| Animal lovers are everywhere you look | |||||||
| by BUDDY AMATO | |||||||
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There has been a lot said and written about animal abuse and cruelty lately. There has also been the Petco explosion in Eatontown in the news. This was tragic and the loss of animal life is something that touched many people very much. While abuse, neglect, cruelty and tragedy are not uncommon in the world, I believe they are really the exceptions when it comes to our pets. In most cases, people treat their pets as well, if not better, than they do themselves. For example, some people would not think twice about scarfing down a chili dog for lunch, smoking a few cigarettes and then washing everything down with a beer. By the same token, that same person would probably never let their dog or cat near tobacco, alcohol or human food (especially the kind that can kill someone by looking at it 20 feet away). The most disagreeable neighbor you might have, the most contentious person you know, may very well have a beloved pet that they go home to and care for wonderfully. A big part of taking care and responsibility over a pet begins with caring. The short answer for someone not liking animals and owning a pet is…don’t. Pets are living creatures that require most of the same things people do. While there is admittedly a great deal of tragedy and horror in the world, even for pets and other animals, the vast majority of pet owners are very responsible people who just love their four-legged friends. Being involved in the law enforcement division of the SPCA, I can go on and on about the cases of wrongdoing that I have witnessed with regard to animals. Yet, I have so many more stories about very responsible owners who are doing the right thing by their pets, giving them a warm, secure and enjoyable life that they deserve. Nothing good in life comes without some sacrifice or sense of duty, whether it is children or pets, home or family. The vast majority of pet owners are aware of this and are doing wonderful jobs. For those who are already providing a good and loving home for pets, I encourage people to look around and see if there is more room in their life for another dog or cat. Maybe there is and maybe there isn’t. The animal shelters are filled with a host of great dogs and cats that are looking for a new home. They come in all shapes and sizes; this is what is different about them. But what is the same about them is that they have an open heart and are looking for a new family. Some people say that animals are kids that just never grow up. Well, if that’s the case, I suppose no one is ever going to worry about the family dog or cat borrowing the keys to the car and getting a ticket. I wish everyone the best and look forward to writing to you next week. (Chief Victor "Buddy" Amato is the chief investigator for the Monmouth County SPCA, headquartered in Eatontown. For more information about this column, call (732) 671-9555.) Buddy Amato is a Hazlet business owner, who operates Amato's Karate and Weapons Academy. For more information, call (732) 671-9555.
Copyright Buddy Amato Amato's Goju-ryu Karate, Nunchaku, Bo-staff, Aikido, Sword, Kendo, Sais, Kick-boxing, Tai-Chi and more 589 Palmer Ave, Keansburg and is the author of Buddys Animal Kingdom, NJ 07734 (732) 671-9555 |
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