Here’s an article about it:

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publ.....world.html

I can see where this would be a serious problem in shelter work. If you become burnt out by killing animals but don’t have another occupation to use for a break, where do you go to renew your spirit? Obviously retiring to the front desk where you take out your anger on the customers is not a good plan, but have to keep working to support your family. Tough situation.

No, because I don’t think a lot of the public blames the shelter workers for the killing. Rather, I think much of the public shares the perception that the shelter workers are placed into a situation where they are left with no other choice than to kill the dogs and cats brought in because of the “negligence” of “those irresponsible pet owners”.

“That’s like opening up a drug rehab center offering services to drug addicts and then getting angry at your clients for being drug-addicted.”

Actually, I’m sure that happens. Just like my father used to get angry at us kids for the “necessity” of punishing us, and then his anger over “having” to punish us often caused him to punish us even more. It’s a weird little cycle, but it happens.

That’s an attitude that just has to change. Or - at the very least - the shelter community has to make sure that anyone who interacts with the public is not someone who has that attitude.

It would be healthier if traditional sheltering and rescue people acknowledge the flaws in their thinking and actions - and set out the change them - then it would be to gloss over them and dismiss their critics.

Or should we shelter workers all continue to strive for mediocrity?

Never say never. Every day you are able to get out of bed, go to a job that covers your expenses, and remain self sufficient is a good day. Do you recognize that one little thing could change your life forever?

Perhaps you’ll lose your job when your company moves, or maybe you’ll be replaced by someone half your age at half the price.

And if your spouse works, what happens if you both lose your jobs?

Maybe you’ll be walking home from church and you and your spouse will be hit by a drunk driver. Your spouse is killed outright and you linger in a coma for 3 months. The extensive medical expenses not covered by insurance leave you bankrupt.

Maybe you’ll go your doctor for a minor sore throat and find out you have stage 3 lymph cancer.

Perhaps your spouse will leave you after 34 years of marriage after cleaning out all the bank accounts and running up all the credit card accounts.

Maybe your long hoped for child will be born with disabilities so numerous and profound that there isn’t even a name for whats happening.

Think I’m making up a bunch of really outrageous events? Every one of these tragedies have happened to friends and relatives and neighbors of mine and my parents in the LAST 1 YEAR.

If you don’t know what its like to be faced with these types of tragedies, count yourself lucky. Instead of being judgmental try the following mantra; There but for the grace of
G-d go I.”

What people are telling you when they surrender an aminal is often the tip of the iceberg. Sure there are irresponsible bad people, but regardless your job is to help the animal. Leaving the judgment to a higher power.