Not! For my last couple of posts, I wound up getting into areas where there were differences of opinion. Of course my opinion is what really counted (hah!) but I decided to blog about something non-controversial this week.
Guess what I came up with. Not a lot!
I’m not really the kind of person who goes out looking for an argument. But most of the topics I came up with can have more than one side--even when related to lovable animals.
For one thing, I keep hearing about all the poor pets who are the unsung victims of the current economic crisis. Now, that’s something I can get weepy about--people who have to give up not only their homes because of foreclosures, but their beloved pets, too. And there aren’t enough people out there to adopt the poor abandoned babies. The controversy there? How’d we get in this situation in the first place? And what’s happening to the pets who don’t find a home?
Okay, here’s something I care about that came up over the past week that’s a terrible shame: the California wildfires. Lots of people lost their homes. I haven’t heard anyone mention much about the loss of wildlife. At least there are a lot of organizations out there extending helping hands, to both people and pets. Some places offered shelters for animals whose owners had to take refuge in evacuation facilities during the fires and others are helping to supply food to pets whose owners have lost their homes. I Googled the California wildfires and pets and came up with a lot of them. There was an excellent article on dogchannel.com, for example--and some of the organizations included Petco, PetSmart, the ASPCA, the Red Cross, the American Kennel Club and the California Federation of Dog Clubs. I applaud them all!
Okay--the fires were absolutely terrible, but the help that’s been extended as a result? No controversy there!
And another good thing? I’m well underway in my first draft of my next Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter Mystery.
So maybe this post isn’t so bad after all.
--Linda
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10 comments:
Definitely not bad, Linda! Thanks for the reminder.
I am confused though -- a lawyer who doesn't love a good argument??
I do -- not a fight, that is, but an argument can be a lot of fun!
I wouldn't say your last entry stirred up controversy. Only Monica Ferris had anything disagreeable to say. I thought you brought up an interesting story that possibly would interesting to readers. Admittedly, there are those, like Monica, who have other ideas about appreciating all animals by not hurting and killing them when there are other options - that's fine - but that doesn't make your ideas controversial, just thought-provoking. Please don't make a totally bland post just because of her. :-)
Linda,
I did an online event for the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue group. It was super--and the profit went to them to help with homeless dogs.
I'm a transactional lawyer, Camille, not a litigator--although I've been known to argue long and strong in a contract negotiation!
And, Kate, even if it causes controversy, I'm sure I'll take positions again when animals are being harmed for any reason. It's part of who I am, and also why I blog about pets on Killer Hobbies!
Joanna, that's absolutely wonderful! I'll bet Great Danes everywhere sent you their love. Dog lovers, too!
--Linda
Linda, I find it fascinating that we (as a nation) value freedom of speech, but when we disagree, we're often uncivil about it. I hope you continue to let your heart lead you when you post. Your opinions are interesting--and thought-provoking.
Linda,
I'm a lot like you. I don't thrive on controversy, but if I feel strongly about something, I will let it be known.
I hope all the fire-effected animals are safe.
Thanks, Joanna and Janie. I find that I'm becoming more opinionated as I get older. Or maybe, now that I've lost a lot of the shyness I felt as a kid, it all just comes out more easily!
And, Janie, I hope you're right about the animals. I think as time goes on we'll hear more stories about what happened to them.
--Linda
I know what you mean about getting braver about speaking your mind as you get older.
I was at the west end of the fires (Placentia) while my horses were stabled at the east end (Chino Hills). Wildlife in the Chino Hills area was definitely affected, altho the firefighters were able to knock the fire down before all the wilderness went up in smoke - I'm hoping that means that many of the animals were able to run to safety. My horse trainer and another friend took their trailers into Carbon Canyon and evacuated some of the horses. Fortunately, the stables didn't burn and the horses were returned as soon as the smoke cleared. It was a frightening weekend for man and beast.
Glad I'm not the only one, Betty.
And Gayle, thanks so much for commenting. I'm really glad that you and your horses are okay. And that the firefighters were able to respond quickly enough so that hopefully most wildlife got away, too. What a horrible thing to go through!
--Linda
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