Bob Barker Said it!

Today my friend Suzanne and I went to a volunteer orientation at the Alexandria Animal Welfare League. Ofcourse, this organization is always looking for volunteers. The maintenance of their building is provided by the city but the total cost of staffing, medical care, food, and supplies are all bourne by private donations. They have just expanded and are now able to house 120 cats and 40 dogs (discrimination if you ask me!). They are averaging over 100 adoptions a month and they still have to euthanize animals on occassion due to overcrowding. In short, they are very busy and in desperate need of donations and volunteers (not just to "muck out the stalls").

It is amazing how many animals come in off the streets showing signs of pure neglect and never being loved in any way. With in two weeks they are wagging thier tails and loving life. Life in a 4' x6' cement cage! But they have a clean blanket a nutritious meal every day and lots of love from the staff and volunteers. A much better life than on the streets or tied to a tree in someone's back yard.

Tonight we met Red Dog - an Auburn colored Lab mix with big floppy ears and speckled white paws. He was transferred from a high kill shelter in rural WV and arrived scared to death and unsocial. He has the most beautifl face and very expressive eyes. One week after arriving at AAWL he is wagging his tail and demanding attention. I think Red Dog was channeling Sasha as I saw her in his eyes. He was gentle like she was and the body never stopped wagging-It was surreal. Animals really do enrich our lives in so many ways! Let's return the favor by allowing each animal to be loved fully. As Bob Barker said "Spay and Nueter"!

OK........Lecture over!