We Must Never Lose Our Humanity

Humanity. Humane. Humans.

According to Dictionary.com, a definition of humanity is, "the quality of being humane; kindness; benevolence." Humanity is the state of being humane. Being humane is what makes us human. And humans are capable of great love...for each other and for all living creatures...including sled dogs.

The shocking recent news from a British Columbia CTV News Report about the horrific fate 100 hard-working, innocent, and healthy sled dogs faced last April when they were allegedly slaughtered and dumped into a mass grave, some still alive, has spread like wildfire across the globe, disgusting and horrifying the masses. Myself included. It is beyond reason to me how something like this could occur, especially in this day and age. Help is literally just a keystroke away. How many of us have seen, and in returned "shared" or "retweeted" or "linked" information in the hopes of helping others - most of whom we have never even met before other than through the means of social media - to find new hu-families for the scores of homeless pets in search of their forever homes. Each and every day rescues, animal advocates and animal lovers reach out across the globe sending photos and adoption information of pets in dire need, who are on "death row," have been abandoned, injured, handicapped, are too old or  too young, or were purchased from a breeder without first becoming familiar with the animal's need, so they are dumped, abandoned, or surrendered to a shelter.

Then there is that heartbreaking story, as the CTV reported, about those 100 sled dogs. Reportedly healthy, working dogs who lived to work and performed on command. Dogs who were devoted to their work. The very same dogs humans take pleasure in watching run or enjoy experiencing the rush of sled ride pulled by these dogs. How, and that is the million dollar question, can a human then order - and carry out - the slaughter of those very same dedicated dogs as a means to end an economical hardship? In this day of technological wonders when one simple message of "Sled dogs in need of a forever home" could send thousands of ripples across the technological world in a cry for help for these devoted dogs. And in return, receive hundreds of interested queries. Just the other day, a rescue posted a notice about a full-blooded Sibe pup that was in a shelter was going to be put down in less than 12 hours. That notice went viral and within less than one hour, there were many interested parties across the country with three people signed up to adopt him. That's all it took. A message sent by one person across the Internet.

How could this happen? That is the question that will haunt us forever. One of the accounts described one dog as escaping after it was shot in the head. It was running with its eye dangling out from the gunshot. Others had their throats slashed. While the pack members watched and knew what was coming their way and being absolutely powerless to run away or free themselves from the grisly fate that awaited them. What warranted such cruel and inhumane treatment? I do realize that not everyone is an animal lover or advocate. That to some, sled dogs are, simply put, a business expense. I do not know what issues faced the people responsible for those deaths or why they felt that slaughtering the dogs was their only way out. What I do believe is that there is always a choice. There is always help. Maybe not every dog would have been adopted out. But I am certain many good, kind-hearted people would have stepped forward to help. The rescues are so full, yet I know volunteers who keep taking in abandoned, homeless, sick, or lost dogs. If there is no room left at the shelter, people foster them. This world is a large place with many wonderful, kind-hearted, caring people in it. But one has to ask for help in order to be helped.

While there is no consolation for those poor dogs who were innocent victims, their cruel deaths should not - can not - be in vain. We all need to do something positive; to do good in the aftermath of this horrific event. We need to remember and honor those dogs who deserved so much more than what they got. The only way we can truly pay homage to them is to always remember our humanity. In the face of adversity, there is always another way. A humane way. The human way. If we lose site of that, then what is left?

I'm off to give my furbabies several thousand serious hugs.






Comments

  1. Thank you for this post. I read about this several days ago over at "The Farm House" blog. I have not been able to get it out of my mind. I want to scream and cry and punish, but not sure how. I can say to the world, "Hey, boycott Outdoor Adventures", but most of us would not be going to recreate in British Columbia anyway..
    So THANKS. Maybe just blogging and putting it out there, will make sure that this never happens again.

    Wyatt's Mom

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  2. Ghastly story - how to believe any "human" could do such a thing. It must never happen again.

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  3. That is shocking to find out. We totally agree with you. It should never happen again. It is heartbreaking that it happened at all. I'm going to go hug my dog. Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

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  4. We heard about it on one of mom's husky groups and it absolutely makes us sick! No one who truly loves and cares about animals could ever do such a horrid thing. The man who did this deserves the PTSD he has. I hope he rots for for what he did!

    May they all wear their silver harnesses with great pride.

    Holly & Khady

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  5. This was a very shocking and disgusting thing to happen for sure. I live in Alberta, and when that news hit, I was sick. I agree so much with everything you've said. Its true though, no one who truly loves dogs or animals would do such a thing, and help was just a few clicks away if they really tried.

    I went home and gave all my critters lots of extra hugs and kisses and even cried while hugging them while thinking about those poor boys and girls who wont get that chance.

    Connie aka...Crazy Lady

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  6. Hi Y'all,

    When I went on a growling rant on 2/1/11 titled Terrible Tuesday I got a comment "Doggie what you must understand is that Humans are a real evil breed..."

    We have to keep postin' and tweetin' these things.

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  7. Woof! Woof! Golden Thanks for sharing this information. Happy BLOG HOP Weekend. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  8. Thanks for visiting my blog so that I could find you and read your excellent, heartfelt comments on the sled dog case. Terrible as the story is to contemplate, it's important for us all to be aware.

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  9. It's a sad day when people think the only way to get rid of dogs they no longer want is to kill them. We had read about this story a few days ago, but still find it appalling.

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  10. Absolutely shocking, sickening and appauling!

    This must never happen again.

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  11. This story horrific and tragic. I read about these poor dogs a few days ago and I'm stll so troubled over it. you're absolutley right about help. It's always a click away. It simply requires effort, fueled by care. There's no excuse. Sadly though, we're surrounded by examples of injustice (Vick), so much so that I'm really starting to lose my faith in "humanity".

    You're right in hugging those pups close. I will do the same here.

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  12. Not a proud moment for my country. You hit it on the head though; with social media how did this happen without a cry for help? I hope it is an isolated horrific mistake NEVER to be repeated.

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