we always had dogs and I loved my dogs. We would rescue ones at the shelter that the idiot humans in Memphis would not care for either because they're worthless humans or due to overbreeding. I remember going with my mom into one and the moment we walked in there was a huge obnoxious smell of shit odor and the dogs were all barking loudly. Some of the dogs can be traumatized from being in the cages for so long. They're so happy that someone would bring them into a home where they can live quietly. If I were in charge, I would make it a felony with minimum prison sentence of 20 years to abuse a dog or abandon a dog. I think animals should be seen as sacred.

If there's one thing I like about women in America, it's that a lot of them love animals and are those animal rights activists. So I can at least side with them on that.

I've always loved animals and whenever I get the chance here in Asia to pet a cat or a dog, I feel myself instantly start feeling more calm, tranquil, and mellow. I think there's been studies that show that petting a dog can lower your heart rate and has health benefits. I'm sure that older men can benefit from having a dog as a companion animal.

My interactions with nasty people in the US has definitely left with me a wretched and angry heart. But I still have a soft spot for helping animals that are in need and if there's anything good about me, it's that I would help dogs or cats who need a home.

I think I'm going to rescue a dog, any dog, young or old and keep them with me here in Vietnam.

[gsjackson]

That's one of the objections I had to Pattaya, Thailand. Lots of uncared for, underfed stray dogs all over and nobody seemed to give a shit. Someone told me that local religious beliefs had it that they were reincarnated as miserable wretches because of bad karma, and were getting what they deserve. Bullshit.

Albania was about as bad. Stray dogs all over the beach in Durres. I came across one lying on the beach near a restaurant that was nothing but skin and bones. I bought some deli meat, but the dog was too far gone to eat. Just ignored it. A few hours later he was gone, though I can't imagine of his own locomotion.

I'd like to say that the US is better about this, but the problem is just less visible here. They just get rounded up off the streets right away and herded into shelters, in many cases facing euthanization in just a few days. They're probably better off as street dogs in these other countries, if they find someone to feed them regularly. But apparently not in Buddhist countries. Hope Vietnam is better about that than Thailand.

[Ginerbell]

I totally agree with your views on animal welfare. It’s heartbreaking to see pets abandoned or mistreated. The idea of a Revolution for Cats Without Vet Prescription is powerful—pets deserve better care, and it’s great you're considering rescuing a dog in Vietnam!