If you really want to know something about a society, you don't need to look at the upper echelons of power, nor its media, art or economy. To truly gauge what makes a society tick, look no further than its least privileged. Those that are marginalized by society can tell us much about its worst qualities such as apathy, avarice and neglect, but also about its capacity for care and compassion.
It is at this time of year that we who are privileged enough to enjoy relative wealth and stability feel most compelled to reach out to those in need. You can be cynical about this spurt of generosity and ascribe it to an attempt to assuage our feelings of guilt for our excess. You can criticize this giving as being too much of an event rather than an ongoing effort. While there is truth in both statements, in the eyes of charitable organizations, who must always see the glass as half full, this giving is an essential part of their service to our community. It may not be perfect, but there is hope in the knowledge that our society still believes in taking care of its own.
A rung or two below human suffering are animals. Specifically those that humanity has domesticated for its personal needs. For centuries we have bred certain qualities in our pets by singling out those that best suited us and discarding those we deemed dysfunctional. Often these were the qualities that best equipped these animals to survive in the wild. As a result, many of these creatures have become increasingly dependent on humans for their basic survival.
There are exceptions of course. Some stray dogs and cats cope rather well on the streets of our cities. But how would they fare in a true wilderness, where food is scarce and the competition fierce? The instincts that remain among domestic pets are likely insufficient to ensure survival.
When we examine the state of animal treatment in our society, the picture is very ugly. Abandonment is all too common, as is abuse and neglect that often borders on the sadistic. We are a society of consumers, impatiently waiting to purchase the latest shiny new thing and tossing aside yesterday's trend when it no longer suits our need or fashion. Sadly, many people do the same with animals. Quick to acquire them when they are cute and cuddly, then ignoring, mistreating or abandoning them when they mature, requiring more commitment than their owners anticipated.
Animals raised by breeders driven by profit has led to a scourge of puppy mills rife with unsanitary, cruel and abhorrent conditions. Shelters and rescue agencies regularly see animals who are victims of random abuse and outright cruelty.
Centuries of breeding and domestication have made these pets an intrinsic part of the human community, but by no means are they treated as our equals. Their greatest disadvantage is that they are unable to express their needs in words. They also lack the power or means to adequately defend themselves against tools of human cruelty. As a result, animals often bear witness to the absolute worst of humanity. Incredibly, they also see our capacity for caring and compassion.
Our family recently adopted a cat from a local animal shelter. To be honest, it wasn't planned, but something about this particular animal connected with us. As we were happy to discover, our instincts, and perhaps his, were absolutely right.
The more profound discovery came in meeting some of the dedicated volunteers who give their time ensuring that abandoned animals find safe shelter and a new home. It was also refreshing to have the agency ask critical questions of us as prospective owners, to be certain the animal would be kept in a safe and caring environment by competent and responsible pet owners.
The sad reality is that many animals taken in by shelters face a grim future. Looking into the eyes of the many dogs and cats whose lives have become a steel cage, very little is needed to interpret their feelings.
The cause of this problem rests squarely on human society, and so too the burden of responsibility. At a time of year when the need among people is great it is easy to ignore those creatures that we have abandoned. If it is true that the least powerful among us see society for what it is, then what message are we sending?
Anyone who has ever shared their lives with a pet will attest to a profound emotional bond. Animals demonstrate a level of unconditional love and trust that can be far deeper than what we experience even among our fellow humans. It is why we often see dogs and cats used for therapy, their affection and calming presence can have a powerful healing effect. They are loyal, forgiving and want for little else than a safe home and affectionate care.
These animals deserve our respect and protection. The government must be more vigilant in dealing with profit hungry breeders, puppy mills and pet stores. Potential pet owners must be properly educated and willing to commit to ownership. We can all do our part, either through pet adoption, volunteering or simply a donation to local shelters. Even the simplest of gestures can make a difference.
For those that have become the least among us it is after all, the least we can do.
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